NBA 2K16 Overview (PS4)

Pros

Mostly stable online; Defensive gameplay; Team relocation

Cons

2K ProAm barely works; Spike Lee story mode; Crowds could be better sound-wise

Bottom Line

A game which sets the bar as the pinnacle of the current generation of sports gaming thus far.

out of 10

NBA 2K16 REVIEW

NBA 2K16 Review (PS4)

Submitted on: Oct 01, 2015 by Dustin Toms

Since NBA 2K began its long journey on the Sega Dreamcast, the basketball gaming franchise has been building towards greatness by setting the bar for themselves year after year. But developer Visual Concepts was never able to achieve GOAT status with whispers of NBA 2K11 haunting them every October when the new iteration of the basketball simulation was released.

That’s all about to change.

With a multitude of gameplay improvements -- specifically on the defensive side -- NBA 2K16 is the Michael Jordan of the virtual hardwood once more.

The NBA 2K franchise has also become more visually stunning, another factor that comes into play as the game continuously raises that proverbial bar. Player models look better than ever with players having not just their face, but their entire body scanned into the game. It’s unreal how much the new player models add to the game. Additional signature moves, improved lighting and better crowd reactions have boosted the presentation of the series as well.

Kenny “The Jet” Smith and Greg Anthony are the two newcomers to 2K’s broadcast team. Smith joins Shaq and Ernie Johnson for the game’s pre- and post-game show, while Anthony replaces Steve Kerr as the gameplay’s new color commentator. Adding in the new personalities forced 2K’s hand at implementing a new script, which gives a much-needed fresh feel while playing. Doris Burke returns -- and looks more like Doris Burke -- for sideline interviews. In addition, in-studio player interviews are a welcome addition that look and sound fantastic. (If only they could get Popovich.)

It’s Time to Adapt, Coach

Defense has drastically improved in NBA 2K16 thanks to the new Adaptive Coaching Engine. The engine does just what it’s called, adapts to you and your team’s offense. If a play works to perfection for you once, it likely won’t a second time. If you manage to pull it off two or even three times, the CPU will learn how to shut down the correct passing lanes and force you to go a new direction. You must change your strategy and find a new way to beat your opponent on the fly. In turn, this opens up the other half of the game with your offense. Learning how to correctly run plays with the right screens and passes is going to take some extra time on the sticks for those used to "that cheese," but the feeling of successfully adapting to those who adapt to you is a great one.

Passing is now a primary focus on the offensive side of the ball. Buttons X, O and Triangle all pass the rock, but the type of pass will change dependent on pressing, tapping or double tapping each button. It’s another area of the game that proves you must stay focused or else the turnovers will begin to rack up.

The post game has returned to its 2K12 form with the L2 trigger placing your back to the basket. I personally feel this is a good change as it just makes doing post moves a bit more logical in my mind, which is a necessity with the defensive improvements.

Overall, the new controls take time to get used to, but it’s a near-perfect scheme that was more needed than anyone realized.

That being said, blocks are coming in at an alarmingly high rate, especially online. You can adapt to take smarter shots, sure, but in no world should there be 19 blocks between two teams on a regular basis. Rubber-banding has showed its ugly face a few times as well, but never in a game-changing scenario.

My Career…Or Is It?

It’s been the same tagline over and over: #BeTheStory.

Spike Lee has brought his narrative and basketball genius to NBA 2K16 with “Livin Da’ Dream,” the much-promoted story mode. As Frequency Vibrations (yes, that’s your unchangeable nickname) you embark on a journey from blue-chip prospect to NBA All-Star.

The high school games are strictly for show, with no commentary, zero challenge and awesomely cheesy student chants. During the quick three-game process, nine licensed colleges will recruit you before you make a decision. I found myself reminiscing about College Hoops 2K8 while listening to Clark Kellogg commentate my college career.

The remaining storyline will keep you intrigued as you find yourself quickly playing through the next game so you can see the ensuing cutscene. But despite being involved in many heated altercations with friends, family and owners, that build up to a big decision never led to you actually making the decision. Unfortunately, your college choice is the final decision you get to make.

In the end, the story, though a well-written movie script, misses the mark as a video game storyline.

Once the story is over and your sophomore season begins in the NBA, MyCAREER shows that its better off without Spike Lee. Improved gameplay coupled with the brand new Off-Day Simulator brings the life of an NBA star to your fingertips like never before. Off days are more prominent in the mode, as you have choices to hang out with other NBA personalities, take part in Live Practice or get some more endorsement requirements completed. Connections will grant you rewards such as a new animation, Live Practice will boost your attributes and endorsements will make you some more of that VC scrilla. You can use that cash to deck out your new MyCOURT, the central hub of your career. On the court you can shoot around, invite friends over to play a pick-up game and of course customize the court to your liking.

A Much-Needed Makeover

MyGM makes a triumphant return with many improvements and additions. Three-team trades have returned with realistic logic (just make sure you turn off CPU-CPU trades or else). The offseason has received a face-lift with new Lottery and Draft presentations, and staff hiring is as important as ever. Summer League games are fun as you can choose former lottery outcasts to run with your rookies, and the 2K Hoops Summit gives a first-look at the following season’s draft class.

But the true champion of MyGM is Team Relocation. This new “side feature” has already started a cult following with its extensive customization options. Everything from moving, rebranding and arena design is included, and to top it off it’s very well done. 2K has given you the ability to upload images that help you create the reality you want to see.

What’s even better about these customization options is that it translates seamlessly into MyTEAM, the collectable card game in NBA 2K16. Being able to create an identity for your fantasy NBA squad was something the mode sorely lacked, and has added a new dimension that will surely bring new players on board.

Wait A Second…I’m Connected

For the first time in almost forever, NBA 2K ALMOST has stable online servers. Almost.

Let's be very clear, 2K Pro-Am feels very broken. Some people can't connect to others on the other side of the country, and many more simply can't play the mode at all. Others can get a game in here or there, and then some that do get their games in don't even get their VC at the end. This is not good. And it's somewhat easy to overlook because in the past we start from such a low point with 2K where if the servers work at all, that's a miracle. So, yes, there's no game-breaking online issue at this point that makes the game useless like in the past, but the newest online mode still does not work -- and obviously that is not good.

That being said, Play Now Online will bring out the competitors in all of us. Rising the ladder from Freshman to Greatest of All Time can be a goal for you as NBA 2K16 hopefully begins its slow and steady climb to the eSports phenomenon that's sweeping the country. (I'll mostly ignore the fact that there's a "buy wins" button in the game, but there's a "buy wins" button in the game now for Play Now Online!) There are minor input lag and latency issues that must be chiseled out before the franchise can get to that level, but for now it takes nothing more than a game or two to get used to the timing. The same rules apply for MyPark. Oddly enough, my experiences with All-Star Team Up (a mode that allows you to play with nine other gamers) has had zero input lag; it plays just as well as a human vs. CPU battle.

Final Thoughts

With an array of gameplay options, and a multitude of modes and customization options, Visual Concepts has set the bar by firing on all cylinders to cement themselves as a true dynasty in the sports gaming genre. I mean, seriously, this game is packed with stuff to do. NBA 2K16 could have rested on the laurels of its past, but instead the developers just released one of the best sports games of all-time.

Score: 9.0 (All-Time Classic)

NBA 2K16 Videos

Member Comments

# 21 ECU22 @ 10/01/15 09:08 PM

Great review and I do agree with it. But I do wish they would add the replay function back into online play I really miss it.

# 22 sane478 @ 10/01/15 09:20 PM

One thing I can say that I don't care for with the PlayOnline Now is how we choose times. It's ok for the most part but when we're blindly picking I've ended up with me and my opponents having the same teams because we couldn't see who each other was choosing. Also I haven't got a good Pro Am game in yet but other than that! The game is awesome!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

# 23 twogotwingz3 @ 10/01/15 09:21 PM

Crowds could be better overall not just sound(crowds sit too much and not enough movement), accessory issues, and CAP stuff....if all that was done right 2k16 wouldve been rated a platinum 10

# 24 The Senator @ 10/01/15 09:55 PM

Great review, my only problem with it is that the blocks are perfect. Best I've ever seen in a basketball game, and my favorite change to the gameplay. If someone wants to test me in the post, they pay a price. If I catch a lazy jumper at the right time, I stuff it right back in their face. 2K never got that right before, not even close. Please don't give them any ideas about changing it.

# 25 teebee @ 10/01/15 10:26 PM

My son loved the story but he's 8 years old.

I assume that was the target audience Spike Lee was shooting for when he concocted a story that involved a minor/under age kid skipping school, drinking and generally being an all-around terrible example for anyone impressionable playing the game......

Thanks Spike, keep up the great work

# 26 georgepal @ 10/01/15 10:42 PM

Does anyone know whether if a US version of the game will be ok to play in a European PS4 and wether it will be ok with downloaded VCs?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

# 27 Roger_Black @ 10/01/15 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teebee


	My son loved the story but he's 8 years old. I assume that was the target audience Spike Lee was shooting for when he concocted a story that involved a minor/under age kid skipping school, drinking and generally being an all-around terrible example for anyone impressionable playing the game...... Thanks Spike, keep up the great work

The LEAD character (Frequency Vibrations) never skipped school, never drank and was a GREAT example for young kids... But perhaps you don't hear the announcers repeatedly talk about 'Freq' being a 4.0 'straight A+' scholar/athlete.

But this is what happens when folks completely ignore little things like 'details & facts'.

Because the MINOR supporting character (named Vic Van Lier) did ALL those things you mentioned... and he paid the ULTIMATE consequence for his actions/behavior (which is probably the 'moral of the story' that other gamers easily picked up on...... except you).

SIDENOTE: If you watched enough tv & movies... you may have noticed that it's usually the LEAD CHARACTER who 'sets the example' for an impressionable audience - Not the irresponsible 'sidekick'. (that's exactly WHY he's a sidekick... because he's irresponsible. Get it?)

In Spike's story...

- The hero who attended class and studied hard... made it to the NBA.

- The sidekick who skipped school & got wasted alot.... did not. (And paid dearly for it.)

Not sure how you arrived at the conclusion that this type of story 'sets a bad example' for anyone.

But thanks for your insightful analysis... of completely missing the point by confusing the 'main hero' of the story with the 'sidekick'.

Keep up the great work.

# 28 Perry_West @ 10/01/15 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger_Black


	The LEAD character (Frequency Vibrations) never skipped school, never drank and was a GREAT example for young kids... But perhaps you don't hear the announcers repeatedly talk about 'Freq' being a 4.0 'straight A+' scholar/athlete. But this is what happens when folks completely ignore little things like 'details & facts'. Because the MINOR supporting character (named Vic Van Lier) did ALL those things you mentioned... and he paid the ULTIMATE consequence for his actions/behavior (which is probably the 'moral of the story' that other gamers easily picked up on...... except you). SIDENOTE: If you watched enough tv & movies... you may have noticed that it's usually the LEAD CHARACTER who 'sets the example' for an impressionable audience - Not the irresponsible 'sidekick'. (that's exactly WHY he's a sidekick... because he's irresponsible. Get it?) In Spike's story... - The hero who attended class and studied hard... made it to the NBA. - The sidekick who skipped school & got wasted alot.... did not. (And paid dearly for it.) Not sure how you arrived at the conclusion that this type of story 'sets a bad example' for anyone. But thanks for your insightful analysis... of completely missing the point by confusing the 'main hero' of the story with the 'sidekick'. Keep up the great work.

i just want to say, excellent rebuttal.

# 29 CaseIH @ 10/02/15 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Senator


	Great review, my only problem with it is that the blocks are perfect. Best I've ever seen in a basketball game, and my favorite change to the gameplay. If someone wants to test me in the post, they pay a price. If I catch a lazy jumper at the right time, I stuff it right back in their face. 2K never got that right before, not even close. Please don't give them any ideas about changing it.

I agree, leave it alone. They had it improved in 14 and then the whiners cried about it, so shot blocking was non exsistent in 15 and now its better than its ever been, so 2k devs don't touch this area at all.

Its kind of funny I will see people wanting more sim, then when the game actually delivers a more sim game the same people are crying about changing the same thing they wanted changed, lmao. It seems some people around here want sim only if it benefits them. Like last year people cried about shooting was too hard and then 2k listened to the whiners and changed it and it ruined the game, basically broke it imo. Now this year shooting is back to where it should be, and I see people crying about it.

I really hope the 2k devs have learned not to listen to the online crybabies. For 1 thing online will never be perfect, because your always going to find people that wont play the game of basketball that you play IRL in a game, its just the way it is, too many always look for weaknesses in the game that they can exploit to their benefit.

# 30 Dione2014 @ 10/02/15 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaseIH


	I agree, leave it alone. They had it improved in 14 and then the whiners cried about it, so shot blocking was non exsistent in 15 and now its better than its ever been, so 2k devs don't touch this area at all. Its kind of funny I will see people wanting more sim, then when the game actually delivers a more sim game the same people are crying about changing the same thing they wanted changed, lmao. It seems some people around here want sim only if it benefits them. Like last year people cried about shooting was too hard and then 2k listened to the whiners and changed it and it ruined the game, basically broke it imo. Now this year shooting is back to where it should be, and I see people crying about it. I really hope the 2k devs have learned not to listen to the online crybabies. For 1 thing online will never be perfect, because your always going to find people that wont play the game of basketball that you play IRL in a game, its just the way it is, too many always look for weaknesses in the game that they can exploit to their benefit.

That crying comes from the my career crowd. Which is why i dislike the mode so much aside from the fact that its cheesy and fake, There is no way a story mode should be the main focus of any sports game.

# 31 csofva @ 10/02/15 06:50 AM

Great read , thats why i tend to wait until true basketball season begins to get 2k..so patches are put out and rosters are some what updated

# 32 spankdatazz22 @ 10/02/15 07:59 AM

Despite whatever missteps the game had, I thought it deserved a 9.5 because of the game's scope, and what it clearly succeeds on. Hard to dispute what the game is:

- the most ambitious sports game to date
- one of if not the deepest sports title to date
- best presentation in a sports game
- arguably best graphics
- most feature-rich sports game to date

I could go on - and with some of these things other sports games aren't even close. Just thought the effort and what 2K succeeded in accomplishing merited scoring the game higher, and serves as incentive for other developers to push themselves also. If 2K makes a more "normal" level effort next year similar to what other sports devs do, my guess is they're going to get knocked for not going above and beyond

# 33 Walt Frazier @ 10/02/15 09:38 AM

As an older player, all I hope for is a deep franchise and smart AI.

This game absolutely blows every basketball game to date out of the water....and goes past every sports game, period.

For those things...it really is a 9.75/10 effort...the only negative being warping is still present.

The rest of the stuff is simply bonus content. My player, my whatever...yet to even load any of them. Will eventually. But none of them should detract from just how great this game is for traditional season / franchise players. This is soorts gaming nirvana.

# 34 solofx7 @ 10/02/15 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	Despite whatever missteps the game had, I thought it deserved a 9.5 because of the game's scope, and what it clearly succeeds on. Hard to dispute what the game is: - the most ambitious sports game to date - one of if not the deepest sports title to date - best presentation in a sports game - arguably best graphics - most feature-rich sports game to date I could go on - and with some of these things other sports games aren't even close. Just thought the effort and what 2K succeeded in accomplishing merited scoring the game higher, and serves as incentive for other developers to push themselves also. If 2K makes a more "normal" level effort next year similar to what other sports devs do, my guess is they're going to get knocked for not going above and beyond

I very much agree. I have been playing sports games since Laker v Celtics on the Sega Genesis. I don't miss many sports games outside of soccer. This is one of the best sports games ever. When you play it, it just feels right. I like Madden and I feel like they have made strides, but tackling does not feel or sound right. With 2K you can fiddle with the settings and get the player chatter and court sounds up, it totally adds to the immersion. Honestly I do not have enough time to play this game. I play when I can and get sucked in. Even the bad teams I want to play to see how they will play.

With most of the coach settings, I leave them on auto. It is very neat the adjustments the coach makes. I play as the Spurs, and when I play a team with a far or super athletic point guard, the coach put Leonard on him nearly the whole game. Besides him being young and a great defender, I think that it is the length/wingspan.

I am loving this game. I cannot give 2K enough credit for what they have done.

# 35 franzis @ 10/02/15 09:58 AM

# 36 sschevyridah @ 10/02/15 10:12 AM

I agree with this review. My GM has been so refreshing being able to relocate your team and the overall update to the mode. I haven't been able to put it down. I work, eat , sleep and play 2k. I don't even answer phone calls while i am playing.

# 37 Perry_West @ 10/02/15 10:58 AM

in no other mode would i sub myself out
in a close game up by ten in the third qtr
and watch my team lose without subbing
the star player back in to challenge that.
playing computer sometimes feels like
being in the matrix without Neos powers
just watching the system give itself a win.

# 38 KG @ 10/02/15 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeebs9


	I usually disagree with Chris reviews. But this one hit every nail. Until next year lol

You do know that Chris didn't review this games, lol. He links to the review where the actual reviewer's name is.

# 39 Retropyro @ 10/02/15 12:04 PM

"Three-team trades have returned with realistic logic (just make sure you turn off CPU-CPU trades or else)."

That really annoys me. I want the CPU to make trades in the background, just not ridiculous ones or a stupid amount. I wish this point was covered more in the review. How bad is it to CPU-CPU trading on?

# 40 DustinT @ 10/02/15 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retropyro


	"Three-team trades have returned with realistic logic (just make sure you turn off CPU-CPU trades or else)." That really annoys me. I want the CPU to make trades in the background, just not ridiculous ones or a stupid amount. I wish this point was covered more in the review. How bad is it to CPU-CPU trading on?

DeAndre Jordan is offered in multiple trades. I've been offered, and have seen him end up in other places.

I did see a trade of him to SAC with Cauley-Stein and others going to the Clips...it made some kind of sense but still threw me off.

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