The latest NBA2K game is finally here – and it’s looking spectacular.
Here are five facts about why NBA2K19 is the best entry yet – managing to cater to both basketball purists and casual sports fans.
MyCareer
This year MyCareer takes you from undrafted college player, plying your trade in the Chinese Basketball Association, to the NBA.
One of the main differences from previous years is that you can skip cutscenes – something fans have been asking to be included for some time .
MyCareer is the nearest thing to becoming a professional basketball player without joining the NBA.
You’ll find yourself engrossed in the emotion and passion of being a star in the NBA, with fan events, endorsements and signature shoe deals.
Player Likeness
When it comes to player likeness is top quality, 2K does not mess around. In fact, EA could learn a few things here.
Each athlete has countless consultations regarding how they’re represented in the game.
Ronnie 2K (2K’s main man when it comes to NBA) often has to DM players on social media to send photos of their latest tattoos to ensure the development team can get it right when it comes to the release.
When it comes to ratings, no player is ever truly happy unless they’re rated 99.
Even cover athlete Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t best pleased with his 90 score, saying at the cover reveal: “When I came into the league I was rated ‘60’ and when last season ended I was a ‘94’.”
There is a firm belief that players use there 2K rating as motivation to succeed and further improve.
One of the most famous examples of this is Hassan Whiteside (Miami Heat) after a breakout performance and triple-double, stating in his end of game interview: “I’m Just Trying To Get My 2K Rating Up”.
The Neighbourhood
When NBA2K18 was released, it saw the inclusion of a ‘Free-Roam’ aspect of the game called ‘The Neighbourhood’.
The 2K18 edition saw the addition of an NBA store, footlocker and team training facilities.
In 2K19 ‘The Neighbourhood’ has been drastically updated.
Now the MyPark and Courts are slap bang in the middle, making them easily accessible.
The whole thing feels more crisp and sleek feel, with fun mini-games such as trampoline basketball dotted around.
Global location-based activities add more of a community feel, while customisation of your MyPlayer has been tweaked so you are no longer charged for haircuts.
MyTeam (Getting Bigger & Bigger)
This year, players receive ‘Heat Check’ Cards. The cool thing about this is that should you have this card and a player has a stand-out game in the NBA, his ratings will be increased significantly for a 48-hour period.
This will significantly change how line-ups are built for players – much like FIFA Ultimate Team’s In-form cards.
Also, this year your own MyPlayer will have his own MyTeam card.
Esports
2K has launched a MyTeam Unlimited $250,000 Tournament.
This again reinforces the relationship between 2K and the NBA, adding cool ventures and opportunities for die-hard NBA2K players.
NBA2K19 is out now on Xbox One, PC and PS4.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIxzmr9sid4