NBA 2K25: A Slam Dunk or Just Another Air Ball?
With the return of next-gen features, NBA 2K25 arrives with a mix of excitement and frustration. Can it reclaim the crown or is it doomed to repeat the past?
last updated Sep 06, 2024
It's a game torn between passion for basketball and the realities of corporate greed.
Gameplay: A Mixed Bag of Moves
NBA 2K25 brings a fresh coat of paint to the aging franchise, with next-gen gameplay attempting to redefine how we experience basketball virtually. Powered by ProPLAY™, the player movements are smoother and offer a sense of weight and realism previously missing. However, the game is not without its share of hiccups; users frequently report severe bugs, such as freezing in MyCareer or the game slowing down to a crawl during critical moments. Despite these setbacks, the offline modes like MyNBA and MyGM have received plenty of attention and refinement, leaving fans of single-player experience somewhat satisfied. The addition of various gameplay modes means there’s a chunk of fun to be had, but whether you enjoy every second may depend heavily on your patience with the game's technical issues.
Audio: Courtside Commentary
The audio experience of NBA 2K25 dives into the thrilling atmosphere of the hardwood with a solid mix of in-game sounds and commentary. On-court sounds like sneakers squeaking and the swish of the net resonate well, adding to the immersion. However, some players have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the commentary, finding it repetitive and stale. You’d think after all these years, the developers would give the commentators a script refresh, but alas, here we are. Just remember to keep your expectations low; at least you'll get a front-row seat to your friends shouting in lobbies via VOIP, assuring that the chaos reach your ear as well as your screen!
Graphics: Visuals That Can Shine or Sting
Visually, NBA 2K25 is a mixed bag with moments that dazzle and others that disappoint. Next-gen graphics are here, and they bring more detailed player models and vibrant arenas; however, not all systems manage to showcase this beauty smoothly. Reports of stuttering, low frame rates in the city, and prolonged loading times have left many players scratching their heads in frustration. While those with robust setups have enjoyed smooth performances, countless gamers are still tethered to a legacy of technical problems, overshadowing even the greatest visual showcase. It seems the hype train runs best on high-end rigs, leaving mid-tier gamers in the dust waiting for patches that may never come.
Critique: The Elephant in the Room
The elephant in the room continues to be the pervasive atmosphere of microtransactions that permeates the game modes, ensuring that the frustration does not end with gameplay issues alone. While users often praise the gameplay improvements, the realization that success in modes like MyCareer often relies on spending additional cash leaves a sour taste. Additionally, the apparent lack of cross-play capabilities has players mad as they feel trapped within their choices, leading to longer wait times and less community interaction. It’s a shame that such innovative game design goes hand-in-hand with what many consider a predatory monetization model—just another notch in the ever-growing belt of frustrating industry standards.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Visual Concepts
Publisher
2K
Release Date
September 03, 2024
Is NBA 2K25 Worth the Investment?
NBA 2K25 strides onto the court with a mixed bag of thrilling improvements and frustrating bugs. For players who enjoy offline modes and seek next-gen graphics, there is value to be found. However, rampant technical issues and a persistent monetization system may leave some feeling cheated out of their hard-earned cash. At the end of the day, it's a game torn between passion for basketball and the realities of corporate greed.