We reviewed ‘NBA 2K19’ on the graphically-enhanced Xbox One X.
Gameplay
As always, NBA 2K sets the bar for gameplay in sports titles. Player movement is as good as ever, and as the years pass, animations become less and less of a factor. I feel like gamers have more control on drives to the basket (even for smaller players), and there is a good chance of coming away with a bucket if you choose the right kind of shot/layup/dunk.
Shooting—particularly from the perimeter—feels smoother than previous years, but it’s taken a slight adjustment to get used to the shot meter being different depending your team colors. While I like the change, playing for a team with red colors makes you feel like Dennis Reynolds every time you don’t get a green release.
Also, fixes to defense—both against other users and the CPU—have made for a more realistic experience, as you (or an opponent) won’t be able to simply run around and jack up shots with a ton of success. Instead, shooters need to remain patient and pick their spots while using screens and/or the overall flow of the offense to get open.
The best thing that can be said about NBA 2K19’s gameplay is that the video-game counterparts of real-life players actually feel and play like themselves. If you play with the Rockets, you’ll be able to takeover with James Harden; if you play with the ’96 Bulls, Michael Jordan will clearly be the best player on the floor; if you play with the Warriors… you should be forced to find a new team.
Presentation
There aren’t many substantial changes to presentation, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for a series that already featured top-class broadcasting, whether it’s a quick game or Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Of course, 2K still has different announcer pairings, so the commentary doesn’t really get stale. Also, maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t recall NBA 2K18 having a voiceover before nationally-televised games say, “The following presentation is brought to you by 2K Sports,” which is an awesome addition that just makes it feel that much more authentic.
I also love the usual broadcast changes for holiday games, as the graphics are updated and the announcers usually mention the occasion in the opening and then once or twice during the game. The only complaint—and it’s only half serious—is that Charles Barkley still isn’t in the pre-game show with Shaq, Ernie, and Kenny. I guess the virtual version of Chuck doesn’t come close to living up to the real thing, anyway.
MyCareer
The best part of MyCareer this year is easily the ability to skip cut scenes. 2K deserves a ton of credit for a great story about “A.I.” working his way from China to the G League to the NBA, but to be honest, most people just play MyCareer to boost their badges and attributes for Pro Am or The Park. And for those who enjoy a single-player experience (which is fine, do what you want!), there is a deep and triumphant story to enjoy.
But let’s talk about the bread and butter of NBA 2K19’s standout mode. The Neighborhood has been updated significantly with a rebuilt map, and the technical issues that impacted the mode last year no longer exist as far as I can tell. That said, I don’t like that I’ve run down several alleyways that lead to nothing, but hopefully the layout will be engrained into my mind soon enough.
Pro Am’s underrated addition of private matches allows users—if they know enough people or can gather enough competitors somehow—to create a whole Pro Am league if they really wanted to; or, perhaps more likely, ignite a rivalry when a team you face in a public match talks too much trash after a game, leading to things being settled in a private setting.
Overall, the customization in Pro Am continues to set the bar for video games, and I know I’m not alone is saying that I will play it almost exclusively. As far as character customization goes, we are finally able to get a haircut without blowing VC, and the CAP process in general was much improved.
Crew mode has also been added, which is basically an outdoor, 3-on-3 version of Pro Am where you and two friends can dominate to become street legends. In Crew, you are allowed to customize uniforms, which can include hoodies, long pants, and more if you so choose.
I would be remiss if I didn’t make mention of the mini-games like dodgeball and slam ball, and you can even throw the football around (a potential hint at NFL 2K making a return?). It obviously wasn’t a must-have addition to the game, but mini-games could be a fun way to pass time while you wait for friends to finish their MyCareer game before entering the Pro Am or Park.
MyGM
Every year, MyGM is franchise mode in a sports game done right. In 2K19, the story mode puts you in charge of an expansion team, which is awesome, as I think leading a brand new franchise is the dream of most sports fans. If you don’t like the cinematic experience, you can always just play MyLeague and take control of your favorite team (or still make an expansion team).
Either way, the depth of the mode is sensational, with realistic trades, three-way deals, player morale, free-agent negotiations, control of financing, choosing of staff, custom draft classes, etc. If I was a single-player guy, I’d definitely spend most of my time playing MyGM or MyLeague.
Recap
Sure, we should criticize 2K Sports when it’s warranted, but the difference between NBA 2K19 and what EA Sports accomplishes—or doesn’t accomplish—with Madden 19 is astounding.
And this year, there isn’t much to complain about at all.
Score: 9.8 — “A Masterpiece”
Goat game
Love it.
Trivia kills me man I want vc.