NBA 2K15 News Post

Despite Its Initial Blemishes, NBA 2K15 Held in High Regard

12:02 PM - December 30, 2014 by RaychelSnr

The launch of NBA 2K15 is one of the low-points of the 2014 sports gaming season.

There was so much excitement surrounding the launch, and so much rage when huge chunks of the game failed to work properly thanks to shoddy design decisions to link the game with 2K's unreliable servers. When the launch day rush hit the servers, they melted down quicker than Scott Brook's decision making at key points in the playoffs.

But now?

Now it seems like gamers have begun to really warm up to the game, which is tending to work more often than it isn't. It doesn't hurt that the gameplay and presentation are at or near top-of-class level for sports games of course. Check out the latest poll results from our polling done yesterday:

All in all, most OS'ers agree (in fact a great majority), that NBA 2K15 is either good or great. The results of this poll are actually somewhat impressive given the early reactions towards the game and how people initially felt.

Some guys even smashed their copies of NBA 2K15 in disgust -- I'd hate to be that guy right now for the record.

All in all, the general feeling towards NBA 2K15 seems to be growing more positive as we head into the New Year, something which seemed impossible after the disastrous start for the game. In general, we hope the same mistakes aren't repeated next year, and that the launch period of NBA 2K16 is more of a high mark on the sports gaming calendar.

Are you surprised by how positive the reaction and feelings towards NBA 2K15 are now?

Game: NBA 2K15Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: iOS / PC / PS3 / PS4 / Xbox 360 / Xbox OneVotes for game: 64 - View All

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Member Comments

# 21 spankdatazz22 @ 12/30/14 10:16 PM

It's unfortunate some choose to weigh perceived negatives (inability to edit headbands, lack of a comprehensive halftime show) inappropriately to perceived positives (vastly improved editing options overall, improvements to presentation overall). For all the hard work 2K did with supercharging MyLeague/Franchise mode, some choose to say all that work was worthless because of a single issue (regression) - which most people probably won't even notice. And from my understanding can be worked around. I've seen people here beg for editing options to fix problems, then when they're given the options they say they shouldn't have to make the changes. People beg for more slider options, then when given the options they say they shouldn't have to adjust them. Has to be frustrating from a developer standpoint, especially when most other sports games don't offer anywhere near this level of customization and ability to tweak a game to ones tastes.

While the core gameplay has always been solid, I think it's remarkable how much more it's improved over the past 2 1/2 months since the game released. I get that maybe the game isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's absolutely ridiculous imo some try to say the game is a poor effort.

# 22 Smirkin Dirk @ 12/30/14 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strawberryshortcake


	What the heaven ... yes, after I found out that the halftime show was a complete downgrade from NBA2k14, I decided not to buy NBAk215. NBA2k15's halftime show was amateurish, no real substance. Many others were also extremely disappointed by the lack of halftime show.

Dude. For the hundreds of hours of awesome gameplay Ive recieved the minor annoyance of a poor halftime show is irrelevant.

We all derive different things from games, but I think you have misplaced priorities on this one.

# 23 BellSKA @ 12/30/14 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herbals


	what the hell? Yeh offline players seem to be alot happier. I played a couple of games offline its not too bad. But im strictly a head to head online player who lived for the competitive battles of 2k11, 12, 13............. and 2k14 and 2k15 have been pretty much unplayable in my opinion.

This pretty much sums up what I think could be a great game to a good/ pretty good game. I would give it a 7.5 right NOW.

This games relies way too much on online connectivity. With servers in their current state it makes it nearly impossible to play in a productive manner. It makes me feel like they didn't account for the launch and then again the amount of new purchasers around the holiday. Almost like they didn't stress test their servers to begin with.

When it's working I could easily give it a 9. It has it's room for improvement, but I really like all the options and how it plays. I can get over the very minor annoyances.

2K15 was touted as having better servers after seeing what happened to 2K14 launch. Then an equally bad launch occurred and now this week. Fool me once/ twice scenario.

# 24 strawberryshortcake @ 12/30/14 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hot Kidd


	Dude. For the hundreds of hours of awesome gameplay Ive recieved the minor annoyance of a poor halftime show is irrelevant. We all derive different things from games, but I think you have misplaced priorities on this one.

You're probably totally on point. There are individuals that take issue with wrong accessories, incorrect sneakers, headbands, elbow sleeves, and even the wrong color Bulls Red jersey. I don't care about any of that stuff, and would most certainly overlook those things and buy the game. But the halftime show is something that I clearly notice. It is something that bugs me, but not others. People make their buying decision on the oddest things.

And if you're wondering, if they leave out a solid halftime show again for NBA2k16, I'll skip again. But I do have $65 (game+tax) ready for 2k if they so choose.

# 25 Moses Shuttlesworth @ 12/31/14 12:25 AM

Idk what happened but this game plays great now. I just played it for the first time in over a month and I beat a guy online who was 55-8.

Shot selection and smart defense decided the game

# 26 DonWuan @ 12/31/14 03:49 AM

Offline player here. Way to Flaws in game to ever consider it great. Mainly the legacy issues. Game runs on some pretty stiff rails mixed with input lag.

It is a game and does not represent simulation of the nba. I dont think its bad, its good.

Just doesnt feel organic most of the time.

# 27 bumpyface @ 12/31/14 04:06 AM

I'm not trying to troll (like someone said earlier), but am I the only person who feels like the controls for this game are sluggish and delayed? Nevermind the cosmetics, when I have the controller in my hand I feel like I have maybe 20% control. Please, someone just be honest and tell me. Am I the only person who feels like this game was made to play itself and give the user minimum control? I feel like the only way to be successful in this game is to run plays, from a designated spot without touching the analog (unless to shoot) and only press x to pass and square to shoot (analog). The sluggish controls are a turn off from trying to create your own offense, or even attempt to play D. Someone please teach me how to play this game because I don't see the gameplay that warrants all of this praise. I'm not being sarcastic. I'm genuine. Please show me.

# 28 bumpyface @ 12/31/14 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jml475


	oh yes, let's promote planned obsolesce.. that's absolutely idiotic. That's akin to stifling innovation for the gamer and preventing competition. While the game wasn't perfect, and they messed up... (regardless of the reason) the inability of 2k to be forward and transparent about these issues is the problem. There was nothing stopping 2k from admitting their faults transparently.

Man we have stumbled upon a time where its ok to produce a subpar product and still charge full price for it. It's all around us. Its like no one appreciates your hard earned dollars anymore. I honestly think that 2k11 (last gen) plays better than 2k15 next gen. Key word, plays better. 2k15 looks a lot more sim and resembles nba basketball, but it is still a game. Emphasis on game.

# 29 herbals @ 12/31/14 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumpyface


	I'm not trying to troll (like someone said earlier), but am I the only person who feels like the controls for this game are sluggish and delayed? Nevermind the cosmetics, when I have the controller in my hand I feel like I have maybe 20% control. Please, someone just be honest and tell me. Am I the only person who feels like this game was made to play itself and give the user minimum control? I feel like the only way to be successful in this game is to run plays, from a designated spot without touching the analog (unless to shoot) and only press x to pass and square to shoot (analog). The sluggish controls are a turn off from trying to create your own offense, or even attempt to play D. Someone please teach me how to play this game because I don't see the gameplay that warrants all of this praise. I'm not being sarcastic. I'm genuine. Please show me.

You are 100% correct my friend.... I could do more with paul pierce and dirk in 2k12.... i miss those days

# 30 bumpyface @ 12/31/14 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herbals


	You are 100% correct my friend.... I could do more with paul pierce and dirk in 2k12.... i miss those days

Thank you. I swear I would pay $100 right now for an updated (current roster) Nba2k11 (with next gen graphics) for PS4. I'm dead serious. I would even trade in my copy of 2k15 toward it. Oh, and I would gladly take 2k11's soundtrack over 15's as well.

# 31 jaateloauto @ 12/31/14 04:38 AM

There are bright spots but my feel is that pretty much every game mode outside of MyLeague has a lot of problems that let down the experience.

Biggest issues that stick out to me are online lag, online associations, lack of transition & baseline defense, teammates in MyCareer and it feels like I'm moving underwater (especially in MyCareer) while the AI handles itself gracefully.

So in a way I feel surprised by the poll. Then again I do play the game a lot and I understand the nitpicks I have will probably go unnoticed for most. And I do have MyLeague which given the ability to tweak and approve league trades is probably the best franchise mode I've seen outside a fully managerial sports game (like Football Manager).

# 32 herbals @ 12/31/14 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumpyface


	Thank you. I swear I would pay $100 right now for an updated (current roster) Nba2k11 (with next gen graphics) for PS4. I'm dead serious. I would even trade in my copy of 2k15 toward it. Oh, and I would gladly take 2k11's soundtrack over 15's as well.

id pay 200$....... and get rid of the stupid pro stick, there was nothing wrong with 2k11,12 or 13 controls

# 33 bumpyface @ 12/31/14 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herbals


	id pay 200$....... and get rid of the stupid pro stick, there was nothing wrong with 2k11,12 or 13 controls

LOL, lets get this petition started.

# 34 Vroman @ 12/31/14 05:10 AM

Game really shines most in Myleague/Exhibition modes with all-star difficulty. For me its no doubt most realistic bball video game experience I ever got there.

Its also first nba 2k game where I got into MyCareer mode, but its being ruined by blunt progression system. I really feel like I can't make my player the way i want to and he becomes a "marvel hero" way too much with hardly limited upgrades and badges. Gameplay is great imo at all-star difficulty, but I upgraded my player too much that its a walk in the park kind of thing. Superstar/Hof becomes very cheesy and its mostly about exploiting game mechanics on your own to win games instead of playing with basketball mind.

Same problem carries over to Mypark/Rec center, gameplay can't be non-cheesy when every1 on the court is 90+ovr with all the badges and hot zones everywhere. There should be just separate player you create for those game modes with limited upgrades/badges so you'd have to specialise into something and be like regular strong nba player. Then it'd be competative and fun imo.

MyTeam was very fun at first, but some bad design decisions ruins it for me. Game difficulty should be consistent throughout all seeds, just getting false impressions of players in lower seed, also opponents can cheese the hell out of game at pro difficulty. The lineup limits shouldn't end by 5th seed, the all 90+ ovr squads gameplay is boring and it takes too little effort to compete with stupid basketball many ppl play. Best thing would be separate online tournaments/seeds with steep restrictions (like 2-3 gold or better grade players per line up etc.) .

# 35 spankdatazz22 @ 12/31/14 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumpyface


	Thank you. I swear I would pay $100 right now for an updated (current roster) Nba2k11 (with next gen graphics) for PS4. I'm dead serious. I would even trade in my copy of 2k15 toward it. Oh, and I would gladly take 2k11's soundtrack over 15's as well.

Out of curiosity, what about this is so great that you'd want to go back to? The Mario running/lack of multiple player interaction? The everyone jump straight up rebounding? The perimeter bump back animations? The complete lack of bounce passes? Those [not very] dynamic rim/ball physics perhaps

I actually liked the crowds and miss how people would walk around - but think I remember some complain it was distracting, so guess that's why it was removed. I'm in no way trying to diss 2K11 because it was great for it's time and I loved it. But this overly romantic/nostalgic view that everything was roses with the game doesn't represent what the game was and what it's evolved to

# 36 mrchiggs @ 12/31/14 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumpyface


	Man we have stumbled upon a time where its ok to produce a subpar product and still charge full price for it. It's all around us. Its like no one appreciates your hard earned dollars anymore. I honestly think that 2k11 (last gen) plays better than 2k15 next gen. Key word, plays better. 2k15 looks a lot more sim and resembles nba basketball, but it is still a game. Emphasis on game.

Because we do not speak with out wallets and this game sells great every iteration... It will stay the same. Same solid game play but the same issues every year. It has 0 competition and its community is allied to the idea of it alone, which means they are less apt to criticize it or challenge it to ever become better then it is. I play the mess out of the game, no doubt... But the misleading by 2K has been a huge issue... Especially this year. I just think we should demand better. And stop blind support for any product. Corporations make tons off of our dollars. Its not the other way around.

# 37 threattonature @ 12/31/14 07:55 AM

I gave it an average rating. The two modes I mainly play disappointed me. And while the gameplay is amazing I just could not get into myleague/mygm.

The two modes I'm interested in are online association/online leagues which were severely lacking. It was bad enough that there would only be one season leagues but then it was compounded by 2K incorrectly telling us that you could use computer teams to fill out the leagues. On top of that many users are reporting that games are not registering a result which is just complete BS. I would give the game an F for their online leagues this year.

The other mode I normally play is myplayer. The mode became really plain and there really was no story to it at all. I made it about 60 games into the second year and just got bored with it. On top of the lacking story (the modes big selling point) it seemed that the team around your player did not evolve as your player gets better. Before I stopped playing I was averaging 40/20 as a 93 overall center and yet never got plays called for me and was very rarely the focus of the offense. I'd still have to either crash offensive boards or just manually post up while breaking the called play and call for the ball. I would like to see the team adjust it's style of play to the type of player your guy is, especially once he gets to superstar level. The coaching tips seemed to just be random and having nothing to do with the team you are actually facing. I would love to just see more depth in the mode and more coaching feedback. I want what I do on the court to affect the virtual world around me more versus the games seemingly disconnected from the myplayer story.

# 38 City_foxx @ 12/31/14 08:15 AM

A new poll is required to determine what% of voters who chose "great" are strictly off-line players. my guess 90%

# 39 erickonasis @ 12/31/14 10:15 AM

I went back and played a game of 2k14 MY GM last night and the difference is like night and day. No missing 3 and 4 layups right under the basket.

I dont know what in the world 2k did with this game this year but this hands down is the worst 2k ive ever played and ive played them all

# 40 erickonasis @ 12/31/14 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by City_foxx


	A new poll is required to determine what% of voters who chose "great" are strictly off-line players. my guess 90%

Offline is just as bad...at least in my gm i cant speak on the other modes

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