Another year, another NBA 2K title. The hype train rolls into town annually, promising us the most realistic and immersive basketball experience to date. NBA 2K25 has a lot to live up to, especially with the ever-increasing expectations of its dedicated fanbase. So, does it deliver a championship-winning performance, or does it fumble the ball? Let’s take a closer look.
Having played a lot of NBA 2K23 and NBA 2K24 the hopes here are pretty straight forward, improvements on the already stellar gameplay. But removing some of the obstacles that make the MyPlayer mode a grind.
Note: This is actually a sister piece to another that I’m writing for our friends over at fullsync.co.uk around the story mode and how it’s changed over the past few iterations of the NBA 2K.
Gameplay
The core gameplay is where 2K traditionally shines, and this year is no different. The on-court action feels fluid and responsive. Player movement is more realistic than ever, with nuanced animations that capture the unique styles of NBA stars.
Dribbling feels tighter, allowing for more creative ball handling, and the shooting mechanics have been refined, making it more rewarding to nail those crucial jump shots.
The AI has also seen some improvements, offering a more challenging and dynamic experience, although occasional quirks still pop up (stop standing in my way and forcing a turnover!!).
However, it’s not all perfect. Sometimes, the game can feel a little too scripted, with certain animations triggering predictably. And while the physicality is generally well-represented, some collisions can look a bit clunky. I got done for a personal foul, just dribbling and minding my own business! Not ideal as an aspiring starter.
MyCareer
MyCareer remains the flagship mode for many players, and this year’s offering brings a new storyline and a host of customisation options. Creating your player and guiding them through their NBA journey is as addictive as ever.
The narrative, while not groundbreaking, is engaging enough to keep you invested, and the cutscenes are well-produced. The progression system has been tweaked, allowing for more granular control over your player’s development.
However, the familiar grind is still present. Building your player into a superstar requires a significant time investment, and the reliance on in-game currency can feel a bit heavy-handed at times.
Being challenged to take the starting spot of a 91-ranked player when you start at 60 is crazy. Moreso when the only way to increase that, relies on an in-game currency that you earn from playing in small chunks. Or of course…..you can buy it. You’re on the back-foot against pro teams for such a long time, it’s painful.
The neighbourhood is back, of course, a hub for online competition and customisation, and it’s as vibrant and chaotic as ever. A beach, pirate ship and go-karting this year. It’s fun, and seemingly more stable than the last couple of years. NBA 2K25 has the best neighbourhood to date I think.
MyTeam
MyTeam, the card-collecting and team-building mode, is a double-edged sword. The sheer volume of cards and challenges can be overwhelming, but it’s undeniably addictive for those who enjoy the strategic element of constructing their dream team.
The introduction of new card types and challenges keeps things fresh, but the ever-present microtransactions continue to loom large. This isn’t a massive mode for us here, but it’s fun to dabble, and who doesn’t like opening packs of cards? It’s essentially the FIFA Ultimate team, but for basketball.
While it’s possible to build a competitive team without spending real money, it requires a lot of grinding. For some, this is part of the fun. For others, it’s a frustrating barrier. Personally, I like trying players rated much higher than my custom player, because the ease of use for shooting, dribbling etc is noticeable different. It’s a nice break.
Presentation: Looking Good
NBA 2K25 is a visually impressive game. The player models are incredibly detailed, and the arenas are faithfully recreated. The lighting and visual effects add to the atmosphere, making each game feel like a genuine NBA broadcast. The camera angles for replays and “assist of the game” etc, are really nicely implemented.
The whole thing presents itself as well as a game live on TV. Very sharp stuff.
The commentary is generally solid, although repetitive lines do creep in after a while. The pre-game and half-time shows add to the authenticity, and the overall presentation package is polished and professional.
Other modes
There’s a whole WNBA area where you can take on challenges and a career, too. Plus there’s the franchise management mode, which seems to have been buried away this year.
With so much grind in just the career play, it’s been tough to invest any real time into these. However, having so much content to go at is a great thing.
Practice modes, exhibitions and online play are all present, too. The switch-up from playing as a solo player in a team, to playing as the entire team is jarring and I really need to improve in that regard. Learning how best to control an entire team for a match is going to be key to online being fun and not just getting wrecked all the time.
NBA 2K25 Overall
NBA 2K25 is a solid entry in the series. The on-court gameplay is excellent, and the MyCareer mode offers plenty of content.
The visual presentation is top-notch, and the overall package is polished and refined.
However, it doesn’t quite reinvent the wheel. The familiar grind is still present, and the reliance on microtransactions in MyTeam remains a point of contention.
While it’s a must-buy for hardcore basketball fans, those who are feeling franchise fatigue might find it a case of “more of the same”.
It’s a good game, but not a great one. A definite improvement, but not the leap forward some were hoping for. Still, you can get it cheap now, there’s a lot to go at and the gameplay itself is unrivalled. NBA 2K25 gets our “Recommended” score.
