IGN Review (7.8)

[ManiacMatt1782]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

I don't agreed w/ the scores. In fact, i am shocked. Now, if this server problem is a permanent issue, sure I agreed with the scores...but it's not! It'll be fixed and everything will be cool. If 2K can't fix it...there is going to be a lawsuit for sure...but that i don't see that happening. It's only a couple days since the game released. I think it's stupid that IGN give it a low score because of server problem since I anticipate this is only a temporary issue.

I wouldn't say it's a temprrary issue at all. NBA 2K14 on 360 and ps3 still has server issues to this day and many people have already made the jump. They just don't employ talent for the online end of things. It is not their strong suit. Their answer seems to be take away some of the online options, and it still isn't helping their servers.

[VDusen04]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

I'm not saying holding a review for months, I'm just saying more than two days. Especially considering, initial server issues happen. Does 2K have a horrible track record when it comes to servers, Yes. Was last year's debacle fresh in everyone's mind, Yes.

I do understand the nature of gaming sites, but since they didn't review the game early, to rush the review out the door just seemed ehhh.

I would like to see if this is a criteria for all next gen games from here on out.

Wait-and-see criteria amongst all review websites would be nice, but it is tough to see that ever happening. Reviews are similar to getting the scoop on a big news story. Those who strike first often reap the reward. I even read a USA Today review for 2K15 this year, just because it was posted early.

If everyone waited a week to get the full picture, that'd probably aide in the accuracy of reviews (2K14 probably would have taken a huge ratings hit if that were so). However, since virtually no review-centric website is planning on waiting a week, it's tough to hold that expectation of IGN. That first week is probably the hottest time for reviews to be read. While waiting a week might provide a fuller picture (or not - depending on whether the internet issues or fixes take longer than one week), it'd probably be to IGN's detriment as a website in the long run.

[spankdatazz22]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

With that being said, wouldn't it make more since to give it more than two days? If they redo the score that's cool, but who remembers a retraction, that's on page 14... Lol.

I think the intent was to make up for last year's score because they had egg on their face.

And to take into account the game has a ton of content, more than most other sports games provide. The review didn't even mention MyLeague which people say is a franchise mode on steroids. I'm not arguing the legitimacy of the score, but such a huge portion of the game where they've innovated with the hard core gamer in mind doesn't even warrant a mention in the review. I would think that should be more disconcerting as a fan of 2K trying to introduce more depth to the overall experience.

[Bolt957]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

IG-Who? Their opinion has no value, as I have my own thoughts for myself.

[RogerBlack]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

NBA 2k15 has received the worst IGN score of any NBA 2K game ever released, in the last 10 YEARS.

Including ALL PS3 Versions.

Here's a list that dates back to 2K5. (when the PS3 came out)

IGN Scores for NBA 2k Series

2k5 = 8.0
2k6 = 8.0
2k7 = 8.5
2k8 = 7.9
2k9 = 8.5
2k10 = 8.5
2k11 = 9.5
2k12 = 9.5
2k13 = 9.1
2k14 = 8.9 (next-gen)
2k15 = 7.8 (next-gen)

[NeptunePirate]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

Eh, seems like an okay score coming from IGN. I can understand all their reasons, but it doesn't seem like it all adds up to being 7.8 though.

[Bornindamecca]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

I think the score is totally warranted. The week one experience has been miserable for a significant portion of the fan base. People have lost characters, lost VC, lost hours of time waiting in the Park only to be kicked out, lost or never had the ability to play their favorite game modes for much of the time since release.

He did say that the game might get it going, but considering 2k14 had problems all the way to Christmas, it's only fair to stick a "buyer's beware" on top of the review.

I think we all agree that it's a great game held back by severe technical incompetence. That's what the review said.

If 2k gets their act together, they should re-review it. Keep in mind that reviewers have to get these things up fast, and if you needed to review 2k15's game modes quickly, boy were you in for a miserable surprise

[Fgbdfgh]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

Finally somebody reviews the game in full. Good score.

[RogerBlack]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

So if the servers have no more issues, do they raise the score??? Lol. Smh. In the preview, he admitted to having the game the same amount of time we've had the game, which is two days, and since the servers messed up in the two days he's had the game, that is the main contention of dropping the score? Most games that come out with online anything have server issues the first day or so, this just seemed like payback for last years debacle to me.

They waited weeks to review destiny, but kick this review out in two days...lol. Yeah, ok.

Please forgive my use of CAPS in advance.
(I'm not yelling at you. Just trying to emphasize certain keywords. That's all.)

Now, just to clarify....

You just cannot use the same 'method' to review a Sports game as an MMO. It just won't work.

Sports games are primarily judged on 'replay value'. (Among other things)

If a sports game is realistic & fluid, then the chances are much HIGHER that gamers will keep replaying it.

As far as NBA 2K goes, the 'gameplay mechanics' of your very 1st NBA game plays exactly like your 80th NBA game. Or your 200th NBA game.

The only difference is your stats, which determine whether you hit more shots, or make more free throws & dunks. But the basic 'game mechanics' (on the court) do not change, from game to game.

On the flip side, reviewing a game like Destiny SHOULD take longer, because in an MMO you MUST play 'a certain number of hours' in order to evaluate an MMO's PROGRESSION SYSTEM.

Why is this important?

The Progression System is the MOST VITAL part of an MMO. Because the Progression system determines exactly HOW the 'game mechanics' will change, as you upgrade your character, in any MMO.

Does my character level-up too slowly? Or too quickly? Or is it just right?

That is exactly why the Destiny Developers told everyone UPFRONT that they will need to play at least 30-40 hours (in real-time) to upgrade their character enough to be allowed to run the highest-level missions.

In addition, the highest-level missions are also a critical part of the whole MMO experience.

Because in an MMO, you continually uncover new powers, abilities & weapons... so the 'gameplay mechanics' in the highest-level missions... are usually VASTLY different... than the 'gameplay mechanics' in the lowest-level missions, when you just start off.

ALL MMO's will tell you (or estimate) 'how long it takes' (on average) in order to access the highest missions available. (this is what is called 'end-game content' in every MMO)

If gamers do not know what to expect from the end-game content, or what the 'gameplay mechanics' are like at the highest levels... they will not be inclined to buy the MMO, or the next DLC.

After the 30-hour mark, the MMO 'game experience' changes completely.

And THAT is what the Reviewer is basing their Destiny scores on.

They are reviewing 'the whole experience'. So they have to play it for as long as it takes in order to tell gamers what it feels like at the beginning... and what it feels like at the very end.

So yes, it usually takes 1 full week of 'playtime' to write an accurate MMO review. Maybe more.

But it does not take 1 week to write an NBA 2K review because you only have to play certain modes a few times to evaluate 'the experience' and determine the 'replay value'.

These reviewers do not have to play all 82 NBA games, in a season.

They can play a handful in the regular season,.... sim to the playoffs to play a few playoff games... sim to the Finals... etc, etc. and they will get a solid idea of what it feels like at the start... and what it feels like at the very end.

The only way you could use the same 'method' to evaluate NBA 2k15 and Destiny is if... In your 1st NBA game.. you could never hit any free throws, because you do not have any free throw skills yet.... but by your 50th game... you have now acquired the 'free throw skill'.. which changes the 'gameplay mechanics' and now involves 'Free Throw Shooting' from here on out. Get it?

Badges are not skillsets that change 'gameplay mechanics'.

Badges only increase the 'probability of success' of existing 'gameplay mechanics' that your baller already HAS on Day 1.

If your baller can dunk on Day 1, that 'gameplay mechanic' won't change.
He may not dunk every single time he tries... but he can dunk.

And if he gets a 'Posterizer' Badge... he will just dunk more consistently. (With some flair.)

So they only need to know 'how realistic' the dunks look.
How well players can shoot & defend. What they controls are like.
What (in-game) options are available., etc. etc.

Then check out all the other 'modes' to see how they 'add value' to the 're-playability'. (sp?)

[El_Poopador]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

With that being said, wouldn't it make more since to give it more than two days? If they redo the score that's cool, but who remembers a retraction, that's on page 14... Lol.

I think the intent was to make up for last year's score because they had egg on their face.

Last year's score didn't include online, as it was reviewed before the retail release. I imagine 2k14 would have seen a similar score if reviewed upon launch.

Personally, I feel the reviews should include every aspect of the game, including online reliability, as it is when the public gets access to it. That way they are reviewing the exact same game I would be playing. To review a game that is so dependent on the online aspect before the servers are turned on doesn't really give the full picture, as we saw last year.

Once the servers have stabilized, they can revisit and update the score accordingly. But the review should reflect the game at the time.

[Bornindamecca]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

You just cannot use the same 'method' to review a Sports game as an MMO. It just won't work.

Sports games are primarily judged on 'replay value'. (Among other things)

On the flip side, reviewing a game like Destiny SHOULD take longer, because in an MMO you MUST play 'a certain number of hours' in order to evaluate an MMO's PROGRESSION SYSTEM.

Why is this important?

The Progression System is the MOST VITAL part of an MMO. Because the Progression system determines exactly HOW the 'game mechanics' will change, as you upgrade your character, in any MMO.

Not to mention that the most progression oriented parts of this game are the ones that aren't working. Some inconsistently, and some not at all. I love this game and this franchise and have friends working there, so I want this to do well. It's heartbreaking to think that Czar did his job great, OG did his job great, Mike did his job great, and Server John is bringing it all down like a saboteur.


But that's where we are.

[WaddupCouzin]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

[QUOTE=RogerBlack;2046674139]Please forgive my use of CAPS in advance.
(I'm not yelling at you. Just trying to emphasize certain keywords. That's all.)

Now, just to clarify....

You just cannot use the same 'method' to review a Sports game as an MMO. It just won't work.

Sports games are primarily judged on 'replay value'. (Among other things)

If a sports game is realistic & fluid, then the chances are much HIGHER that gamers will keep replaying it.

As far as NBA 2K goes, the 'gameplay mechanics' of your very 1st NBA game plays exactly like your 80th NBA game. Or your 200th NBA game.

The only difference is your stats, which determine whether you hit more shots, or make more free throws & dunks. But the basic 'game mechanics' (on the court) do not change, from game to game.

On the flip side, reviewing a game like Destiny SHOULD take longer, because in an MMO you MUST play 'a certain number of hours' in order to evaluate an MMO's PROGRESSION SYSTEM.

Why is this important?

The Progression System is the MOST VITAL part of an MMO. Because the Progression system determines exactly HOW the 'game mechanics' will change, as you upgrade your character, in any MMO.

Does my character level-up too slowly? Or too quickly? Or is it just right?

That is exactly why the Destiny Developers told everyone UPFRONT that they will need to play at least 30-40 hours (in real-time) to upgrade their character enough to be allowed to run the highest-level missions.

In addition, the highest-level missions are also a critical part of the whole MMO experience.

Because in an MMO, you continually uncover new powers, abilities & weapons... so the 'gameplay mechanics' in the highest-level missions... are usually VASTLY different... than the 'gameplay mechanics' in the lowest-level missions, when you just start off.

ALL MMO's will tell you (or estimate) 'how long it takes' (on average) in order to access the highest missions available. (this is what is called 'end-game content' in every MMO)

If gamers do not know what the end-game content is like, or what the 'gameplay mechanics' are like at the highest levels... they will not be inclined to buy the next DLC, in an MMO. And that is exactly how MMO's make money.

After the 30-hour mark, the MMO 'game experience' changes completely.

And THAT is what the Reviewer is basing their Destiny scores on. They are reviewing 'the whole experience'. (ie. What it feels like at the beginning... and what it feels like at the very end.)

So yes, it usually takes 1 full week of 'playtime' to write an accurate MMO review.

But it does not take 1 week to write an NBA 2K review because you only have to play certain modes a few times to evaluate 'the experience' and determine the 'replay value'.

These reviewers do not have to play all 82 NBA games, in a season.

They can play a handful in the regular season,.... sim to the playoffs to play a few playoff games... sim to the Finals... etc, etc. and they will get a solid idea of what it feels like at the start... and what it feels like at the very end.

The only way you could use the same 'method' to evaluate NBA 2k15 and Destiny is if... In your 1st NBA game.. you could never hit any free throws, because you do not have any free throw skills yet.... but by your 50th game... you have now acquired the 'free throw skill'.. which changes the 'gameplay mechanics' and now involves 'Free Throw Shooting' from here on out. Get it?

Badges are not skillsets that change 'gameplay mechanics'.

Badges only increase the 'probability of success' of existing 'gameplay mechanics' that your baller already HAS on Day 1.

If your baller can dunk on Day 1, that 'gameplay mechanic' won't change.
He may not dunk every single time he tries... but he can dunk.[\quote]


My clinical thesis on partial hospitalizations addressing depression was shorter than this... Lmbo!

[chris68pj]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

Does anyone really believe that even the most casual of sports gamer was waiting to see how IGN scored it before buying? I really just think it's going to be talked about by those who already have the game or those already planning to wait for Live. I REALLY can't see this hurting 2K other than bringing up the obvious that everyone should already know if they have a pulse.

[WaddupCouzin]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

My clinical thesis on partial hospitalizations addressing depression was shorter than this... Lmbo!

[VDusen04]

Re: IGN Review (7.8)

Does anyone really believe that even the most casual of sports gamer was waiting to see how IGN scored it before buying? I really just think it's going to be talked about by those who already have the game or those already planning to wait for Live. I REALLY can't see this hurting 2K other than bringing up the obvious that everyone should already know if they have a pulse.

I most certainly believe reviews from IGN can play a role in one's decision to purchase a game, particularly those without an ear to the ground in the online sports community.

For instance, I watch & read various reviews for non-sports games from IGN and other sites like it for games that fall in a community for which I am not a part (say, for Bioshock: Infinite, which I had no clue about). Those reviews alone did not make my decisions, but they certainly aided in the process.

I think the IGN review likely did its job here. If there was a gamer trying to figure out whether to buy NBA 2K right now, that IGN review would likely have told them that it's a very good game but the online portion is really struggling at this moment. That can be helpful information, even if it doesn't make or break one's purchase.