Courtesy of 2K Sports via Operation Sports
As hoops season approaches, 2K Sports returns with their annual installment of the top-selling basketball video game franchise with “NBA 2K17.”
This year’s installment not only outclasses its predecessors in just about every fashion, but 2K17 blows every sports game I’ve ever played out of the water and unquestionably earns the title of “best sports video game of all-time.”
“NBA 2K17” is a masterpiece and the new benchmark of what a sports video game should be.
First off, the gameplay is absurdly realistic. Players battle for loose balls in ways that haven’t been achieved in a video game before. The new “layup meter” is a surprisingly great addition, as contested layups are no longer “predetermined,” and it actually takes player skill to score inside.
The player has access to a plethora of playbooks and half-court sets that not only gives one more option to run an offense, but legitimately increases the player’s basketball IQ. I work for a basketball team, and I can run plays in “NBA 2K17” that we run in our own sets. It feels like real basketball. While similar plays were available before, this is the first year where it really feels like the player movements are fluid and realistic enough to actually be able to run successfully. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a team execute their play to perfection, leaving a shooter wide open.
One gripe for more players may be that time-out menus are more complicated and harder to navigate than before. It’s a minor issue but can be frustrating when one is trying to make multiple adjustments in a short period of time.
“NBA 2K17” also is jam-packed with content. The game features all 30 NBA teams, 21 European teams, numerous historical teams, as well as the United States and Australian National Teams.
In MyLeague mode, players can customize every aspect of what they want their NBA to look like. Players can add up to six expansion teams, as well as customize every aspect of their team, from name to uniforms. It is impossible not to smile while watching the expansion Cincinnati Harambes take on the Golden State Warriors.
MyCareer mode features a cool story mode, with fantastic acting from Michael B. Jordan. Players have to manage their schedules, from endorsement appearances to practice, to even texting Team USA Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski a bunch of emojis. Players can import their face into the game via the mobile app, as well as customize their wingspan, shoulder width and body length. 2K17 puts the player in control. It is a complete role-playing game built into an already terrific basketball game. However, one gripe is that players only start out as an overall 55. 2K Sports wants players to be tempted to spend more money on “virtual currency” in order to improve their player. One can make it work without buying extra virtual currency, but it will take a while for the player to become competitive.
MyTeam (similar to Madden’s Ultimate Team mode) returns with more challenges available to play that don’t take as much time. It is a welcome change, as it is a mode that is fun to play in short bursts. One can build a pretty decent team without forking over real-world money for virtual currency, but be prepared to open the wallet if you want a great team fast.
In conclusion, “NBA 2K17” sets a benchmark for sports video games and is an absolute must-buy. The gameplay is magnificent and the content is jam-packed. The finished product is not only the best sports video game of all-time, but may be in conversation as one of the best video games ever, period.
Final Verdict: 9.8/10
Author’s Note: The game was reviewed on a both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. “NBA 2K17” is also available for PC.
