NBA2K18

[Groundhog]

The scripted MyPlayer stuff is pretty ridiculous. An undrafted guy who has taken a few years of basketball and does OK in a playground tournament gets a training camp invite to his favourite team. OK, sure.

I wish they built off last year's game - give us a couple of fully-timed college games to build up our draft stock, then let us go anywhere from 1st round to undrafted and playing in the G-League.

[Icy]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

The scripted MyPlayer stuff is pretty ridiculous. An undrafted guy who has taken a few years of basketball and does OK in a playground tournament gets a training camp invite to his favourite team. OK, sure.

I wish they built off last year's game - give us a couple of fully-timed college games to build up our draft stock, then let us go anywhere from 1st round to undrafted and playing in the G-League.

Agree. I enjoy the grinding for the badges, etc but the whole story is an insult to the average man intelligence and the fact that you can't skip the cutscenes makes it a torture. I thought about starting some different players but no way I'm going through the story more than once.

I'm thinking about just using player lock with a created player in my league instead as I did past year.

[whomario]

Tons of bugs MyLeague, including one where basically every player gets his rights renounced. Not just for CPU teams (as in "bad logic") but even when under User Controll ... Heck, even most players you extend the Qualifying Offer for (your players coming off their rookie contracts) get stripped from their Bird Rights, meaning you can't really pay them if you are over the Cap and they count as Unrestricted Free Agents. And all CPU teams as well, basically totally destroying Free Agency.
Plus super unrealistic and way too frequent contract extensions. I really don't get how we still don't have a "contract level" slider or sth to change this. I mean, they even have lowered the roster significantly and now even 80 rated guys will get close to the max.


Such a shame, since gameplay is glorious even with the game created players. Just played a few games on one of my test sims from 2024 and had a kickass time with a team with 6 created players in it's main rotation (+ Porzingis and Booker). Even defensive specialists stand out this time, there's one guy on there that is basically a bigger and more explosive Tony Allen

Created a handfull of Draft Classes (with ratings/potential tuned to the default roster) and would be totally ready to go without those damn bugs ruining it ...

Originally Posted by rjolley

Has anyone else noticed that, on drives to the basket, instead of attacking the rim for a layup or a dunk, the player will do a stepback jumper? I've gotten past my man a number of times with a chance to attack the rim, and 9 times out of 10, I'll shoot a jumper.

Button or Stick Controll ? Are you pushing left or right stick back ? What camera setting and do you have stick controll set to camera relative or not ?

Make sure to check out the manual in 2KU (the one with little videos showing, i think called "2KU Glossary") , might be you have some sort of mistake in your technique that seems obvious until you see it done ... Had that with a few moves over the years where i simply did sth weird.

Personally i never had an easier time than this year when it comes to floaters and layups. Whch likely means they changed it a bit and that other would struggle

[rjolley]

Originally Posted by whomario

Button or Stick Controll ? Are you pushing left or right stick back ? What camera setting and do you have stick controll set to camera relative or not ?

Make sure to check out the manual in 2KU (the one with little videos showing, i think called "2KU Glossary") , might be you have some sort of mistake in your technique that seems obvious until you see it done ... Had that with a few moves over the years where i simply did sth weird.

Personally i never had an easier time than this year when it comes to floaters and layups. Whch likely means they changed it a bit and that other would struggle

Yeah, I figure it's something I'm doing vs the game screwing up, but with an early in the cycle release, I figured I'd ask. I'm going to play a scrimmage or two and see if I can figure out what I'm doing wrong.

I do like the gameplay. In my initial myGM game with the Bulls, I was able to get the #1 and #2 in the first draft, grabbing Staples and Baldwin. In the second year, I grabbed a great 6'9 SG and was able to sign Cousins as a free agent. I don't have any first round pics for the next few years, but this should be a fun team to play with while they patch the game a few times.

[SirBlurton]

Originally Posted by whomario

Tons of bugs MyLeague, including one where basically every player gets his rights renounced. Not just for CPU teams (as in "bad logic") but even when under User Controll ... Heck, even most players you extend the Qualifying Offer for (your players coming off their rookie contracts) get stripped from their Bird Rights, meaning you can't really pay them if you are over the Cap and they count as Unrestricted Free Agents. And all CPU teams as well, basically totally destroying Free Agency.
Plus super unrealistic and way too frequent contract extensions. I really don't get how we still don't have a "contract level" slider or sth to change this. I mean, they even have lowered the roster significantly and now even 80 rated guys will get close to the max.


Such a shame, since gameplay is glorious even with the game created players. Just played a few games on one of my test sims from 2024 and had a kickass time with a team with 6 created players in it's main rotation (+ Porzingis and Booker). Even defensive specialists stand out this time, there's one guy on there that is basically a bigger and more explosive Tony Allen

Created a handfull of Draft Classes (with ratings/potential tuned to the default roster) and would be totally ready to go without those damn bugs ruining it ...




Button or Stick Controll ? Are you pushing left or right stick back ? What camera setting and do you have stick controll set to camera relative or not ?

Make sure to check out the manual in 2KU (the one with little videos showing, i think called "2KU Glossary") , might be you have some sort of mistake in your technique that seems obvious until you see it done ... Had that with a few moves over the years where i simply did sth weird.

Personally i never had an easier time than this year when it comes to floaters and layups. Whch likely means they changed it a bit and that other would struggle

Did the patch this week address the show-stopping bugs for MyLeague?

[whomario]

Originally Posted by SirBlurton

Did the patch this week address the show-stopping bugs for MyLeague?

no. In the works though allegedly and planning to push them into smaller emergency patches soon rather than the next real general patch, though from the feedback a dev gave on OS i am afraid they either only got half the story or cherry-picked to hear what they wanted to hear. Hoping it's me not getting them rather than them not getting me when when i raised the issues ...

[Calis]

I could rant about MyCareer quite a bit, but I’ll just avoid that. They’ve just killed my interest in the mode completely.

Sticking to MyLeague now and since I play out all the games I’m a ways from running into the major bugs. I don’t remember in past though, is it usual when fixes go in you need to start a new League or should it “fix” in current ones?

I will say from MyLeague though, purely in playing the game I’m really enjoying it. There’s some issues of course but overall it feels improved to me from last year. I’ve had some really good games.

[rjolley]

Usually, the fixes to myGM/myLeague apply to current saves. They have called out when that wasn't the case in the past.

I'm trying to get started in myCareer, but the inability to skip cutscenes is annoying enough that I lose interest and quit back to menu before I even get control of my character. With the framerate issues I've had, I don't know if I'll play it at all.

[djsatu]

This guy put up a well made tutorial on defensive settings that make the defensive AI that much better. Sucks we should have to do this, but it's well worth it.

All NBA 2K18 Defensive Settings Explained: Best 2K18 How to defend Tutorial. 2K18 Defense Tips - YouTube

[Calis]

Thanks for that video. It is long but he does a good job explaining and demo’ing everything. I just tried a game with it and definitely noticed some better results.

Anyone noticed a very high amount of muffed passé/dribbling off foot/general ineptitude? Don’t remember running into this much last year but so far the one thing really sticking out to me in my games.

[Neuqua]

How's the game overall? I haven't played 2K in a few years now but this offseason has rejuvenated my interest this season and I was thinking of picking this up.

[nilodor]

Originally Posted by Neuqua

How's the game overall? I haven't played 2K in a few years now but this offseason has rejuvenated my interest this season and I was thinking of picking this up.

I'm really enjoying Franchise mode/myGM (although the story part is a bit annoying). Incremental improvement to the gameplay. I've noticed that if you can get a mismatch it can really be exploited. Players feel different (i.e. Driving to the hoop with westbrook or LeBron feels very different than trying it with Evan Fournier or Avery Bradley). If you play myPlayer alot, which I don't, I've heard that the microtransactions are too much and the new home screen is basically a really inefficient menu.

[djsatu]

Originally Posted by Neuqua

How's the game overall? I haven't played 2K in a few years now but this offseason has rejuvenated my interest this season and I was thinking of picking this up.

As someone who hasn't played since 2k14, i'm really happy with the game. Didn't take long to learn the controls on offense and defense either. I'm strickly a franchise/mygm mode guy, so i'm not getting caught up in the myplayer microtransaction hoopla. Pro setting player here using custom sliders having a blast, playing the game how it's meant to be played. Karl Anthony Towns is a monster. That is all.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Did they ever get the busted draft stuff fixed for franchise/gm mode?

[Groundhog]

Gameplay feels a little off to me on superstar with no slider adjustments. Can't quite put my finger on it yet. 3pt sliders definitely need to go down.

[djsatu]

Patch #3 is downloading right now.

[rjolley]

Patch #4 has been released for PS4. XBox One, Switch, and PC (finally!) to follow soon.

Patch notes are here.

[Groundhog]

I don't consider myself overly great at 2K, but I'm using the Kings in a franchise and my 28th overall rated roster is blowing out teams by 25-30 on superstar difficulty. I did lose to the Warriors (by 5), but otherwise I'm 9-0 on games I've played this season, and 17-11 on simmed games... Just way too easy to get to the basket IMO.

[bhlloy]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

I don't consider myself overly great at 2K, but I'm using the Kings in a franchise and my 28th overall rated roster is blowing out teams by 25-30 on superstar difficulty. I did lose to the Warriors (by 5), but otherwise I'm 9-0 on games I've played this season, and 17-11 on simmed games... Just way too easy to get to the basket IMO.

+1. I can't put my finger on exactly what is wrong (it's always been very easy to get to the basket IMO) but it's just easier

[whomario]

Originally Posted by rjolley

Patch #4 has been released for PS4. XBox One, Switch, and PC (finally!) to follow soon.

Patch notes are here.

Could be the one making MyLeague, at the very least with 30-team controll during certain stages (remember you can switch that on/off as you go, so can still have a single-player experience generally) worthwile Definitely gonna give it a go and see what happens.

Already have 6 Draft Classes i edited at the start (and now barely remember ) and after editing the 2K roster a bit (setting Intgbl Rating at a global 40, then up it a bit for certain player types like defensive minded bigs and a few outliers) will start with a few setting changes:

Cap: 115 mio
Hard Cap: No
Inflation: a tad higher than average/default (not sure off the top of the head where than number lies)
non-financial ambition: Max
Progression: 45
Regression : 55
In-season Training effect: 45
CPU retain Players: 65

And yeah, lots and lots of micro-managing in 30 team controll will unfortunately be needed again

One thing i wish they'd look at is Percentages close to the basket, especially by cpu-controlled players. The amount of missed bunnies by big men oin myCareer (you can't adjust sliders) is just insane.

@Groundhog: Might be worse diving into the sliders a little. In my experience things like this can be fixed pretty well by a combination of toning down user handles, Acceleration and upping on-ball defense and defensive awareness for the use.

[SirBlurton]

I've been using armour and swords sliders from OS and had 5 awesome games.

@ whomario
Wondering what areas specifically you're seeing still needing micro-management?

And thanks for sharing your league sliders!

[Bigsmooth]

I've read that the Advanced Rotations need to be managed for each team which will provide a great league experience if you're willing to put in the time and constantly adjust them based on injuries, etc.

[bhlloy]

Originally Posted by Bigsmooth

I've read that the Advanced Rotations need to be managed for each team which will provide a great league experience if you're willing to put in the time and constantly adjust them based on injuries, etc.

Is advanced rotations the reason every single time I jump into a MyCareer game I have 5 big men on the floor and regularly the opponent seems to be playing PG at the C position? Or is that just an obscure bug nobody else is having?

I've chalked it up to a minor annoyance having to take a timeout once I jump into the game and both teams seem to auto correct to sensible lineups from there. But it does make me wonder about what is going on under the hood in the sim engine as well

[whomario]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

Is advanced rotations the reason every single time I jump into a MyCareer game I have 5 big men on the floor and regularly the opponent seems to be playing PG at the C position? Or is that just an obscure bug nobody else is having?

I've chalked it up to a minor annoyance having to take a timeout once I jump into the game and both teams seem to auto correct to sensible lineups from there. But it does make me wonder about what is going on under the hood in the sim engine as well

i bet this is more related to some bug with the "super sim" than anything else, the fact they sort themselves after a timeout speaks volumes here.

Adjusting advanced rotations seems absolute overkill for sth that i consider relatively marginal compare to overall squad management (contracts especially). I think that's more for people playing this like a season mode and less those playing 20-odd games and Playoffs hoping to get 10+ years into the future. What i do tend to do is change coach profiles: Most have a too high "bench usage" number and too big a rotation (often 11), for a playoff series i will also change the opositions rotation to make sure their best players play an appropriate amount of minutes so that i'll face their toughest players.

Also for coaches i will significantly lower the "run plays" number to make the cpu less static, also edit all new incoming coaches because they will have all-default preferences and the default playbook (which are much more basic than the team ones).

Generally i think one needs to make sure draft classes aren't overpowered (maybe pre-create fitting ones and then randomely load them), edit down a few contracts, veto the odd trade and the likes. Quite likely handle team options and qualifying offers as well as maybe rookie signing for the cpu teams as well.

Most of my micromanaging is always roster-related, like editing down 3 point shooting for many players every odd year (still develops too rapidly, at least prior to this patch. Might be changed without being mentioned). I also tend to make a few trades every odd year to balance out the roster for a few contenders (trade that redundant 84 rated backup center for a 75 Center and a 82 SG for example)

I hope i'll remember sharing a more detailed idea of my approach once i figure it out for myself

[bhlloy]

Originally Posted by SirBlurton

I've been using armour and swords sliders from OS and had 5 awesome games.

@ whomario
Wondering what areas specifically you're seeing still needing micro-management?

And thanks for sharing your league sliders!

I've only finished out the 4th quarter of three games so far, but man. This slider set makes it absolutely night and day. Feels like the real NBA2k is back and feels just like a real NBA game so far - thanks for this suggestion.

[Groundhog]

I tried the Armour and Swords sliders shortly after getting the game. Maybe they've been adjusted, but I switched them back to default because I suddenly started winning by a ton, and that hasn't stopped since reverting back... I'll give the latest ones a shot.

[Eaglesfan27]

Which rosters are you all using?

[sooner333]

Is it worth getting this game if I have 2K17, or should I sit out this year?

[SirBlurton]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Which rosters are you all using?

Not sure what system you're on...I'm on xbox and using Vannwolfhawks.
He went through and updated every playbook - plays a mean game of basketball!

And to respond to post above, I really liked 2k17 and I find this one better in almost every way. It's be best "feel" I've had in a sports game, ever. It's just so fluid.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by SirBlurton

Not sure what system you're on...I'm on xbox and using Vannwolfhawks.
He went through and updated every playbook - plays a mean game of basketball!

And to respond to post above, I really liked 2k17 and I find this one better in almost every way. It's be best "feel" I've had in a sports game, ever. It's just so fluid.

PS4.

[Kodos]

So the microtransaction problem doesn't plague the dynasty mode (whatever it's called)? I'm considering not getting the game in protest of their blatant cash-grabbing with the microtransactions. I have 2k17 and never really dove into it. I've had an urge to do a solo dynasty with classic teams or players.

[whomario]

Originally Posted by Kodos

So the microtransaction problem doesn't plague the dynasty mode (whatever it's called)? I'm considering not getting the game in protest of their blatant cash-grabbing with the microtransactions. I have 2k17 and never really dove into it. I've had an urge to do a solo dynasty with classic teams or players.

Nah, that's MyPlayer. MyLeague is by far the most ambitious Franchise Mode in any sports game, admittedly that also means there are a few flaws and legacy issues coming to the front after new changes ... Would wait one more patch, a Dev keeps people updated on OS and reported that at least one more major issue connected to Cap Holds will be fixed there as well as some changes to Draft Class generation. Should arrive shortly (my bet is next week).

[Kodos]

And it is worth upgrading from 2k17 to 2k18?

[whomario]

Originally Posted by Kodos

And it is worth upgrading from 2k17 to 2k18?

I think so. Much, much better dribble-drive offensive mechanics alone make it worthwile, plus a few subtle improvements to passing (targeted skip-passing f.e. by pressing the button longer to pass to a teammate further away) and defense, even though there are still a few issues.
Just plays really well on the court and the off-court issues for Franchise get fixed one by one to the point where with a few house rules and limited 30-team controll (basically just at QO/Team Option/Rookie Signing stage) and a few choice edits as you go (editing touch/shot tendency of young players to rise, lowering 3 point shooting a bit as you go. Both of which can be done really quickly with the quick edit feature) it seems like it'll be more functional than last year with quite a few more features in terms of depth and realism.

[Kodos]

Sounds good. Does it still have optional league expansion? Can I still substitute classic teams and players in for current teams and players?

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Sounds good. Does it still have optional league expansion? Can I still substitute classic teams and players in for current teams and players?

Yes and yes.

[Kodos]

Placing order now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Placing order now.

You won't regret it. I would be playing a ton if I had time. Jack is a real time comsumer.

[Kodos]

That may be true. But imagine getting to play against him down the road!

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Kodos

That may be true. But imagine getting to play against him down the road!

Yep! Also, loving every moment now.

[SirBlurton]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

PS4.

My brother is on PS4 and uses the "ciaco02 All-In-One" roster

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Yep! Also, loving every moment now.

Great to hear! I'll be honest and say that during some of my kids' late-night crying jags, I wasn't always loving every moment.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by SirBlurton

My brother is on PS4 and uses the "ciaco02 All-In-One" roster

Thanks!

[rjolley]

Patch #5 has been submitted and should be available soon. Patch notes have not been released yet.

Edit: Patch notes are available here and below.

NBA 2K18 patch 1.05 is available now for PlayStation 4 and scheduled to be released soon for Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch. Check out the patch notes below.

General
Native 4K resolution at 60fps support added for the launch of the new Xbox One X console.
Player action photos have been updated to include the players in their new uniforms.
Custom created shoes are now a much higher resolution when viewed on players in-game.
Authenticity improvements to Clippers, Spurs, and Magic 2017-18 uniforms.
Authenticity improvements have been made to the ’07-’08 New Orleans Hornets uniforms.
Fixed an issue on XB1 where GameDVR was not working for some users.
Improvements to the audio ‘pops’ reported by Switch users.
Fixed an issue on the Switch where armpit hair was showing as white/grey on players that have it.
Addressed an issue in Play Now Online where the incorrect trophy was unlocking when advancing tiers.

Gameplay
Fixed an issue where the Coach’s Clipboard would show the incorrect matchup for an opponent.
Fixed an issue that allowed players to break out of a dunk and re-jump into another dunk after performing a drop step move.
Adjusted shooting foul frequency, especially for well positioned and high rated blockers.
Fixed several layups that would tend to hit the bottom of the backboard when performed by tall players
Fixed an issue with the shot clock on the broadcast scoreboard where there would still be a very small amount of time after it reached 0.
All of the player icons should now be visible when reviewing the 3-2 Zone defensive set during a timeout.

MyCAREER
The user’s suggested lineup will no longer revert after reaching a 90 overall and setting it in the My Minutes menu.
Fixed an issue where the VC balance shown at the end of NBA games wasn’t displaying the correct value (though you were actually credited with the correct amount to your account).
Fixed a hang that would occur when attempting to leave the MyCOURT closet with a custom-created shirt equipped.
Addressed an issue where the user was unable to equip the skateboard onto their MyPLAYER.
Addressed an issue where the user was unable to equip custom-created shoes onto their MyPLAYER.
The MyPLAYER’s headband will now properly colorize along with his teammates.
Fixed a case where the user would be unable to enter a Team Practice when they had previously decided to switch to a different shoe company after shooting their shoe commercial.
Fixed a rare hang where the game would fail to advance at the conclusion of the 3PT contest during All-Star Weekend.
The MyPLAYER’s headphones should no longer unequip unexpectedly when performing various actions in the Neighborhood.
The MyPLAYER’s accessories will no longer be seen unequipped during postgame interviews following played NBA games.
Fixed an issue where an incorrect Defensive FG% of 0.0% would occasionally be shown during halftime, causing your head coach to give inaccurate advice.
Addressed a case where the game could hang after the opposing team wins the Conference Championship in MyCAREER.
Fixed a number of issues surrounding the starting and ending of MyCOURT games involving other human users.

The Neighborhood
Corrected an issue where Bryan stopped texting the user regarding the picking up of earned endorsement checks.
Users of the Switch version of the game can now join other friends in the Neighborhood by using the Friends app on your in-game telephone.
Improvements to the T-Shirt Voting interface as well as the T-Shirt Purchasing interface.
Fixed a bug where some users weren’t able to complete the Gatorade endorsement after winning 5 games on the Playground.
Fixed an issue where thumbnails would fail to appear if the user moves between the T-Shirt Store and T-Shirt Voting pages too quickly.
Fixed an issue where the 2K Cam would fail to flip in Playground games when previously playing a King of the Court game.
Stability and performance improvements to the Dew NBA 3X event.
Addressed an issue where the timer wouldn’t always count down as expected during the Dew NBA 3X event.
Lineup improvements during Ruffles 4-Pointer Challenge games to ensure that similar positions guard each other where possible.
Fix a case where some users were unable to join a friend’s Playground due to their name being flagged as inappropriate.

Pro-Am
A number of improvements to the Pro-Am Walk-On/Team experience.
The correct VC earnings and balance will now be shown at the end of Pro-Am games.
Teams can now wear alternate jerseys in Pro-Am Team when they reach the Elite status.
Users who foul out in Pro-Am games are now able to spectate the remainder of the game.
Fixed an issue where users who had their commentary language set to Spanish were experiencing problems playing in Pro-Am games.
The end of game stats overlay will now appear with the correct stats for users who foul out of a Pro-Am Team game.
The 2K Card will now show the correct Pro-Am Walk-On stats.

MyTEAM
Fixed an issue where players were being removed from online MyTEAM games for committing too many fouls when they had only committed a small handful.
Users can now apply any brand of shoes to historic players.
Setting up your lineups is now easier as player positions are now shown in the Edit Lineup interface.
The Total Points tally at the end of a MyTEAM game will now always display the correct amount.
Shoe boosts and added badges will no longer be incorrectly applied while in Pack and Playoffs.

MyGM/MyLEAGUE
Fixed an issue that caused premiere players to wait until the end of free agency before signing a near-minimum level contract.
Tuned the quality of draft classes at the default level to bring down some of the higher end prospects being generated. Ongoing work is taking place to improve this further and better balance the classes as a whole.
A number of improvements to the editing of contracts, including that users can now properly edit contracts of players who have signed a contract extension while still on their previous contract.
Fixed an issue where a valid Advanced Rotation would fail to load within the Rotation Timeline menu.
The System Proficiency and Player Training menus will now list players in their proper lineup ordering.
Fixed an issue where the portrait for the currently selected staff member would fail to draw after advancing days during the Staff Signing period of the offseason.

Also, there was this update from Mike Wang: Not sure why the zig-zag fix wasn't in the notes. But it should be in Patch 5. Basically, we fixed shooter fatigue when over-dribbling.

[korme]

Patch 5 showing a lot of promise... hopefully this is the one

[Groundhog]

Glad they fixed the tall guy hitting the bottom of the backboard on layups bug. I've assembled a team of giraffes (6'10 and above with massive wingspans) and I've seen this a handful of times if you start a running layup while a step or two from the basket.

I've increased my enjoyment of the game by making my own sliders that knock shooting down quite a bit, but I still get frustrated by my idiotic teammates on defense, especially when a guy collapses in and gets stuck behind 2 or 3 other players and cant recover. Also, the default defensive settings for each individual player on the other team really need to be manually adjusted each game IMO. At default they seem to treat every player the same, like they take an average of the team's abilities and apply a defensive scheme based on that.