New year, new NBA. Experience shows that players of the well-known sports game series are not bombarded with groundbreaking innovations. There will be no big surprises this year either.
NBA 2K25 probably has to be viewed from different perspectives. Depending on where you stand, the way you look at it changes. Anyone who has always been dissatisfied with digital monetization should steer clear of 2K’s latest basketball sim. The publisher is taking the in-game advertising for cards and updates initiated by EA to the extreme; this is also the case with NBA 2k25. Although it is possible to be successful without spending any more, we are constantly reminded that we can still spend a few francs.
Anyone who dares to go onto the basketball court despite this criticism will be rewarded with even prettier graphics. Visual Concepts is once again focusing on realistic and detailed player animations. The facial models of the stars and, not least, their movements have been improved again. Thanks to the new ProPlay animations, movements such as jump shots or dribbling by the real players have been incorporated into the game almost exactly. The harmonious overall picture is garnished with the usual first-class stadium atmosphere on the TV at home.
But what good is the best graphics if the players run from basket to basket like lizards? Fortunately, the gameplay this year is even more realistic than before, thanks in part to the ProPlay implementation mentioned above. Dribbling has also been revised and creates a perceived greater level of control over your own players. This makes it even easier to shoot baskets or defend skillfully. Also new are the players’ signature moves, which give your own game an additional tactical touch.
The heart of the game is still the MyPlayer mode. Here you can create your own NBA superstar as you please. Fans of the mode will be pleased: Thanks to Cap Breaker, the characteristics can be increased beyond the limit. For example, if you have reached the maximum for a three-pointer, you can increase this value even further through special challenges – a welcome addition.
NBA 2K25 offers a wide range of game modes. The popular MyNBA mode and Mamba Moments in particular are excellently implemented. Here, basketball fans can delve deep into the history of the sport and replay some of the NBA’s greatest moments. The career mode, on the other hand, turns out to be a double-edged sword. Although fundamentally successful, progress is difficult to achieve without microtransactions. Keyword monetization. Unfortunately, NBA fans also notice this in the otherwise successful multiplayer mode.
As already written in the introduction, NBA 2K25 is not recommended for everyone without reservation. Players who are bothered by (temporarily forced) microtransactions will avoid it, as with most 2K sports titles. On the other hand, if you are looking for a great basketball sim that is also great to play this year, it is hard to avoid this update. The signature moves are a welcome change and the gameplay has been further refined. Due to the lack of competition and the wide variety of modes as well as the first-class playability, at the end of the day it remains a really successful sports game that is unfortunately marred by frequent in-game transactions.
NBA 2K25 is available for Xbox One and Series X|S, PS4 and PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC. We took a look at the game on the Xbox Series X. The test sample comes from 2K Gamesfor which we would like to thank you very much!
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New Year, New NBA: NBA 2K25 Review
The NBA 2K series has long been a staple in the world of sports gaming, with each new iteration promising to bring fans closer to the action on the court. But as we’ve come to expect, the latest installment, NBA 2K25, isn’t exactly bursting with groundbreaking innovations. Still, there’s plenty to love about this year’s game, and we’re here to break it down for you.
A Different Perspective
NBA 2K25 is a game that requires a nuanced approach. On one hand, fans of the series may be dismayed by the continued emphasis on digital monetization. The in-game advertising for cards and updates can be overwhelming, and it’s hard not to feel like the publisher is pushing players to spend more and more money. On the other hand, it is possible to be successful without spending a small fortune, and the gameplay is more realistic than ever before.
Visual Fidelity
One area where NBA 2K25 truly shines is in its graphics. Visual Concepts has once again delivered stunning player animations, with facial models and movements that are almost indistinguishable from their real-life counterparts. The ProPlay animations, in particular, are a highlight, capturing the essence of jump shots, dribbling, and other player movements with uncanny accuracy. The overall picture is rounded out by a top-notch stadium atmosphere that truly transports players to the world of professional basketball.
Gameplay Realism
But what good are pretty graphics if the gameplay doesn’t deliver? Fortunately, NBA 2K25’s gameplay is more realistic than ever, thanks in large part to the ProPlay implementation. The combination of solid fundamentals and a willingness to adapt has helped this year’s iteration feel more authentic than its predecessors.
Conclusion
NBA 2K25 may not be a game-changer, but it’s still a must-play for fans of the series and sports gaming in general. While the monetization model can be frustrating, the core gameplay is more realistic and engaging than ever. With its stunning graphics and improved gameplay, NBA 2K25 is a great choice for anyone looking to experience the thrill of professional basketball from the comfort of their own home.
Rating: 8/10
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