REVIEW : NBA 2K18 (PS4/ PS4 Pro)
There are so many annual sports games coming out each year that you never know what each iteration may bring. Some games have massive changes which are being implemented after years of work and others just tweak the template and refine the gameplay. NBA 2K 18 is on another level, it is the best sports game to come out this year. Period.
Building from previous years strong base the developers have made good strides in replicating the sports of Basketball into a video game and what a joy is to play it.
The TV presentation and presentation of the game are so similar that you can easily fool anyone that a real match is going on.
Take any normal player and any big-name superstar of basketball and play using them, you will immediately notice huge difference and the credit for that should be given to NBA 2K 18. The difference in skill level is immediately noticeable. No two players are same, be it height, ball control or dribbling skills, the differences in each player show cased in this game is eye opening. Making the best out of your player and creating a strategy is best option unless you want to be demolished on the court.
The gameplay is more free flowing by a huge difference compared to last year’s iteration. There are no animation hints of players movement you have to be prepared for all outcomes. You actually have to play basketball and predict and strategies your moves and your opponent’s move.
The shot meter and feedback system have been refined which help a lot with the smooth gameplay. Each and every motion is processed of a shot which results in more realistic gameplay.
Your shot is instantly evaluated too to let you know where you went wrong so that you can improve your game. Small and Subtle improvements make NBA 2K 18 gameplay so satisfying.
The game simulates basketball so well that it will have you hooked for months if not year. Plenty of modes with variety of options to explore, this game is filled to the brim with content. The game is so deep with variety of options but career mode takes the cake.
Visual concepts has taken the career mode idea of taking your player from zero to hero and implemented it so well that each minute you spend in career mode is so satisfying. The presentation is spot less, so similar to TV presentation that it is mind boggling. Pre and post-match segments add to the drama.
The commentary, the visuals and the overall presentation set the benchmark for other sports games for years to come.
The Neighborhood is a hub area where you can control every aspect of everything in the game. You can play mini games or just train in the hub area.
There is so much focus on monetization here from the developer, you have to buy a Gatorade from your virtual currency. The implementation and push towards virtual currency to make profit is a industry trend but the push is real strong with this game. You can easily choose to ignore it but it is right in your face.
With the negative out of the way, this is the best sports sim and people who just like to sport and not so much into games will also love it, the game is just that good. If you are looking for something on the line of NBA Jam, you will be left wanting.
