NBA 2K14 News Post

NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

11:31 AM - October 1, 2013 by RaychelSnr

The last week of September is one of my favorite weeks of the year.

First because my birthday falls in that week. Second because the new version of the NBA 2K series usually starts appearing in mom and pop stores and on eBay.

I have spent a lot of time every year running around the DC area looking for stores selling the game early or bugging fellow OS'ers about eBay auctions or Craigslist listings. I�ve travelled to different states and paid almost twice the price just to get the game early. Needless to say I�m nuts when it comes to NBA 2K -- except for this year.

As release week came around, I wasn�t sure that I was going to try to get the game early. None of the promoted improvements and additions had me excited and I have been more focused on what the next-gen version of the game will look and play like.

So when Steve reached out and asked me to preview and eventually to review the game, I was happy about it but aware that my excitement level was much lower than in past years.

Did playing this year's game reignite my excitement for this year's current generation release? Let's find out.

Read More - NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)

Game: NBA 2K14Reader Score: 6.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PC / PS3 / PS4 / Wii U / Xbox 360 / Xbox OneVotes for game: 98 - View All

NBA 2K14 Videos

Member Comments

# 1 Gramps91 @ 10/01/13 11:45 AM

Can't wait to get this. I really wish there had been some offline association improvements but I'm happy with the gameplay changes.

Always nice to hear about improved A.I too. Keep it up 2k.

# 2 ruxpinke @ 10/01/13 11:48 AM

solid review. bought digital version of game today. definitely going next gen, but probably not til the holiday, seem to all sold out online at the moment. this will hold me over nicely til then. 2k is never perfect but its by far the best, and will get my 60 for current gen. hoping there is an upgrade program for next gen like the UK. if not it would hurt a bit but i would def drop another 60 or so on next gen when its time.

# 3 clipperfan811 @ 10/01/13 11:51 AM

Fair and justifiable review, good job. I'm excited to check out the new gameplay but I have a feeling I'll be spending as much (or more) time modding the PC version as I will playing it.

# 4 alexthegreat @ 10/01/13 11:59 AM

Glad to see consistent good reviews about the improved gameplay and blocking system. Should be enough to hold me till Nov.

# 5 ron_bato @ 10/01/13 12:05 PM

Fair review, to me gameplay is the most important aspect of nba 2k, but I recognize that a lot of people are also interested in the other game modes which see little to no improvement every year.

I am actually having the opposite experience as you regarding your point of how CPU AI teams play like their real life counterparts. Example, I just played a game (12 minute quarters) against the Mavericks, on superstar-simulation settings, and Monta Ellis, Devin Harris, and Jose Calderon combined to take 60+ shots (Monta had around 34 shot attempts, Devin Harris close to 20, and Calderon somewhere in the 15-17 range) whereas Dirk only had 12 attempts the entire game (game went into overtime) -- Dirk only attempted 2 shots in the first half.

In another game against the lakers, Kobe Bryant must have changed his name to Nick Young because Nick Young led the team in shot attempts. And I thought, okay, maybe just a fluke, but I played against the Lakers again, and Nick Young had 17 attempts by half time. Pau Gasol rarely touched the ball.

I did get the same experience as you though when I faced the Grizzlies. They dumped the ball to Gasol, and their first 12 shots, 6 came from Marc Gasol in the post, and 4 shots came from Z-Bo.

I hope they correct these tendencies in a roster update. Because it has been my main gripe with the game. Otherwise, I think gameplay is the best this generation (obviously aside from my issue with the AI replicating their real life counterparts), and the only thing holding it back is the realism in terms of team/player tendencies which could be a function of the default 2k roster.

# 6 joewink23 @ 10/01/13 12:11 PM

I'm going next gen but the $10 upgrade is a steal. I'm buying this with the full intent of trying (wife permitting) to get the PS4 and that version. This is a good hold-over and the upgraded gameplay is likely enough to make it alright to wait for a PS4 to come back into stock because I didn't preorder. I can wait until February or whatever as long as I have me some sweet 2k and GTAV.

# 7 Armor and Sword @ 10/01/13 12:44 PM

I have been sticking with 2K11. Never played 12 or 13. I am glad I waited. This is a good review and it is time to take the plunge and upgrade.

2K14 here I come.

This will feel totally fresh for me and gameplay for me is everything when it comes to Basketball games. I have always been very picky when it comes to the hardwood. Before 2K11, the last B-Ball game I loved with a passion was NBA Live 2005.

So I am really looking forward to sinking my teeth into this title.

# 8 Panicshade @ 10/01/13 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joewink23


	I'm going next gen but the $10 upgrade is a steal. I'm buying this with the full intent of trying (wife permitting) to get the PS4 and that version. This is a good hold-over and the upgraded gameplay is likely enough to make it alright to wait for a PS4 to come back into stock because I didn't preorder. I can wait until February or whatever as long as I have me some sweet 2k and GTAV.

I hope you are in Europe because there is no $10 upgrade program for 2K14 on PS4 in the US.

# 9 The 24th Letter @ 10/01/13 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron_bato


	Fair review, to me gameplay is the most important aspect of nba 2k, but I recognize that a lot of people are also interested in the other game modes which see little to no improvement every year. I am actually having the opposite experience as you regarding your point of how CPU AI teams play like their real life counterparts. Example, I just played a game (12 minute quarters) against the Mavericks, on superstar-simulation settings, and Monta Ellis, Devin Harris, and Jose Calderon combined to take 60+ shots (Monta had around 34 shot attempts, Devin Harris close to 20, and Calderon somewhere in the 15-17 range) whereas Dirk only had 12 attempts the entire game (game went into overtime) -- Dirk only attempted 2 shots in the first half. In another game against the lakers, Kobe Bryant must have changed his name to Nick Young because Nick Young led the team in shot attempts. And I thought, okay, maybe just a fluke, but I played against the Lakers again, and Nick Young had 17 attempts by half time. Pau Gasol rarely touched the ball. I did get the same experience as you though when I faced the Grizzlies. They dumped the ball to Gasol, and their first 12 shots, 6 came from Marc Gasol in the post, and 4 shots came from Z-Bo. I hope they correct these tendencies in a roster update. Because it has been my main gripe with the game. Otherwise, I think gameplay is the best this generation (obviously aside from my issue with the AI replicating their real life counterparts), and the only thing holding it back is the realism in terms of team/player tendencies which could be a function of the default 2k roster.

Have to a agree that I've experienced this in some cases...it seems hit or miss

I play one game and KD is throwing up shots all game, then the next, Westbrook is the one gunning, but behind him is J Lamb..

I also had a similar experience to yours vs the Mavs...

# 10 aholbert32 @ 10/01/13 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The 24th Letter


	Have to a agree that I've experienced this in some cases...it seems hit or miss I play one game and KD is throwing up shots all game, then the next, Westbrook is the one gunning, but behind him is J Lamb.. I also had a similar experience to yours vs the Mavs...

Hmm...Never played the Mavs so I cant speak to them but I'm not seeing any inconsistencies here. I played the game for almost 2 weeks and this part has been consistent. Every team I've played has given their best players the most touches.

# 11 MikeGiani @ 10/01/13 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aholbert32


	Hmm...Never played the Mavs so I cant speak to them but I'm not seeing any inconsistencies here. I played the game for almost 2 weeks and this part has been consistent. Every team I've played has given their best players the most touches.

what difficulty level do you play on?

# 12 aholbert32 @ 10/01/13 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeGiani


	what difficulty level do you play on?

Superstar/11 min/Simulation mode.

# 13 MikeGiani @ 10/01/13 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aholbert32


	Superstar/11 min/Simulation mode.

Superstar/Sim is definitely the way to go. The game feels great. Don't even think I'm gonna mess with the sliders that much.

# 14 steelersredspacers @ 10/01/13 02:18 PM

In case anyone cares, you can sell the King James pre order code for around 15 bucks on eBay right now. I just sold mine for $14 last night.

# 15 ruxpinke @ 10/01/13 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelersredspacers


	In case anyone cares, you can sell the King James pre order code for around 15 bucks on eBay right now. I just sold mine for $14 last night.

Nice ill probably do this, cut into the cost a bit.

# 16 tril @ 10/01/13 02:49 PM

will be getting this tomorrow cant wait. The review has me wanting to play ASAP. the gameplay improvements youm mentioned plus my mode of choice, association mode would make this maybe 9 or 10.

# 17 swiftychampleone @ 10/01/13 02:57 PM

Hard to immerse myself into a game where crowd reaction to a big time shot or a moment in a game. Next-Gen needs to fix this.

# 18 DBMcGee3 @ 10/01/13 04:15 PM

The gameplay improvements look and sound great from what I've seen, but to me the biggest upgrade is without a doubt the removal of Jay Z and his terribly dated music and videos from the presentation. I no longer have to mute the TV until tip-off!

# 19 BQ32 @ 10/01/13 06:09 PM

Gameplay is all I care about but this review seems to only focus on offline gameplay. Playing against computer AI is just not fun for me so I really need to know if it is effective to play realistically and how much cheese exists online. To me, the mark of great online gameplay is when a game rewards users for using realistic tactics while limiting unrealistic moves or cheese. Previous 2K's were dominated by cheese online because it was the most effective way to win. That is the review info I need before making the purchase.

# 20 franzis @ 10/01/13 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BQ32


	Gameplay is all I care about but this review seems to only focus on offline gameplay. Playing against computer AI is just not fun for me so I really need to know if it is effective to play realistically and how much cheese exists online. To me, the mark of great online gameplay is when a game rewards users for using realistic tactics while limiting unrealistic moves or cheese. Previous 2K's were dominated by cheese online because it was the most effective way to win. That is the review info I need before making the purchase.

If you look only for realistic gameplay online, you better stop buying sports game

« Previous12 Next »

More Links

NBA 2K14 Review (360/PS3)