Disclaimer: I have been playing 2K Sports Games from the beginning of their existence and have been a loyal supporter even through today. I am writing this review as a means to vent my frustration over the changes 2K Sports made to NBA 2K14 in regards to the next gen console versions of the game.
I want to start by stating that the gameplay and graphics in NBA 2K14 for the PS4 by far surpasses anything I've ever seen in a video game. However, most of the things that separated NBA 2K from its competition in terms of game features has been ruined in the next ten version of NBA 2K14.
Disappointment, anger, frustration, rage. All of these things came to a head when I was finally (after 5+ hours of installation) able to dive into NBA 2K14 for PS4. For starters, Playoffs Mode gone. Association mode gone (replaced by My GM). Season mode still exists as an option within MY GM mode but you can only control 1 team AND the start season from today option has been removed entirely. My GM mode is ok if you like mixing RPG elements with sports (which I hate immensely), but I wish 2K had given players the option to choose between My GM mode and the standard Assocation Mode (that IMO they had done a great job on the last few years). The most fun I've had in playing sports video games is running an association in which I control every team and dictate the success or failure of each and every team. Not to mention accurate stats, player rotations, etc. but now I'm forced to only controlling one team and earning points so that I can feed the egos of AI players, coaches and owners.
Attention: 2K Sports - Not everyone wants to live the daily routine of an NBA GM. Making roster moves and financial decisions are fine, but having to earn VC points so that you can stay on the AI's good side is annoying. Of course you do have the option to buy VC points (which makes me sick to my stomach).
The main reason I am so upset over the changes that 2K made is that it seems a bit out of character for them. Honestly, these moves seem like something that EA Sports would do. I played NBA Live before it was NBA Live (Lakers vs Celtics and the NBA Playoffs on Sega Genesis) and I remembered their glory days in the 90's and how far they fell off in the PS3, Xbox 360 Generation. Now like I mentioned earlier if you want to just play a quick game, the game looks and plays magnificently. But if you're like me and enjoy playing out a full season or two or more in an Association in which you are FULLY in control, then sadly this game isn't for you. Here's to hoping that EA Sports can capitalize on the mistakes 2K made with the next gen version of their game or that 2K comes to their senses with NBA 2K15.
Thank You for letting me rant.

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