NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

[RaychelSnr]

The last week of September is one of my favorite weeks of the year.

First because my birthday falls in that week. Second because the new version of the NBA 2K series usually starts appearing in mom and pop stores and on eBay.

I have spent a lot of time every year running around the DC area looking for stores selling the game early or bugging fellow OS'ers about eBay auctions or Craigslist listings. I’ve travelled to different states and paid almost twice the price just to get the game early. Needless to say I’m nuts when it comes to NBA 2K -- except for this year.

As release week came around, I wasn’t sure that I was going to try to get the game early. None of the promoted improvements and additions had me excited and I have been more focused on what the next-gen version of the game will look and play like.

So when Steve reached out and asked me to preview and eventually to review the game, I was happy about it but aware that my excitement level was much lower than in past years.

Did playing this year's game reignite my excitement for this year's current generation release? Let's find out.


Read More - NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

[Gramps91]

Can't wait to get this. I really wish there had been some offline association improvements but I'm happy with the gameplay changes.

Always nice to hear about improved A.I too. Keep it up 2k.

[ruxpinke]

Re: NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

solid review. bought digital version of game today. definitely going next gen, but probably not til the holiday, seem to all sold out online at the moment. this will hold me over nicely til then. 2k is never perfect but its by far the best, and will get my 60 for current gen. hoping there is an upgrade program for next gen like the UK. if not it would hurt a bit but i would def drop another 60 or so on next gen when its time.

[clipperfan811]

Fair and justifiable review, good job. I'm excited to check out the new gameplay but I have a feeling I'll be spending as much (or more) time modding the PC version as I will playing it.

[celtics6]

Re: NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

This was a really good review. I'm going to pick it up i think. Tough call though with the next gen right around the corner.

I'm wondering if sports games to start next gen will take a step back as far as gameplay like they usually do. It always seems to be that way at first until they get it right. I'd honestly much rather play polished gameplay then graphics and wait all gen until the gameplay catches up.

[alexthegreat]

Re: NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

Glad to see consistent good reviews about the improved gameplay and blocking system. Should be enough to hold me till Nov.

[ron_bato]

Fair review, to me gameplay is the most important aspect of nba 2k, but I recognize that a lot of people are also interested in the other game modes which see little to no improvement every year.

I am actually having the opposite experience as you regarding your point of how CPU AI teams play like their real life counterparts. Example, I just played a game (12 minute quarters) against the Mavericks, on superstar-simulation settings, and Monta Ellis, Devin Harris, and Jose Calderon combined to take 60+ shots (Monta had around 34 shot attempts, Devin Harris close to 20, and Calderon somewhere in the 15-17 range) whereas Dirk only had 12 attempts the entire game (game went into overtime) -- Dirk only attempted 2 shots in the first half.

In another game against the lakers, Kobe Bryant must have changed his name to Nick Young because Nick Young led the team in shot attempts. And I thought, okay, maybe just a fluke, but I played against the Lakers again, and Nick Young had 17 attempts by half time. Pau Gasol rarely touched the ball.

I did get the same experience as you though when I faced the Grizzlies. They dumped the ball to Gasol, and their first 12 shots, 6 came from Marc Gasol in the post, and 4 shots came from Z-Bo.

I hope they correct these tendencies in a roster update. Because it has been my main gripe with the game. Otherwise, I think gameplay is the best this generation (obviously aside from my issue with the AI replicating their real life counterparts), and the only thing holding it back is the realism in terms of team/player tendencies which could be a function of the default 2k roster.

[joewink23]

I'm going next gen but the $10 upgrade is a steal. I'm buying this with the full intent of trying (wife permitting) to get the PS4 and that version. This is a good hold-over and the upgraded gameplay is likely enough to make it alright to wait for a PS4 to come back into stock because I didn't preorder. I can wait until February or whatever as long as I have me some sweet 2k and GTAV.

[Skopin]

Re: NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

Do they actually say your name when you get drafted in My Career? One of the things that completely ruins immersion is when you're picked and instead of your name, hearing "the XX year old POSITION from COLLEGE."

[Armor and Sword]

Re: NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

I have been sticking with 2K11. Never played 12 or 13. I am glad I waited. This is a good review and it is time to take the plunge and upgrade.

2K14 here I come.


This will feel totally fresh for me and gameplay for me is everything when it comes to Basketball games. I have always been very picky when it comes to the hardwood. Before 2K11, the last B-Ball game I loved with a passion was NBA Live 2005.


So I am really looking forward to sinking my teeth into this title.

[Panicshade]

Re: NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

I'm going next gen but the $10 upgrade is a steal. I'm buying this with the full intent of trying (wife permitting) to get the PS4 and that version. This is a good hold-over and the upgraded gameplay is likely enough to make it alright to wait for a PS4 to come back into stock because I didn't preorder. I can wait until February or whatever as long as I have me some sweet 2k and GTAV.

I hope you are in Europe because there is no $10 upgrade program for 2K14 on PS4 in the US.

[The 24th Letter]

Re: NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

Fair review, to me gameplay is the most important aspect of nba 2k, but I recognize that a lot of people are also interested in the other game modes which see little to no improvement every year.

I am actually having the opposite experience as you regarding your point of how CPU AI teams play like their real life counterparts. Example, I just played a game (12 minute quarters) against the Mavericks, on superstar-simulation settings, and Monta Ellis, Devin Harris, and Jose Calderon combined to take 60+ shots (Monta had around 34 shot attempts, Devin Harris close to 20, and Calderon somewhere in the 15-17 range) whereas Dirk only had 12 attempts the entire game (game went into overtime) -- Dirk only attempted 2 shots in the first half.

In another game against the lakers, Kobe Bryant must have changed his name to Nick Young because Nick Young led the team in shot attempts. And I thought, okay, maybe just a fluke, but I played against the Lakers again, and Nick Young had 17 attempts by half time. Pau Gasol rarely touched the ball.

I did get the same experience as you though when I faced the Grizzlies. They dumped the ball to Gasol, and their first 12 shots, 6 came from Marc Gasol in the post, and 4 shots came from Z-Bo.

I hope they correct these tendencies in a roster update. Because it has been my main gripe with the game. Otherwise, I think gameplay is the best this generation (obviously aside from my issue with the AI replicating their real life counterparts), and the only thing holding it back is the realism in terms of team/player tendencies which could be a function of the default 2k roster.

Have to a agree that I've experienced this in some cases...it seems hit or miss

I play one game and KD is throwing up shots all game, then the next, Westbrook is the one gunning, but behind him is J Lamb..

I also had a similar experience to yours vs the Mavs...

[aholbert32]

Re: NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

Have to a agree that I've experienced this in some cases...it seems hit or miss

I play one game and KD is throwing up shots all game, then the next, Westbrook is the one gunning, but behind him is J Lamb..

I also had a similar experience to yours vs the Mavs...

Hmm...Never played the Mavs so I cant speak to them but I'm not seeing any inconsistencies here. I played the game for almost 2 weeks and this part has been consistent. Every team I've played has given their best players the most touches.

[MikeGiani]

Re: NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

Hmm...Never played the Mavs so I cant speak to them but I'm not seeing any inconsistencies here. I played the game for almost 2 weeks and this part has been consistent. Every team I've played has given their best players the most touches.

what difficulty level do you play on?

[aholbert32]

Re: NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

what difficulty level do you play on?

Superstar/11 min/Simulation mode.