Experience realistic basketball gameplay with enhanced features and an immersive career mode
Experience realistic basketball gameplay with enhanced features and an immersive career mode
Vote (209 votes)
Program license Full
Developer 2K Games
Works under Windows
Vote
(209 votes)
Developer
2K Games
Works under
Windows
Program license
Full
Pros
- The upgrades to the Artificial Intelligence of the game feel very significant, requiring players to think harder before trying to score.
- Graphics are improved and look more realistic than ever. Indeed, the game's realism is unparalleled.
- Like past versions, the game is fully licensed by the NBA and NBPA, meaning that you can play with all of the actual players and teams.
- The almost overwhelming ways to play and manage ensure that players of all ability levels will be able to find a fun way to play.
Cons
- The revamped control system caused some confusion among long-time players.
- Microtransactions are present within the game.
NBA 2K16 was the 2016 version of the popular basketball franchise. Like the various versions that came before it, this one came with a slew of new graphics, innovations, and updates. The game was heavily praised by critics and sold extremely well.
Despite its age, the game plays exceptionally well and offers a true-to-life version of basketball. One of the most notable upgrades to this game was its Artificial Intelligence. The game's AI was upgraded to stop many standard offensive tactics from working. As a result, players had to think more tactically. Calling actual plays as opposed to simply shooting fast became a necessity in order to win.
Other aspects of the gameplay contain similar upgrades. Artificial Intelligence will learn your favorite plans and tactics and upgrade accordingly. This means that you cannot just call the same players over and over again. As a result, you may wind up spending more time in the game's various practice options than you are used to. It's time well spent, as it gives you a chance to explore NBA 2K16's various other features and subsystems that you may have missed otherwise.
Like all new games in this series, the graphics are improved, and this was noted by critics as one of the game's greatest strengths. Players all look extremely true to life and their statistics and physical attributes are dead-on accurate. Furthermore, players have different animations that reflect their real-life play style, leading to a more immersive and realistic experience.
One of the rare criticisms of this game was levied by some who didn't like the new controls system. Some praised it, while others found the changes unnecessary. Regardless, like any major game these days, players can change the controls to have them match whatever they are most comfortable with, including previous versions. Indeed, the entire game is highly customizable. Players can change the controls, camera angles, sound levels, and more.
Of course, NBA 2K16 offers a variety of ways to play and create. You can create your own player and customize every aspect of their history, statistics, appearance, and more. Indeed, designers can now add over 1,500 tattoos to the players of their choice.
What is simply astounding about NBA 2K16 is the various ways to play. Online play is back, of course, and the system by which players can be promoted saw major upgrades. Online transactions do come into play here, giving rise to the popular criticism that people who make purchases are, in fact, paying to win. Various other options include MyGM, MyTeam, and MyLeague, all of which allow you different management options. MyTeam allows you to collect cards and other bonuses as you play and win. This allows you to create your ultimate team, and success is rewarded: The more and the better you play, the higher your chances are of creating a truly unstoppable team.
Additionally, already popular modes saw major upgrades. Classic teams are back, of course, with an additional twelve teams to play with. EuroLeague teams return as well, giving players the option of playing with 25 different teams from around the rest of the world.
The game was ultimately released on all major video game consoles, for Windows and for iOS and Android. Used versions can be purchased off of the internet for as little as $2.
Pros
- The upgrades to the Artificial Intelligence of the game feel very significant, requiring players to think harder before trying to score.
- Graphics are improved and look more realistic than ever. Indeed, the game's realism is unparalleled.
- Like past versions, the game is fully licensed by the NBA and NBPA, meaning that you can play with all of the actual players and teams.
- The almost overwhelming ways to play and manage ensure that players of all ability levels will be able to find a fun way to play.
Cons
- The revamped control system caused some confusion among long-time players.
- Microtransactions are present within the game.
Pros
- Marvelous graphics that pull you into the game
- Career mode takes the game in an interesting new direction
- European teams as well as American
Cons
- The PC version needs work because it does not compare with the Xbox One and PS4
Year after year, NBA 2K Sports has continued to bring the fire that has created a realistic basketball experience. Outside the teams, you have next-generation graphics and a host of different modes. The basketball simulator could be noted for one other new feature: career mode. Spike Lee directs career mode, and you will find yourself thrown into a series of events that you could have never imagined. It's a story mode type of game that can be pretty interesting.
In career mode, you start the game as an African American boy who comes from a rundown neighborhood and has a twin sister who teaches you how to play basketball. You will see plenty of cinematic scenes where your parents talk about what a nice boy you have turned into, and they talk about everything that you sacrificed. You can choose a different ethnicity in the game, but some of the topics sound strange that way. Despite that, My Career delivers a lot of fresh ideas, and you get the chance to make professional decisions over the course of your story. Another advantage is that you experience cameos from the real players who decide to offer you actual assistance throughout the game. How cool would you feel if Stephen Curry became your mentor? That is what My Career mode does for you.
While career mode is great, you can rest assured that the game has more to offer. For example, you have My Team, which is similar to what you have in FIFA 16 with Ultimate Team. You play in regular matches and experiment with a variety of online modes. When it comes to teams, not only do you get the NBA teams, you also have the classic teams to choose from like the Dallas Mavericks or the Portland Trail Blazers. Along with American teams, European basketball also comes into play, and you will find over 25 different teams for the Euroleague. That is something that we saw in NBA 2K15, but it has changed even more with the latest installment.
NBA 2K16 has more intuitive controls, and the basketball symbols show you the passes you can make to specific players. It has been assigned by button, and that makes it easier to visualize your possible moves. The visuals are great, and it is something that 2K Sports has often been known for: their detailed facial animations and depth in the court. Everything looks realistic, but it should be pointed out that the graphics look twice as good on the PS4 and Xbox One. The PC platform did not do as well this year. Nevertheless, the high level of realism and modes has made it a tempting title.
Pros
- Marvelous graphics that pull you into the game
- Career mode takes the game in an interesting new direction
- European teams as well as American
Cons
- The PC version needs work because it does not compare with the Xbox One and PS4
