NBA 2K16 Hands-On Impressions: Who’s Winning?

Weeks away from NBA 2K16, and I have to say now that it’s going to be quite the scorcher. Pretty sure I wasn’t needed to confirm that, but for the first time ever you start from the ground up in your MyCareer; high school!

I’m here to give you my impressions for NBA 2K16 which was amazing. It was only a quarter long as the Warriors took on the Cavaliers, but I took 2K16 for a couple of spins and here are some of the highlights.

Presentation was much of the same as NBA 2K15 in terms to camera angles and re-game details. If you recall playing NBA 2K15 pre-install of the Spurs and Heat, you kind have a better understanding.  Graphics however were spot on! Players are looking a bit closer to their likeness thanks to lighting and certain tweaks, enhancing overall visuals from the court to the sideline.

There are plenty of new animations and mechanics as I remind everyone I played through a few times and literally saw a handful of new animations between games.  What specifically? New shot variations for one, NBA Live had this on lock last year, but someone took some great notes and implemented it this year in 2K16. You’ll also see new player interactions and of course players twirling their mouth guards. If I said it before, I’ll say it again. The only way to improve the game is by fine tuning and delivering more authenticity. To admit, NBA Live’s ball control still has the plus one.

NBA 2K16, though repeating a single quarter, felt rich in quality. It’s hard to explain but the second you are playing it feels like a new experience rather than NBA 2K15 2.0. The A.I. plays smarter and harder this year. If you can recall the CPU used to cut through the paint because your team focused on his 1v1 coverage rather than a player closing up to the rim; those days are over. In 2K16, players are better contested rather than managing every layup and dunk possible.

Some will be possible however, especially after managing to still perform a “zig-zag” past the opponent. It does require you being more strategic like calling for a pick and roll at the right time. Again, stepping up their level of greatness in NBA 2K16.

There weren’t as many terrible things that I’ve notice, and I truly found myself looking. I did notice the transition game was much better in reference to 2K15’s input lag, which was personally my biggest let down next to servers.

NBA will be hitting stores on the 25^th for preorder customers and the 29^th for the late comers. What will your story be? Any questions unanswered, ask away!