NBA 2K15 Review: What Happened?
Game Reviewed: NBA 2K15
Release Date: October 7th, 2014
Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K Games
Platform: [Reviewed: PlayStation 4], Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Genre: Sports
Rated: E for Everyone
NBA Season is upon us and 2K is wasting no time bringing the #1 Rated NBA Videogame to consoles. The 2K Team and Visual Concepts has gone so far uphill you have to wonder if the game can even create a next level.
As your game install you have the opportunity of playing the Championship game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat with rosters already updated; sorry Miami fans, Lebron has already packed for Clevland. No commentators are discussing gameplay quite yet; instead you get a glimpse of Pharell’s new 2K soundtrack as the executive producer.
In hopes you’ve managed to pull that win off, you’re then redirected to the MyPlayer mode where have the opportunity to create your player and scan your face into the game. Let me just say that the technology here is astonishing.
It’s a bit dull sitting there waiting for the scan to process, and I can tell you now it takes more than a few tries, but you get to watch the tech go to work and do what we always hoped for. Make sure that the camera is 6 to 12 inches away from your face, not your entire head (which my issue the first few times).
MyCareer has been revamped this year, opening more options and a more in-depth story for your player to develop themselves. It opens with you watching the NBA Draft rather than being there getting chosen. You have to earn your spot through a second chance opportunity on the NBA Roster through a 10-day contract.
During games your coach can interact with you and speak to your level of gameplay on the court, genuine to each performance. Be sure to pay attention as ignoring your coaches expectations can get you benched or even traded by the GM. It’s taking the rookie and MyCareer to the next level.
Outside of games, you’re able to message others via social media; sponsors, teammates and NBA players. My Park is back as well allowing you to play against others all over the globe via online. The connection has proven to be only a bit more stable than 2K14 as I was never able to connect to a single game, instead just walk up the a crew waiting to play at different courts.
To be the man you have to become the man! So in NBA 2K15 don’t expect to just buy a ton of virtual currency and create a 99% player. You’re level capped and have to earn the right to unlock attributes throughout the NBA Season.
As for what else comes your way in the MyCareer Mode, we’ll leave it spoiler free.
Let’s talk actual gameplay. NBA 2K15 looks even more stunning than its predecessor. New camera angles were added bring you closer to the action, a ton of new
animations, mechanics, and crowd / player models.
On offense you have to play much smarter than in 2K14 or you won’t dominate the paint. As the A.I. has been improved, there are not as many drives or quick dunks; good luck with all that!
The good news ends there however, as 2K15 felt to have made a few step backwards. Pretty sure many NBA 2K fans will complain about the responsiveness when controlling your player. There’s some type of input lag to where my player would either not move at all, or simply move way too late. At first, I thought this was maybe something that Visual Concepts added, but after a trying to adapt and receiving NO response at times lessened my execution, mostly on defense.
2K15 also seemed to present more glitches than 2K14. Why? How? Players were running into and through each other, goal posts and gliding across the floor. What went wrong within a year’s time?
Then there’s the new pre-game show with Ernie Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal. I’ve heard unique line most times, but it didn’t stand out as a big change for the 2K series. In fact, it was quite annoying by the 2nd to 3rd pre-game show.
MyGM has returned this year along with, MyLeague and MyTeam. The modes biggest improvement is the exclusion of VC for purchasing additional perks, etc. There’s also the new 2KTV that discusses NBA 2k15, pro tips and exclusive interviews. It’s something new that could show potential over time.
But there’s an issue that has plagued NBA 2K for YEARS! Online servers are apparently 2K’s afterthought. So many online modes are offered, including the MyPark, online leagues, etc , to say no mode can be consistently be played. And it’s not just an issue this year. Upon reviewing NBA 2K14 I underwent this same issues.
While NBA 2K15 looks beautiful, a few flaws are instantly recognized the moment you grab the controller and begin playing. The input lag and the online conflict sare two huge areas of opportunities, requiring some sort of patch or overhaul come 2K16. A great game somehow just went backwards.
Gameplay: 3.75/5
Visuals: 4.5/5
Controls: 3/5
Audio: 4.5/5
Replayability: 4.25/5
Overall Rating: 3.75/5
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