NBA 2K25 review

NBA 2K25 review

As a long-time basketball enthusiast who has played every iteration of NBA 2K since its inception, I can confidently say that NBA 2K25 is a triumphant return to form for Visual Concepts. The gameplay improvements are immediately noticeable and have made the on-court action more fluid and authentic than ever before.


With each new release in 2K’s basketball series, there’s usually a bit of apprehension because changes aren’t immediately apparent. However, NBA 2K25 stands out by significantly enhancing court action, which is evident right away. From the offensive play flow to contesting shots and bolstering defense, everything feels more dynamic. The improvements are worth praising, but let’s not forget about the other aspects of the game. What else has been improved?

With Pro Play technology, players can move, shoot, and defend in a way that mimics real NBA action. This is achieved through over 9,000 new animations, creating a smooth gameplay experience that closely resembles watching your team on TV. From celebrating scores to pre-match routines, the visuals are impressive and contribute to the authenticity of the game. Signature moves like Kyrie Irving’s ball-handling skills or LeBron James’ stepback can also be replicated in this game.

Signature Go-To Shots are something that give every player a unique type of shot that replicates the way they shoot in real life. They all feed into the authenticity of NBA 2K25 and give you more control when playing the offence. With an overhaul of dribbling, pulling out a Go-To Shot at the end of a press will keep you in the highlight reels for hours. Moving with the ball is a dream, giving you better options in breaking away from a defender and cutting towards the hoop. Even without rushing, steady build-ups and one right crossover can leave your opponent in the dust.

NBA 2K25 review

The artificial intelligence of the game’s players has seen a substantial upgrade, making swift offensive breaks more fluid by having teammates move towards the basket, creating open spaces for easy passes. In modes like MyCAREER, you’ll notice that players will pass to you more frequently when a suitable opportunity presents itself, which was a challenge I faced in past versions as I’d often find myself wide open, ignored, only for them to miss their shot or lose the ball. Defensively, opponents maintain close proximity to the offense whenever possible.

It’s not perfect as they can still break, but having control over defense makes you feel more in charge. Defending overall feels more authoritative, with contested shots being more effective and precise. Chasing after opponents with the ball becomes less challenging. Overall, NBA 2K25 gameplay is delightful, and these improvements have greatly enhanced my playing experience. One feature some players might not prefer is the Pro Stick rhythm shooting, but I personally think it’s a valuable addition.

This game provides more accuracy when taking jump shots, but on challenging levels such as Hall of Fame, you’ll need to be a divine basketball player to score consistently. Customization options for shot meters, sound effects, and visual cues enable you to make your attempts stylish; you can select between arrow or circle meters, choose from flame or basketball light effects, and opt for horns, tiger sounds, and old-school hip-hop music to fully enjoy the efforts made by Visual Concepts this year. Each addition and enhancement enhances your experience in the various game modes, and there’s certainly no shortage of activities to keep you busy.

NBA 2K25 review

This year’s MyCAREER seems quite similar to last year’s version, but having MyCOURT back is truly amazing. The ‘Heart of the Dynasty’ quests offer an interesting glimpse into your player’s past, when he was in college and before he encountered players like Doncic, Jokić, and Curry. The City has shrunk a bit, but it’s now more compact and bustling. It boasts a well-structured layout that makes moving from one place to another effortless, and it’s easier than ever to discover all the various basketball-related opportunities such as shopping for new gear, getting tattoos, or finding new ways to travel around.

In this updated version, MyTEAM now emphasizes multiplayer over single-player experiences, offering fewer solo options. As someone who primarily plays online during MyCAREER mode, it would’ve been beneficial to have more single-player content for casual 3v3 matches against the computer when I’m not in the mood for online competition. The return of the Auction House is fantastic since it provides the thrill of searching for a specific player, strategizing how to snipe them during the final moments. If you prefer offline gaming and want to engage in an NBA season against the computer, MyNBA is your go-to choice.

MyGM is back and while it has some neat RPG elements, the presentation is a little lacklustre, with a severe lack of dialogue, and generic presentations. The different eras are exceptional, and allow me to dive back into every time period that provided the best moments of all time. Playing through seasons in five Eras is a must for basketball historians and those as old as me because you get to play against some of the greats. Magic vs Bird, LeBron, Jordan, and Kobe eras are all there for you to consume, but the new Steph Curry Era gives you the chance to dominate alongside Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green.

NBA 2K25 review

Among the less effective aspects is the ‘W’ mode, as it seems not to offer anything distinct. It’s unfortunate because the WNBA has made significant strides in terms of popularity over the past couple of years. Let’s hope this aspect improves in time, but for now, it appears as an afterthought. I’ve deliberately omitted a crucial detail about NBA 2K25 to avoid sounding repetitive. For quite some time, Virtual Currency (VC) has been a barrier for casual players to fully engage with the series alongside dedicated gamers who invest considerable time and resources into the game.

In this game, whether you’re enhancing your character, purchasing new equipment or card packs, the challenge seems less daunting. There are numerous chances to accumulate rewards, although progress requires dedication. However, with such an engaging gameplay structure, I found myself engrossed in MyCAREER for hours without realizing I had amassed a large amount of VC. Although VC doesn’t disappear, there are players who dedicate several hours daily to the game, so the rewards become more evident as you consistently play.

2K25 NBA is simply fantastic to play! From its innovative Pro Play tech to the revamped dribbling mechanics, I’ve had an absolute blast on the court. The joy of teaming up with the league’s finest players never fades, and this year’s enhanced AI has provided some amazing assists from Jrue Holiday as we guide the Celtics towards another title. Graphically, it’s stunning in every aspect, boasting lifelike player movements and vibrant, detailed urban landscapes of The City. With a myriad of modes to explore, there’s always something new to do. Although The W doesn’t seem significantly updated this year, and MyCAREER maintains its familiar feel, it remains an exceptional game overall.

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2024-09-10 11:46