NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

[The 24th Letter]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

I see you trusted in my word and tried out HOF lol...what do you think about it so far, Im still surprised by how well it plays this year, haven't felt cheated at all.

~Koosa10:27~

been having some really fun games on HOF man- feels good right now on my end...

[soulsearcher]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

I'm done with this game. So disappointed this year, least favorite 2k in a long time. I was crazy excited after how great 17 was but this is simply a step back. Specifically with CPU offense AI.

Devs, I encourage you to try this. Matchup a horrible defender on a fast iso type guard. I tried Ryan Anderson on Dennis Smith. The AI has NO idea who is guarding them. It failed to recognize that a slow, plodding big was guarding Smith and the CPU simply trucked along with their freelance offense over and over. Very disappointing. It has no concept of mismatches whatsoever, especially on the perimeter. Tried turning awareness up, other fixes, nothing helped.

The game is far too heavy on freelance offense. There are not nearly enough isos, randomness, etc. The CPU incessantly runs whatever offense/plays that team is programmed for and it ignores mismatches and will even often eschew simple catch and drive opportunities. Playing vs the mavs, their coded offense has a lot of dribble handoffs. They would get around one of my defenders, literally a step past, and ignore the free lane to the hoop to continue their next handoff move. CPU offense comes off as very pre programmed like this. Hard coded. Much more than 17. On this note- I've tried tendency changing, more isos, etc. hasnt really helped. Not a fan of even very low iso guys being a zero- does this mean they're hard coded not to be able to iso on a big-time mismatch? (I realize this isn't related to Smith not driving/isoing on Anderson, he has a fairly high iso rating.)

The Anderson/Smith test was it for me. The CPU was completely unaware that it had a gigantic mismatch and could literally drive by the defender at will. That is AI offense in a nutshell this year. These games have been so damn fun for me the last few years so I really tried to like this edition, but barring some type of patch that's obviously not going to happen. Prob for the best, I've spent too much free time playing 2K anyhow!!

EDIT: Going back and comparing to 17, it must be the new offensive "systems" that is causing what I'm seeing. Seven seconds, balanced, grit and grind. Everything else is the same as last year.... Run plays frequency, etc. I admire the attempt to replicate a teams system, which are definitely in place, but this feature seems to be stifling player individuality for the sake of mimicking a team's set system. Yes, NBA teams have systems, but they also often let their best players be themselves, iso, and just play. The AI is now sacrificing that to robotically run the designated system offense. There needs to be a better balance between attaining system similarity but at the same time allowing star players to improvise and let them "go to work"- as you will often see in real life. This simply doesn't happen enough in 2k18.

[LionsFanNJ]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

Yeah i'm an Advocate on HOF with adjusted sliders to compensate for the CPU's nonsense sometimes. Like i said earlier i basically put most sliders at 50 on HOF and went from there. Keep in mind I also use the Nets(02 and current) in some form in all modes. From these last few posts though i'm thinking about dropping the ball security slider for the CPU down.

My only problem is i can't find a freelance i'm satisfied with for the 02 Nets. The team was a real fast paced team pushing the pace from turnovers with a heavy focus on jump shooting in the half court with Kidd finding cutters/shooters (and Kenyon with oops) and i can't find one that matches what i want.

[Mauer4MVP]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

Honestly, the biggest problem is contested shots near the rim don't go in nearly as often as they do. Hell, not even contested. Just Patty mills standing under the basket completely throws KAT off.

I know some level they probably have to miss more to make up for getting more open looks than you should but it's a problem.

Sent from my HTC Desire 626 using Operation Sports mobile app

[Koosa1027]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

I'm done with this game. So disappointed this year, least favorite 2k in a long time. I was crazy excited after how great 17 was but this is simply a step back. Specifically with CPU offense AI.

Devs, I encourage you to try this. Matchup a horrible defender on a fast iso type guard. I tried Ryan Anderson on Dennis Smith. The AI has NO idea who is guarding them. It failed to recognize that a slow, plodding big was guarding Smith and the CPU simply trucked along with their freelance offense over and over. Very disappointing. It has no concept of mismatches whatsoever, especially on the perimeter. Tried turning awareness up, other fixes, nothing helped.

The game is far too heavy on freelance offense. There are not nearly enough isos, randomness, etc. The CPU incessantly runs whatever offense/plays that team is programmed for and it ignores mismatches and will even often eschew simple catch and drive opportunities. Playing vs the mavs, their coded offense has a lot of dribble handoffs. They would get around one of my defenders, literally a step past, and ignore the free lane to the hoop to continue their next handoff move. CPU offense comes off as very pre programmed like this. Hard coded. Much more than 17. On this note- I've tried tendency changing, more isos, etc. hasnt really helped. Not a fan of even very low iso guys being a zero- does this mean they're hard coded not to be able to iso on a big-time mismatch? (I realize this isn't related to Smith not driving/isoing on Anderson, he has a fairly high iso rating.)

The Anderson/Smith test was it for me. The CPU was completely unaware that it had a gigantic mismatch and could literally drive by the defender at will. That is AI offense in a nutshell this year. These games have been so damn fun for me the last few years so I really tried to like this edition, but barring some type of patch that's obviously not going to happen. Prob for the best, I've spent too much free time playing 2K anyhow!!

EDIT: Going back and comparing to 17, it must be the new offensive "systems" that is causing what I'm seeing. Seven seconds, balanced, grit and grind. Everything else is the same as last year.... Run plays frequency, etc. I admire the attempt to replicate a teams system, which are definitely in place, but this feature seems to be stifling player individuality for the sake of mimicking a team's set system. Yes, NBA teams have systems, but they also often let their best players be themselves, iso, and just play. The AI is now sacrificing that to robotically run the designated system offense. There needs to be a better balance between attaining system similarity but at the same time allowing star players to improvise and let them "go to work"- as you will often see in real life. This simply doesn't happen enough in 2k18.

I have played several games where the stars have taken over at realistic times but I have also saw them stick to the system too much like you're sayimg but I've seen far more good than bad.

~Koosa10:27~

[rockchisler]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

Crazy disappointed in the clipping. It's always been there but it is the worst that I have seen it in about ummmmmmm....forever


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[rwntrl]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

Been getting realistic numbers and results the past couple of days om HOF. Don't know if it's just me, but the game feels better now than at launch. I have 2 MyLeague files going, a Warriors one and a Sixers one, and both are great contrasts. I get high scoring, 3 pointer filled games as the Warriors, and I get to grind out games with the Sixers by dumping the ball to Embiid and letting him get to work, or letting Fultz and Simmons drive and kick to Redick or Saric.

Sent from my R7kf using Operation Sports mobile app

[Koosa1027]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

Been getting realistic numbers and results the past couple of days om HOF. Don't know if it's just me, but the game feels better now than at launch. I have 2 MyLeague files going, a Warriors one and a Sixers one, and both are great contrasts. I get high scoring, 3 pointer filled games as the Warriors, and I get to grind out games with the Sixers by dumping the ball to Embiid and letting him get to work, or letting Fultz and Simmons drive and kick to Redick or Saric.

Sent from my R7kf using Operation Sports mobile app

I usually either pick a team from the west and a team from the east within the same myleague or a good team and a bad team. Im a Laker fan so my favorite team went from being my good team to being my bad team for myleague [emoji23] [emoji23]

~Koosa10:27~

[RogerDodger]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

I'm having a ton of fun with this game. My frustration at the brick wall defending is gone and while it's taken me a good while to adjust from 2k17, I absolutely love 2k18. It's not perfect - which game is. I wish CPU put-backs weren't such a formality for the CPU but I can't complain, there's so much more to like than previously.

Disclaimer: I enjoyed 2k17 a lot as well. Call me easily pleased but the NBA 2k series continues to be a game I enjoy tremendously.

Edit: I wish they had Staples Center better represented, the other game has done a better job with that arena.

[olajuwon34]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

https://streamable.com/fcj7j - tried hitting a cutter, definitely some good realism here

https://streamable.com/wtwjg - simple passes on the fastbreak yet the game just spits in my face, this is how the dev's work on confining the game to the way they want you to play it, certain plays you want to make are worthless cause its not how they want you to play, which is why these games become boring and predictable.

[LionsFanNJ]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

God I love playing with John Wall. I did today's laker/wiz game from both sides and man, John Wall is on another level. Using him I was getting wherever I wanted against the Lakers. In contrast, Lonzo was fun as well, but I had to use him a totally different way. The current talent level in game was definitely noticeable though

Sent from my SM-T113 using Tapatalk

[NicoS2411]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

I have a question for you all : how many open shots do you get in a game ?

I play in superstar (all-star default is a bit easy) and I get close to NONE (maybe 1-2 after an offensive rebound when the paint is stacked).

For me this is the main problem about the CPU in defense: the other players never help when the first defender is beaten after a screen or an iso.

So in the end, you can score a ton of points in the paint with simple layups/dunks after a screen. I sometimes win games by using constantly this "tactic" (the cpu just doesn't adapt to it). But this is not basketball. You also shoot jumpshots in basketball... and in any NBA games, there are a ton of open shots (or more than 2 anyway)...

There is clearly a script that makes the cpu's number one priority is to prevent an open shot, and not protect the basket. You can see it in the way the defense cpu players run pretty much as fast as the ball to close up on the shooter that seemed free when the pass left. They sometimes glide unrealistically to do so... It's quite annoying to do a pick and pop and see Tyson Chandler leave a gap, and then he does 5-6 meters in 0,5 second to contest the shot...

I've been trying to adjust the sliders (I lowered defensive awareness, etc.) but nothing has been working so far. The defenders keep marking their man tight while I run freely to the basket... it takes out all the fun.

Has anyone also have this issue ? And do you have ideas to solve it ?

[OrlandoTill]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

I have a question for you all : how many open shots do you get in a game ?

I play in superstar (all-star default is a bit easy) and I get close to NONE (maybe 1-2 after an offensive rebound when the paint is stacked).

For me this is the main problem about the CPU in defense: the other players never help when the first defender is beaten after a screen or an iso.

So in the end, you can score a ton of points in the paint with simple layups/dunks after a screen. I sometimes win games by using constantly this "tactic" (the cpu just doesn't adapt to it). But this is not basketball. You also shoot jumpshots in basketball... and in any NBA games, there are a ton of open shots (or more than 2 anyway)...

There is clearly a script that makes the cpu's number one priority is to prevent an open shot, and not protect the basket. You can see it in the way the defense cpu players run pretty much as fast as the ball to close up on the shooter that seemed free when the pass left. They sometimes glide unrealistically to do so... It's quite annoying to do a pick and pop and see Tyson Chandler leave a gap, and then he does 5-6 meters in 0,5 second to contest the shot...

I've been trying to adjust the sliders (I lowered defensive awareness, etc.) but nothing has been working so far. The defenders keep marking their man tight while I run freely to the basket... it takes out all the fun.

Has anyone also have this issue ? And do you have ideas to solve it ?

I think you have some merit in your thoughts.

I hate playing the CPU in Walk-On Pro-AM especially if it is only my man who has server issues and there are other users who still stay in the match. Unless you have a speed mismatch or a natural one for post play(height/weight) the CPU will not let you score(unless you set a screen). Then when you throw on top how viciously online users rotate in Pro-Am and how hard users are trying to force a turnover it is an absolute nightmare to score with a slow archetype.

I'm of the mindset that if you have a slow offensive-oriented archetype you will have to rely on cheesing the CPU to score especially early on in your career if you don't have the VC to be an 85 out the gate.

[nextgen_24]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

I've only had this game a day, but so far very impressed. The gameplay is as polished as it has ever been. Players feel a lot more like their real-life counterparts than last year. Animations look VERY good, and thankfully you can't steal the ball on every other press of the 'steal' button on D like you could last year.

My only major complaint is that 2K could really work on beefing up the crowd noise. Their intensity (or lack thereof) still leaves much to be desired.

Also really like the concept of "The Neighborhood" in MyCareer, only downside is you can't go somewhere with the press of a button like you could in past games, now you have to walk over there, which can become a bit tedious after a while.

[lareka]

Re: NBA 2k18 Impressions Thread

I have a question for you all : how many open shots do you get in a game ?

I play in superstar (all-star default is a bit easy) and I get close to NONE (maybe 1-2 after an offensive rebound when the paint is stacked).

For me this is the main problem about the CPU in defense: the other players never help when the first defender is beaten after a screen or an iso.

So in the end, you can score a ton of points in the paint with simple layups/dunks after a screen. I sometimes win games by using constantly this "tactic" (the cpu just doesn't adapt to it). But this is not basketball. You also shoot jumpshots in basketball... and in any NBA games, there are a ton of open shots (or more than 2 anyway)...

There is clearly a script that makes the cpu's number one priority is to prevent an open shot, and not protect the basket. You can see it in the way the defense cpu players run pretty much as fast as the ball to close up on the shooter that seemed free when the pass left. They sometimes glide unrealistically to do so... It's quite annoying to do a pick and pop and see Tyson Chandler leave a gap, and then he does 5-6 meters in 0,5 second to contest the shot...

I've been trying to adjust the sliders (I lowered defensive awareness, etc.) but nothing has been working so far. The defenders keep marking their man tight while I run freely to the basket... it takes out all the fun.

Has anyone also have this issue ? And do you have ideas to solve it ?

I don't know you mate but I got a lot of open shots man. I play with the Pistons on default sliders with superstar and i won against Rockets by 30 recently. I'll switch to HOF soon since it get easier but once you understand the game - it takes time- it gets easier. How do i get open shots?

1-With sets, floppy actions
2-After pick & roll sometimes the big man sticks to the paint, i have a wide open mid range shot with the guard
3-After pick & roll 3rd guy comes to help to cover the paint, i find open man in the corner
4-Sometimes CPU plays off of my guys like Tobias Harris, Bradley and Stanley. When they give me space I shoot the open jumper.
5-You can get tons of open shots in transition or semi-transition situations Drive through the middle and CPU team-mates will spot-up for you.
6- Use turbo (sprint) button less.

If you are using pick and roll, don't always use it, try going to the reverse side without using your pick, it helps open up the D