The definitive next-gen basketball experience
NBA 2K15 is back, boasting lots of new features, graphics, and game modes. Lots have gone into this sports game, and it shows. Developed by Visual Concepts, this basketball sim elevates it to the next level, exploring multiple modes as well as introducing MyGM mode that revamps MyLeague and improves A.I. for a more challenging experience.
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NBA 2K15 improves immersion with graphics by adding small yet noticeable changes that add to its realistic gameplay. There are also small changes to spice things up, like improved commentary and tweaked systems that make the game more balanced and engaging.
Control your team in MyGM mode
NBA 2K15 has the revamped MyLeague mode. Similar to the association mode in 2K13, you can completely customize your league, right down to the A.I.’s intelligence regarding player trades. MyLeague features all the NBA teams, but you can also select classic teams such as the ’90-91 Trailblazers, and 25 teams from the Euroleague are also available. You can manually adjust the teams in the association or season modes to make your dream league.
Unlike 2K14 where you were a first-round draft pick, you’ll have to earn your spot on a team through a 10-day contract in the MyCareer mode. You also have more of a choice of which team you play for, which will prevent situations where you could get drafted to a team and stuck on their bench behind players like Kevin Durant or LeBron James.
Your game, your rules
Another interesting feature of NBA 2K15’s MyCareer is the mentor system. When you join a team, one of your teammates will take you under their wing and give you advice. The game uses actual voice recordings from the players, which adds a nice dimension to the game. Granted, the voice-acting ability varies from player to player, but it still adds a nice touch of realism.
The players aren’t the only ones who have received the graphical upgrade in this game. Coaches, cheerleaders, and even the mascots have all been improved. This game sounds as good as it looks. It features the best commentary with realistic play-by-play and color commentary from the returning team of Clark Kellogg, Kevin Harlan, and Steve Kerr. However, the online matches remain inconsistent, with mostly empty lobbies and a laggy experience.
A worthy upgrade over the previous version, with the same problems
NBA 2K15 remains a worthy upgrade over NBA 2K14; it improved greatly on graphics and revitalized gameplay to make for a more interesting experience. The commentary is bang-on, making simple and exciting moments pop, making these moments fun, fresh, and exciting. While issues persist, such as a poor online experience and not much of a leap in terms of graphics, it still holds on its own as a good 2K title.
Online issues are back, too
The online MyPark mode has returned in NBA 2K15. It features you taking your player to team up with others and face off against other teams at parks. I didn’t have much of a chance to test this feature because I had trouble finding other players. The idea of finding a virtual pickup basketball team does sound promising. though.
Unfortunately, the online problems aren’t limited to the MyPark mode; the game is hampered across the board by the notoriously bad 2K servers. Players have reported that they have had to wait through long connection times and suffered through laggy games. These aren’t new issues and have plagued previous NBA 2K games. 2K has said it's working on it, and hopefully it will be sorted out soon.
