NBA 2K15 Reviewer Initial Impressions (PS4)

[mprofit42]

Man, I am shocked at the negative responses. It seems like people are almost trolling for Live. Server issues aside, the gameplan is amazing. The cheesing is gone for the most part and the AI is strong. The word that comes to mind when I play is rewarding. My baskets and defensive stops feel much more earned than in the past. I was never a my player fan but after a good face scan I'm enjoy what I see so far. I will say it again, the servers must be fixed but I'd be shocked if it doesn't happen sooner rather than later this year with Live on the way - which I hope is a decent game because competition is good. Not sure what you need in a hoops game if you don't enjoy this years 2k after extended time with the game.

[CWilson04]

I haven't played the game yet. Not in a rush since every 2k game is nearly the same, they're either taking away something they shouldn't have or adding in unrealistic elements.

I just wanted to post after reading comments on here and other websites. There must be a VERY SMALL percentage of people who like 2K that post on video game websites that are actually good.

It has never been hard to shoot on 2K. It's pretty easy if you understand basketball and video games. So hearing not only from OS but other places (I never comment) that shooting is hard and this is coming from people who say they have played this series for years. Umm your not progressing at all. Go in practice mode and work on the shot release. For me I choose different teams all the time and my shot release is good with every player EXCEPT for the slow, awkward release guys but those are few and far inbetween.

The other knock is people complaining about NBA 2K defense. 2k has added so much help on defense for the player it is sickening over the years. I have always been great at defense with 8/10 players online always complimenting on my defense and acknowledging they have never played against someone with defense like mines. I play every man on the court. It's called move your joystick. If you can beat on the dribble, or really just to alter the shot in the post just quickly switch off your man and make a move with your big man. I use to play FPS a lot, and it's similar to basketball games to where you need to having gaming ADD. You just need to be aware of your surroundings and be quick to move and switch off.

2K has a few minor fixes (that are huge in terms of realism) that I'm sure they didn't fix in this release. The difficulty of the AI is a joke. They don't make them play smarter, they make the AI do unrealistic things so they can put points on the board. That part needs to be cut out. We are probably 5-7 years away from seeing an actual realistic basketball game.

[GisherJohn24]

I have no regrets forking over 60 bucks. Plays a lot better than last year, I'm seeing less clipping, better organic flow, looks cleaner and more polished overall. Player intros? Nice to see those back. Cheerleaders? Very nice. (but those mops on their heads). Soundtrack. uh, no comment.

Shooting requires "a little" better timing on your part, but I had no problem overall figuring out the signature shots and release point for all the players. Anyone notice, no more of the audio cutting out (Thank goodness) Better spacing, better graphics, seeing a lot more animations too. I love the free throw routines, it's getting so real, I really don't know what they're going to do a decade from now to improve it. haha. The arsenal of moves you can uses in this game is a bit overwhelming especially for newbies on this game, but most people who have played 2K should be able to do that spinning jumper in no time. Can't really say too much bad about it at all, I haven't seen anything that bugs me other than omissions. The Legends are still unchanged, but I liked having them. The commentary is getting a little stale, I would like a new crew for next year. Ernie Johnson and Shaq are nice, but the studio is too bare without Barkley and Kenny. No halftime blows and signature highlight replays are also missing? WTF?

My only major nitpick is that you STILL can't see how tired your players are when you bring up the sub screen in game. That's just an omission I don't understand. Overall, I know me and my friend will be playing this on the couch all year round. Don't anticipate going online much, too much cheese. Would appreciate everyone who does go online keep us up to speed if it's less troublesome than last year. Haven't checked out the other modes yet.

9 out of 10.

[YourHazard216]

Quote: Originally Posted by Feldman011teen

Honestly, if I do pick up a basketball game, it's going to be Live. I just don't feel enough has been improved with this series, and the idea of having ESPN presentation and the improvements i'm hearing from their camp garner more interest. Why, after all this time, 2K hasn't invested in the TNT nameplate is beyond me. It's basically it, just do it already.

It has a ESPN scoreboard but that's mostly it lol. The Commentary is terrible. Its always been terrible. Idk why people expect 2k to change drastically every single year when its one of the most consistently good sports games out right now. You gonna switch to a series that have yet to prove itself over the past 4 years vs sticking to one that has been good?

[BigDaddyHolmes]

The feel of the entire gameplay is completely different. Anyone who says its the same game hasnt played it. The gameplay from 2k14 to 2k15 is as big a change as Madden 12 to 13 was. Huge.

After I played it couldnt believe how smooth it was. Felt like 2k and EA created it together with the best aspects of both games. Loved it and suprised. By watching videos I thought was minor changes. I was so wrong. 9 out of 10 easy.

[JKSportsGamer1984]

Quote: Originally Posted by topdog9007

First. I have been a long time 2k fan. I preorder their games blindly knowing that usually come out with great products. but... They dropped the ball on so many levels. Game play is frantic and not smooth. Frame rate is garbage. plyers don't feel as weighted as they did in 2k14. And animations are awkward. Graphics are weak , even the basket and rim look weaker then last year.. players are all skinny, player models are way to similar. Elbows are pointy. Colors are off too. The basket ball teleports during passes and shots sound effects are off too. the ball bouncing off the rim clacks to much. Am i the only one seeing this?

I wouldn't go as far as you did but I agree about the player models. Everything feels/looks too small. I think they purposely designed the game this way to give the illusion of better spacing (although spacing has improved) but the skinny player models are a HUGE eyesore to me. Players like Ibaka & James Harden are way too skinny. There are many othes too skinny as well. 2K needs to really focus of player models going forward. They need to add way more body types & give us the ability to edit players biceps/calves.

[trey2k198003]

The graphics arnt worse that is much is false. the ai plays much better the collisions in the paint ARE actually different. passes in the paint are no longer guaranteed and nor are layups and dunks....its a trip. shooting is harder in my career im shooting 40% not good! the dribbling is better i like it and i love the post play hmmm ive touched the my gm mode a little i like the new menus and how deep it feels dont know if it is actually im not a game critic usually but this game is pretty fun so far OH and the crowd and the camera switch after big shots!!!!!!! my god its awesome!

[topdog9007]

Quote: Originally Posted by JKSportsGamer1984

I wouldn't go as far as you did but I agree about the player models. Everything feels/looks too small. I think they purposely designed the game this way to give the illusion of better spacing (although spacing has improved) but the skinny player models are a HUGE eyesore to me. Players like Ibaka & James Harden are way too skinny. There are many othes too skinny as well. 2K needs to really focus of player models going forward. They need to add way more body types & give us the ability to edit players biceps/calves.

Yes exactly, player models are Huge eyesore. It totally takes away from the experience. Last years player models were amazing. a real step back in graphics. also, Is it me or does the rim look thin as well. the net hiccups during some baskets and also looks worse than last years game. Also, listen to the ball bounce of the rim. doesnt it sound clanky?