NBA 2K25 review

September 10, 2024

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NBA 2K25 is the newest game in the popular basketball video game series created by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports. This franchise has been a staple in sports gaming since its debut in 1999, consistently pushing the boundaries of realism and gameplay. NBA 2K25 features a wealth of content for both single and multiplayer experiences.

The game combines classic basketball simulation with fun RPG features, letting you create and grow your own player in a lively environment. With modes like MyCareer and MyTeam, you can really get into the action, improving your skills and putting together your ideal team.

This year, the developers have focused on enhancing player movement and shooting mechanics, making the gameplay feel more fluid and responsive. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, NBA 2K25 promises to deliver an engaging basketball experience that keeps you coming back for more. Join me as we get ready to hit the court and see what NBA 2K25 has to offer!

NBA 2K25 details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4 and PC
Developer(s): Visual Concepts
Publisher(s): 2K Games
Genre: Sports
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

A fresh take on gameplay mechanics

NBA 2K25 has a gameplay experience that feels fresh and exciting. The controls are responsive, making it easy for you to navigate the court. Player movement has been improved, allowing for smoother transitions and more realistic actions. I instantly noticed that players feel more agile and responsive compared to NBA 2K24. This makes pulling off complex moves and strategies during games much easier.

Shooting mechanics in this year’s game have also seen significant upgrades. NBA 2K25 introduces a variety of shot timing profiles, giving you more options to find what works best for your play style. You can choose from different shooting styles, which makes gameplay more interesting. The new Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting allows you to feel more in control of your shots. However, mastering it can be challenging, but it’s rewarding once you get the hang of it.

Visual Concepts did a great job of balancing realism with fun in NBA 2K25. While the game aims for a realistic basketball experience, it still keeps the excitement of arcade-style gameplay. The animations are smooth, and the game flows really well. NBA 2K25 makes you think strategically, but it also lets you enjoy some fun, unexpected moments.

Overall, Visual Concepts did a great job enhancing the gameplay in NBA 2K25 with its refined mechanics. The improvements in controls, player movement, and shooting make it one of the best in recent memory.

MyCareer and MyTeam: The heart of NBA 2K25

NBA 2K25 offers a variety of game modes that cater to different play styles. One of the most popular modes and my favourite is MyCareer. In this mode, you create a player and guide them through their basketball journey. The RPG elements in MyCareer are quite deep, allowing you to customize your character and make choices that affect your story. This level of detail rivals some traditional RPGs, making it an engaging experience.

Unfortunately, I noticed that the NBA story mode provides a more complete experience compared to the WNBA version of MyCareer. This is clear in the better production quality and more engaging storytelling. The WNBA version seems less polished and doesn’t have the same level of detail or depth in its story. Very disappointing, to say the least.

Another major mode in NBA 2K25 is MyTeam, where you build your dream basketball team. You collect player cards and compete against others. This mode is fun and offers a lot of depth and this year there are significant upgrades. These significant upgrades include the return of the auction house and the new Triple Threat Park feature, which adds more ways to play and compete. There are also various mini-games and challenges that provide additional rewards.

Modes like MyNBA Eras let you experience different basketball eras, adding variety to your gameplay. In this mode, you can choose from iconic periods in NBA history, such as the Bird and Magic era, the Jordan era, and the modern era, each with its own unique graphics and presentation style. This allows you to feel the differences in gameplay and strategies that defined each era.

Visuals that bring the court to life

As with previous games in the series, NBA 2K25 looks incredible, resembling a real NBA broadcast. The character models look realistic, capturing the likeness of NBA players perfectly. The little things, like beads of sweat and facial expressions, really add to the feeling of being in the game. The animations are smooth, making every dunk, dribble, and pass feel lifelike.

The commentary brings energy and helpful information to the game, keeping you engaged with their dynamic discussions. The crowd is full of energy and reacts to the action on the court in a believable and natural way. During halftime, you can watch entertaining shows that mimic real NBA broadcasts, adding to the overall experience.

The audio design also plays a crucial role in making NBA 2K25 feel authentic. The sound effects, like the swish of the net or the thud of a basketball, are crisp and clear. Background music sets the mood, making each game feel like an event.

NBA 2K25 is a solid basketball game that caters to both casual players and hardcore fans

NBA 2K25 delivers an exciting basketball experience filled with plenty of content and features. The game stands out with its amazing graphics and lifelike player animations. You’ll truly feel like you’re in a real NBA game, thanks to the immersive sound and impressive presentation. The commentary and crowd interactions add excitement, making each game feel alive. The RPG elements in modes like MyCareer and MyTeam provide depth and customization. You can create your player and build a fantasy team, which keeps the gameplay fresh.

However, the game does have its downsides. The reliance on microtransactions can be frustrating, especially if you want to enjoy the game fully. It often feels like you need to spend extra money to get the best experience. Another notable issue is the treatment of the WNBA content. While the game includes a WNBA mode, it hasn’t received the same level of attention and development as the NBA features. The male character storylines and gameplay mechanics are more fleshed out, leaving the WNBA experience feeling somewhat underwhelming in comparison.

Overall, NBA 2K25 is a solid basketball game that caters to both casual players and hardcore fans. If you love basketball and enjoy deep gameplay, this title is worth your time. Whether you’re shooting hoops alone or with friends, there’s plenty to explore in this game.

Pros	Cons
Impressive variety of game modes, including MyCareer, MyTeam, and MyNBA Eras	WNBA content feels underdeveloped compared to the NBA features
Advanced mechanics for ball handling and shooting	Microtransactions influence gameplay in modes like MyCareer and MyTeam
Realistic player models and detailed animations
Top-notch presentation featuring lively arenas, halftime shows, and engaging crowd interactions