PS4/XBOX ONE
THERE are too many sports games which try but fail to replicate what happens in making a mega-money industry as successful as it is.
Whether it’s the presentation of the game, the crowd interaction or the gameplay to recreate what goes on in real life, very few get it as right as NBA 2K18 have done.
The best thing about 2K18 is the attention to detail and the hard work that has been put in to create a simulation of not only the game of basketball, but the way of life for those involved in the NBA.
Take the career mode, for example.
After creating your very own mini-me (or virtual stranger) to be the focal point of the career mode, you are asked to prove yourself at the beginning of what is a very in-depth part of the game.
You can make your mini-me a superstar at any team you want.
With the addition of the “neighbourhood”, you have a new dynamic which allows you to get a shave at a local barbershop, go to the gym for a workout or even get a tattoo to show off at the next home game.
It all happens during your downtime while playing and training for your franchise team.
The gameplay on the court is trumped only by the crowd noise and effects.
Whether it’s a ref call, team chatter, a buzzer, or just the hyped crowd at a free throw or when a team is chasing the game with 30-odd seconds to go, it’s electric.
On court, the game plays at a frenetic pace.
Players are treated to individual skills and moves from just about every NBA franchise player – and boy do they feel different. Give the ball to LeBron James and he blasts his way through the opposition with no one able to stop him.
It’s the same with Blake Griffin who, as one of the best power forwards in the NBA, is depicted brilliantly. Some of his dunks are unreal – real showstoppers.
The game is presented as closely as you’ll get to watching an NBA game on ESPN and the half-time show featuring Shaquille O’Neill is brilliant with his insights into how the game at hand is going being particularly good.
One other point on presentation is the commentary.
In all the hours I’ve played the game – which so far is a lot – I have yet to hear a repeated phrase or nugget of knowledge regarding the team I am playing for or against.
This is one of the best things about the game and should be a wake-up call to other sports sims whose commentary is limited to say the least. Other modes include MyGM and MyTeam.
These are excellent, as always, and the running story throughout the season of MyGM is funny, too.
It gives you cause to want to finish the season as quickly as possible and get to the Draft to see who you can pick up to move your franchise up the standings.
NBA 2K18 is one of the best sports sims out there and may be the best basketball game I’ve ever played.
The attention to detail without making it to stuffy is great and the improved shooting helps a lot with scoring as well as learning to score.