NBA 2K19 Review: It’s Lit Once Again

The release of NBA 2K19 is like a holiday of its own as everyone begin to count down, prepare for VC purchases and face scans. Yes, people will take time to have the cleanest look for 2K before considering it for a date. But 2K and Visual Concepts gives us a reason to never doubt the process year over year, proof is in the pudding.

Just a side note, being from Houston and the first track to play was Wanna Be a Baller, there was an intermission before touching the controller again. Travis Scott, thank you for that. Now on the review.

ARE YOU READY

To kick off NBA 2K19 you’re presented with online/offline Play Now modes that allows you runs quick exhibitions. There’s also an NBA Today mode that is always entertaining as you determine the final outcome of NBA games based on the real-life calendar for individual teams. Personally, I enjoy this more as its 100% realism through line-ups, injuries and the rosters are consistent with real-life NBA action.

Then there’s Blacktop where you can play anywhere from One vs One to Five vs Five. Though this mode is here we know the majority of this style of gameplay will only be played in the Neighborhood. Speaking of the Neighborhood let’s get into MyCareer.

MyCareer: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Your Career

From Shanghai to Los Angeles the Prelude was a unique twist in comparison previous demo’s, kicking off your career as a High School student on his way to college with dreams of being in the NBA. This year started in another country in the G-League. After a few games, you graciously earn a spot on a team back in the United States, just not with the team you hoped for.

It begins with the Lakers, the South Bay Lakers in the G-League with coach Stackhouse. However, it’s the start of what can be a fantastic run, only to find out you’re starting from the bottom, bottom of the G-League. Just as you start, more brick walls pile on as you’re moved all the way to Fort Wayne, joining the Indiana Mad Ants. But little do you know your career starting from the bottom beings the most humblest road ahead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIxzmr9sid4

Without question 2K19’s unique story earns our respect for taking the game into a new direction, both on and off the court. You have more of a mentor as well as a team rival, setting a more realistic tone to what players find themselves going through year over year. You deal with love and the loyalty of those around, and this year couldn’t have done it any better, utilizing a strong cast of celebrity names to help drive the story and the deliver a true sense of realism.

There’s one downside that to stress here however’ for whatever reason the majority of the Prelude is experienced in Hall of Fame. And even your actual season is at a higher difficulty. While to some this may be a cake walk, specifically those who play of HOF day to day,  newcomers or casual players might get turned off by this as it’s not as balanced for gamers on both sides of the spectrum.

Your Neighborhood

The Neighborhood itself is more accessible this year with even more ways to play. There’s no need to walk down substation or make three long rights to get to your destination. Instead the Park is smack dab in the center of the Neighborhood with entry points all over.

Shops are just as convenient this year with the biggest feature allowing you to try on clothes, shoes and more inside stores while shopping. You’re also able to change your outfits this year without going back to your suite.

Leveling up in 2K19 can earn you new ways to get around from skateboards to a BMX and more. 99 this year will award select players NBA 2K 2020, custom shoes and a special legend badge.

Who’s Team is this?

NBA 2K19 returns with the popular MyTEAM mode letting players create their own team based on basketball cards unlocked  from the past and the best of today. Think that’s something? How about having the chance of winning $250K in a MyTeam Invitational tournament.

Then there’s MyLEAGUE to let you create your legacy as a GM or with your own NBA League (solo or online with friends) as you personalize your road to the NBA Finals.

Looking Good, But!

There’s not much need to discuss graphics as 2K has created the best looking NBA series ever, and over time stretched its level of realism even further. NBA 2K19 is best played in 4K to truly visualize what the franchise is made of. From Ernie and the pre-game show, to David Aldridge, the players and animation NBA 2K19 is eye-candy.

The biggest setback has made a return as well, ridiculously high microtransactions. I don’t see a problem with leaving something that’s there and successful, but 2K has to consider the prices for a lot of the expectations. 200K VC for 85 overall, 60K VC for a skateboard; not to mention the amount of VC you need to spend to have a decent experience in MyTEAM. Oh and 100K for a bike. Stop it 2K, please.