The definitive next-gen basketball experience
NBA 2K is back, boasting lots of new features, graphics, and game modes. Lots has gone into the game and it shows, but does the popular franchise live up to its highly-acclaimed predecessors?
Improved MyLeague and MyCareer modes
If you want to play with a team normally through a season, 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. Ever wonder what it would be like to have FC Barcelona in the NorthWest division or a young Michael Jordan to face off against Lebron? 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 in which team you play for which will prevent situations where (based on your position) you could get drafted to a team and stuck on their bench behind players like Kevin Durant or Lebron James.Another interesting feature of MyCareer is the mentor system. When you a 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. If you’re interested in being the mastermind behind a successful franchise, NBA 2K15 offers up the MyGM mode, which gives you plenty of control over a franchise. In this mode you’ll speak with players and owners as you try and build a championship team. Essentially, this mode is similar to the popular Football Manager games. The game offers plenty of control of the team without it becoming tedious. But if you’re into micromanagement, you can change things such as the athletic trainer and ticket prices.Being GM means that you have to deal with the needs of the players. Sometimes players will approach you and complain about the intensity of practice or their role on the team. These are displayed through dialogs that take place in your office. During games, you can watch a play-by-play counter of what’s happening and decide to jump in at any point.
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.
