NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

[The 24th Letter]

NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

That may because the only Association threads that exist are those created by folks wishing that 2K actually paid attention to that mode in the first place.

Also, inherently, Associations are about taking real life NBA teams, with real life NBA players, and moving forward as one sees fit. There's a choice. Players can make it as isolated from reality as humanly possible (jumble all the rosters, draft made up players, etc.), as realistic as possible (follow the NBA season, transaction for transaction), or anywhere in between. Moving a team into the future is surely fantasy, but it's still based in reality to a large degree.

And yes, it's all a form of fantasy when it comes down to it, like all video games. But, again, the line between realistic based fantasy (real rosters, the potential for realistic roster management and seasons) and modes based on fictional players, fictional teams, and pre-decided (and fully fictional) storylines is clear, no? Perhaps we struggle with our words to describe the difference ("fantasy" may be the wrong label) but do you see where folks are coming from?

I like variance and I even enjoy dabbling in some of the fiction-based modes (I usually play MyPlayer for a little bit before monotony settles in for me). I don't have an issue with that portion of the game existing. I do begin to develop an issue if that type of gaming is seeming to take precedent over the more realism-based modes. And that is my worry this year. There's still a fair amount of people whose interest in NBA 2K14 is the NBA portion; as in, its ability to replicate the real league of which we're all fans. I mean, it's not exactly a Backyard Basketball title.

Long story short, I'm a little burnt out on all the focus and emphasis on MyTeam, MyPlayer, Crew, Online, VC, and Path to Greatness because I find them to be too far removed from what I'm looking for in a NBA simulation basketball game. I also feel, in turn, that such emphasis on all the modes mentioned above may have very well reduced the amount of time spent on more of the real life simulation-based modes. With no other basketball simulation alternative, I sometimes find it in my best interest to gently voice my displeasure with reasoned and level headed responses on an internet message board. It has no bearing, I know, but I suppose it is cathartic to some degree.

So this basically boils down to Association mode? because the gameplay adjustments were clearly made to make the game more realistic (which is funny, because in a couple of threads down you were stating this "wasn't enough")...so I am assuming this is regarding Association..that's noted...they should definitely show the mode more attention....

Otherwise, I am not sure what you are looking for...and if I was a dev, I'm looking at one thread were you are saying gameplay adjustments aren't enough to pique your interest, then another where you don't enjoy any modes that involve any "fantasy" elements within a video game..I'm not sure how I am supposed to please you as a player...

Maybe you should give an example, because there seems to be a very small window for you outside of association, quick game and maybe classic teams?

[DukeC]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

I usually refrain from posting in these parts because the stupidity displayed in these threads is too much for my eyes to take on a regular basis.

I will ,however, agree that this mode is redundant for the most part (if not for the varying storylines that could happen maybe?) if Create A Legend is still a mode in 2K14. So I can see why people would gripe about this because it is redundant.

[benson_bone]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

I usually refrain from posting in these parts because the stupidity displayed in these threads is too much for my eyes to take on a regular basis.

I will ,however, agree that this mode is redundant for the most part (if not for the varying storylines that could happen maybe?) if Create A Legend is still a mode in 2K14. So I can see why people would gripe about this because it is redundant.

My deepest gratitude for gracing these lowly threads with your pontification. Truly raising these parts to previously unimaginable levels of glorious intelligence.

[knick9]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

The last thing I want to do is play as Lebron, I'll never play this mode.

[KyotoCarl]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

I usually refrain from posting in these parts because the stupidity displayed in these threads is too much for my eyes to take on a regular basis.

I will ,however, agree that this mode is redundant for the most part (if not for the varying storylines that could happen maybe?) if Create A Legend is still a mode in 2K14. So I can see why people would gripe about this because it is redundant.

In CAL you just control one player though, in this Lebron mode you control the whole team so it's different.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[Jrocc23]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

In CAL you just control one player though, in this Lebron mode you control the whole team so it's different.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

You could do this in association then. I think it'll be a fun mode. Don't like LeBron, but I'll try some out and lock onto him.

[DukeC]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

My deepest gratitude for gracing these lowly threads with your pontification. Truly raising these parts to previously unimaginable levels of glorious intelligence.

Not to say that there aren't some intelligent posters here, but the majority act like they can't use their brains on a consistent basis.

You had guys saying that standing in front of someone should count as good defense. Just...standing in front of someone....and the majority of the thread was agreeing with him...

So yes, my standards are pretty low for this section, though it's not as low as the Madden forums.

[OkayC]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

Not to say that there aren't some intelligent posters here, but the majority act like they can't use their brains on a consistent basis.

You had guys saying that standing in front of someone should count as good defense. Just...standing in front of someone....and the majority of the thread was agreeing with him...

So yes, my standards are pretty low for this section, though it's not as low as the Madden forums.

Doing that should be decent defense beyond the three point line with a taller defender in front of you. Otherwise...

[VDusen04]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

So this basically boils down to Association mode? because the gameplay adjustments were clearly made to make the game more realistic (which is funny, because in a couple of threads down you were stating this "wasn't enough")...so I am assuming this is regarding Association..that's noted...they should definitely show the mode more attention....

Otherwise, I am not sure what you are looking for...and if I was a dev, I'm looking at one thread were you are saying gameplay adjustments aren't enough to pique your interest, then another where you don't enjoy any modes that involve any "fantasy" elements within a video game..I'm not sure how I am supposed to please you as a player...

Maybe you should give an example, because there seems to be a very small window for you outside of association, quick game and maybe classic teams?

I see where you may be confused. I feel kind of funny about 2K14 so far - wishy-washy, if you will. I'd like to sit and say, "Oh no, definitely not getting this game." But I know better than that. I've bought 2K on release day every year since 2K3. I'm a basketball lifer and as a fan of basketball games, I don't really have any other options, so even if I'm relatively underwhelmed with an upcoming product, I admit there's still a good chance I'm picking it up. And there's an even greater chance I'll enjoy it (crazy, right?). But all that doesn't mean that I love the current direction of the game.

You ask what I'm looking for. To re-state, I'm looking for an NBA basketball game whose primary, secondary, and perhaps tertiary emphasis is on... NBA basketball. What does that even mean, you ask? Well, for starters, you're correct, I am (in part) referencing Quick Games, Association, Classic Teams and general in-game improvements (actual gameplay, atmosphere, presentation). But it's bigger than that. For instance, I'd prefer if 2K didn't treat the removal of the Summer League and D-League as a forward move.

To use MyPlayer as just one example, in the beginning (and as I mentioned previously) I actually really dug the idea of MyPlayer. 2K10 implemented it in a manner where, yes, it was in essence one of the larger possible fantasies (a created player going to the NBA). However, it was veiled in enough realism to make the immersion actually feel pretty legit. There was an authentic Draft Combine, Summer League, Training Camp and ultimately - the Developmental League. The fact that this mode was originally one fantasy element surrounded by an authentic and real living and breathing professional basketball circle still made it work.

If we compare that to 2K13's MyPlayer, a very significant chunk of the surrounding setting and realism has been completely yanked from the mode itself and, in my opinion, significantly damaged the immersion and the mode's ultimate NBA relation. A no-name putting up modest stats for the Ft. Wayne Mad Ants in hopes of getting a brief call-up at some point down the line where they'd be able to play spot minutes for an NBA affiliate (2K10)? Sounds legit. But a no-name getting drafted between #1 overall and #30 coming in, seeing light minutes for a few games, then suddenly usurping Chris Paul as the team's starting point guard, being named to the All-Star team, winning both MVP awards and winning the NBA Championship in his first season while averaging 42 and 15? That's got me asking questions. 2K10's MyPlayer had many issues, no doubt. But I feel in many regards, the mode moved further away from NBA replication instead of closer.

I am struggling with my words, but I'm attempting to acknowledge that video gaming in and of itself is fantastical. But with an NBA simulation, I'd like if that fantasy were based in a significant amount of realism. And while I acknowledge that realism will always have its limits, I'd like if 2K continued moving in the right direction, as opposed to replacing real life salaries with golden coins called virtual currency that can then be exchanged for very, very expensive adidas t-shirts.

Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't reference the famed "little things". I haven't lingered too much on that thought because it's my assumption that the next generation will offer a bevy of incredible little tidbits that make their game look realer than we ever thought it could or would. Still, those things are a huge part of improving the experience and after years of outstanding work in that department, they've felt a little tougher to come by these last few years (which I feel attributes to 2K14's apparent lack of freshness to viewing eyes).

Essentially, aside from the subtle gameplay adjustments, what is new for fans of simulation NBA replication on the current generation 2K14 this year?

[Cleveland Rocks]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

As a person who plays classic team association nothing they have added interests me. I have 3 classic association running in 2k13, if I believed 14 improved on that I'd be all over it. Another thing Lebron is the best player but his popularity is not nearly as high enough for this to draw preorders on a mode like this; now this would work for Jordan or shaq now or at any point in their careers it would draw interest but LBJ is just not popular enough for this. At this point I would be shocked if they added anything to the classic mode. Association seems untouched again its a clear pass on this game for me.

[JasonWilliams55]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

Essentially, aside from the subtle gameplay adjustments, what is new for fans of simulation NBA replication on the current generation 2K14 this year?

But aren't those subtle adjustments making the game go towards a more realistic gameplay approach?

Isn't balancing offense and defense to be equally competitive on the court, going more towards realism?

While the CG game is lacking any graphical (except minor ones) updates, the gameplay has seen a rebalancing to make the game more realistic.

I for one am not worried about the future of NBA2K, as the graphics get clearer, sharper and uber-realistic, people will be turned off by unrealistic things happening on the court. So with that, 2K will have to make the game more realistic to keep up with the realism of the graphics. Graphics can only go so far without good gameplay.

But overall I hear ya and dig what ya saying.

[ffaacc03]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

I do think that 2k14 CG has many improvements/additions that make it worth to be bought, then again, I do see where VD is comming from.

It is just confusing how some areas get such distinct levels of attention, I mean, from clearly evident to unnoticeable at best and even more cofusing when you see some kind of focus on refining gameplay sim aspects and yet an opposite attention on adding unrealistic features.

Such contrast is shocking and somewhere down the road, it gives the impression that the gap between the 2 distinct markets 2k is trying to catter to, is so big that the compromised direction/approach that was once sucessfull, it aint as much, therefore the increased amount of complaints from both sides and the wishy-washy feelings.

I personaly hope that 2k realizes that what made them different was that they focused on that realism first and then on all other things, I also hope that they can realize the true value of their most underappreciated pilar: customization/editability. I wish they could expand on it and offer us enough options/features/settings to make the game fit our own unique views on how the game should simulate the NBA (whatever mode), I wish they could realize that this is the best route to go after those 2 distinct markets, as comprimises to please them both at once aint and would not cut it anymore.

[thedream2k13]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

As a person who plays classic team association nothing they have added interests me. I have 3 classic association running in 2k13, if I believed 14 improved on that I'd be all over it. Another thing Lebron is the best player but his popularity is not nearly as high enough for this to draw preorders on a mode like this; now this would work for Jordan or shaq now or at any point in their careers it would draw interest but LBJ is just not popular enough for this. At this point I would be shocked if they added anything to the classic mode. Association seems untouched again its a clear pass on this game for me.

did you not see the association improvement article?

[Melbournelad]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

did you not see the association improvement article?

They literally announced two minor "fixes". Surely you're joking? Take a look at the Association threads if you don't know the glaring issues.

[Wildcats302]

Re: NBA 2K14 Makes You Lebron, Path to Greatness Mode Details

I would hate for LeBron to come to LA. So glad it's looking like its not going to happen IRL.

I'm indifferent to it. The Lakers are going to be the Lakers with or without him ever wearing the uniform. I like him as a villain anyways.