NBA 2K17 Review: Your Career Awaits
Game Reviewed: NBA 2K17
Release Date: September 20th, 2016
Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K Sports
Platform: [Reviewed: PlayStation 4], Xbox One
Genre: Sports
Rated: E For Everyone
There’s something in the air that allows NBA 2K17 to carry such a fragrance, placing it in a league of its own. Typically most sports titles are limited to what they can bring to the table year over year, but not 2K Sports. The old saying “go big or go home” is what 2K Sports live by and doesn’t seem to change anytime soon.
NBA 2K17 technically began with The Prologue which set the tone for what was to come in MyCareer. We’ll go in-depth with the overhaul found in the career mode but let’s start with on the court action.
2K went with a more simplistic interface this year when choosing how you’d prefer to play. Outside of exhibition games you can play NBA Today which allows you to write your ending from every game scheduled real-life the same day, PlayNow online takes you into a quick game online pvp, Online All-Star Team Up is a quick NBA All-Star game, 2K University (tutorial) and a play with friends option. Lastly there’s a Blacktop option that gets you outside in the cool breeze to deliver the heat.
There’s honestly not much of a need to discuss graphics as NBA 2K17 have astonished gamers since day one. However this year opened the door to new mechanics, animations and celebrations (including custom celebrations in MyCareer/MyPark). And with no competition this year, NBA 2K17 genuinely managed to raise the bar within themselves, though you can still find plenty of opportunities left on the table.
While I’m excited to see a more less difficult A.I. with defense this year there’s no way to look over the easy steals and bump steals that make the mechanics feel more arcade-ish than ever. Just as disappointing are the amount of fouls
you can pick up this year when posting up. While considering holding the left bumper causes your player to be more aggressive; in the paint and when blocking this year feels nearly impossible.
NBA 2K17 introduces over 400 hours of new commentary from Kevin Harlan and the team, including the new face David Aldridge and voice work from NBA legend Chris Webber. Respectfully Chris Webber needs to be removed in the next update! I’m sorry but I thought I was playing golf as he truly seemed uninterested and disconnected from the game.
MYCAREER
After completing “The Prologue” in MyCareer it’s June 23rd, draft day and it’s time to find out where you land based on your collegiate performance. As you transition you’ll create fans, plenty of press hype and people that simply aren’t too happy to see you, believing they have plenty of potential themselves. Specifically 2nd round draft pick Justice Young played by real life actor Michael B. Jordan. But it’s all about how you work together and your chemistry that will make all the difference.
This is by far the first year in MyCareer that I felt more involved and invested from what to plan for the day, who to spend it with and how to play each game. There’s truly more of a grind in earning upgrades this year, however it’s much easier earning VC coins from games and endorsements.
The story around Prez is more upbeat and manages you keep your attention much more than 2K16’s “Livin the Dream.” On the other hand it was interesting running into Freq and Jackson Ellis, watching the character careers evolve over time.
My GM, MyPark and PRO-AM makes a return as well, though more of the same from 2K16.
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