Developer – Visual Concepts

Publisher – 2K

Platforms –  PS4/5,Xbox One,Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch,PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

2K has long been a titan in the realm of sports games, particularly with its NBA 2K franchise, which has been captivating basketball enthusiasts since its debut in 1999. Over the years, the series has cultivated one of the largest, if not the largest, fan bases in sports gaming worldwide. With every new release, the stakes are high, and fans expect nothing less than excellence. So, with NBA 2K25 now hitting the courts, the pressing question is: does it live up to the legacy, or does it stumble before even reaching the free-throw line?

The NBA has showcased some of the biggest legends in sports history—names that even non-basketball fans are familiar with, like Michael Jordan, who graced the cover of NBA 2K16, and LeBron James, featured on NBA 2K14 and 2K19. This year, the honor goes to Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, fresh off his 2024 NBA Finals victory, making him the perfect face for 2K25.

Now, let’s dive into the various game modes that NBA 2K25 has to offer, while examining the pros and cons of this year’s edition.

MyCareer:

In NBA 2K’s MyCareer mode, you embark on your journey to NBA stardom by creating your own baller, starting with personalizing every detail of your player’s appearance. Whether you decide to sculpt your character’s features manually or utilize the 2K app’s face-scanning feature to bring your own face into the game, this level of customization amplifies the immersion significantly, allowing you to step into the shoes of your digital self. After you’ve locked in your player’s look, you’re presented with a wide array of customization options for their movement and playstyle. Every aspect of your player’s mobility can be tailored to fit your preference— from choosing specific dunk and shooting animations to selecting defensive maneuvers. These animations are all modeled after real-life players, allowing you to craft a playing style that suits your unique approach to the game. I personally found myself diving deep into this system, exploring every available player animation until I discovered the perfect setup that complemented my style on the court. It’s a process that demands time and attention, but the payoff is worth it as your player’s fluidity and performance reflect these fine-tuned decisions.

Beyond animations, MyCareer allows you to sculpt your player’s stats through one of three build systems. For beginners or those seeking a simpler path, the pro templates offer a great way to streamline the process, each one designed around the specific strengths and weaknesses of real NBA stars. The descriptions accompanying each template make it easy to understand the differences, ensuring you pick the one that aligns with how you want to play. Alternatively, the fully custom option gives complete control, enabling you to adjust every stat and build your character from the ground up, tailoring your style and optimizing for badges you aim to unlock. Whichever route you choose, once you’re happy with the setup, it’s time to take your talents to the NBA, joining your favorite team and embarking on a journey filled with quests, earning fans, and establishing your brand as you climb through the ranks.

One of the most engaging aspects of MyCareer is the massive online experience known as The City. This open-world environment is brimming with opportunities to elevate your MyPlayer’s skills, from training facilities and shops to a wide variety of courts where you can play against others. The City feels alive with activity, offering everything from beginner courts to the Proving Grounds, which is the competitive heart of the mode, featuring ranked play in formats like 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, and 5v5, complete with leaderboards to track your progress. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, The City also offers casual streetball games and unranked matches, allowing you to join friends or other players for some friendly competition. Exploring The City is highly recommended—it’s a vibrant space that adds a whole new layer to your MyCareer experience, blending competitive, community-driven gameplay with the essence of street basketball.

My Team:
In MyTeam, you’re tasked with assembling a customized roster of basketball players to face off against other players online in head-to-head matchups. This roster is built using player cards, which can be earned through gameplay or purchased using Virtual Currency (VC). The mode feels similar to a fantasy league, where you strategically stack your team with the best athletes and personal favorites, unlocking a variety of customization options and unique experiences along the way. However, I didn’t invest much time into MyTeam, primarily because it felt like a pay-to-win environment. To stay competitive, it often seemed necessary to purchase packs, which detracted from the overall enjoyment for me.

My NBA:
In MyNBA mode, your creativity truly knows no bounds. It allows you to craft teams in limitless ways, combining players from various eras of basketball history to create your own dream lineups. Whether you want to explore historical ‘what if’ scenarios, such as pairing legends from different generations on the same team, or simply experiment with unconventional rosters, MyNBA offers the perfect sandbox to bring your basketball fantasies to life. It’s a deep and engaging mode that not only lets you relive iconic moments from the past but also gives you the freedom to rewrite basketball history on your own terms. The joy of seeing players who once competed against each other now working in harmony is a satisfying way to immerse yourself in the endless possibilities of the sport.

My GM:
In MyGM mode, you have the unique opportunity to craft your own personal backstory as the manager of a team. Whether you imagine yourself as a former player who now wants to shape the game from behind the scenes or as a sharp financial strategist focused on building a franchise for long-term success, the narrative is yours to control. As a GM, you’ll dive deep into the operations of your team, handling everything from discussing strategies with the coaching staff to managing the day-to-day financial challenges that arise. While I didn’t immerse myself fully in the GM role—since I prefer being on the court, making the plays rather than orchestrating them—I did enjoy the glimpse I got into this management aspect. It offers a different perspective on the sport and gives you a hands-on experience in building a successful franchise. I look forward to returning to it once I’ve achieved some of my on-court goals.

The W:
The W is a similar mode to My Career, except you are able to play in the women’s league (WNBA) and compete for the women’s championship. I personally have not played extensively in “The W,” but it’s definitely a nice addition to see come back for those who can enjoy both ends of the sport.

NBA 2K25 offers a wealth of variety with its abundance of minigames, courts, and unique ways to engage with the game. It gives players the freedom to play on their own terms, rather than following the same path as everyone else. Whether you prefer the classic experience of Pros vs. Pros matchups or you want to carve your own legacy by creating a custom player and turning them into a future legend, the game provides countless options to keep you entertained. With so much content to explore, from casual play to competitive challenges, NBA 2K25 ensures that no matter your playstyle, there’s always something fresh and exciting to dive into.

With the good always comes the bad, and NBA 2K25 is no exception. This year, like many previous releases, the game’s progression feels highly accelerated by the presence of VC (virtual currency). While VC can be earned through gameplay, the rate at which you accumulate it pales in comparison to the steep prices attached to many in-game items. For a casual player who wants to pick up and play at their own pace, this imbalance can feel discouraging. Though the customization options are as fantastic as ever, with a wide array of clothing brands and an impressive selection of shoes, I often found myself prioritizing my VC for boosting my player’s stats instead. After all, a single pair of shoes can set you back 10,000 VC—a cost that’s hard to justify when you’re grinding for performance upgrades.

Microtransactions are rampant across many games today, and NBA 2K25 is no different. It’s no surprise, but still a frustration, that this installment continues to push players towards spending real money for basic customization or to fast-track player progression. I can only hope that in the future, VC becomes more accessible to casual players, so they don’t have to open their wallets just to enjoy some of the more fun or aesthetic elements of the game.

Beyond my issues with VC, I did run into a few technical hiccups. When first loading into The City, I experienced some microstutter, and on occasion, my game refused to run at over 60fps, sometimes even dropping to a single frame or crashing altogether. However, when I downloaded NBA 2K25 on my Steam Deck and tested the “Steam Deck” graphics preset, the performance was flawless—running at a solid 60fps without any issues.

A major highlight for long-time fans of the series is the return of remastered courts from older games. These courts are visually stunning and evoke a sense of nostalgia for players who’ve followed the franchise for years, making them feel right at home. NBA 2K25 overall feels like a polished and refreshing take on the series, offering new players an excellent entry point while providing seasoned veterans with another well-rounded experience to chase badges, develop builds, and climb the leaderboards.

Despite the familiar issues with VC, which have been present for years, I can confidently say that NBA 2K25 is the best installment of the series to date. If you’re someone who enjoys playing locally with friends or family, you’re in luck. The game offers head-to-head couch co-op, featuring all the major teams as well as era-specific rosters, allowing you to relive iconic matchups like Bird vs. Magic.

Replayability in sports games is always high, and NBA 2K25 is no different. With every match offering a unique experience and the multiplayer side of things thriving, the game has plenty of staying power to last you the full cycle. Even those who join the game later in the year will find a wealth of content to explore and enjoy.

Customization is another strong point in NBA 2K25. The return of custom shoes allows players to design a one-of-a-kind pair to wear both on the court and in The City. Of course, with shoes come clothes, jewelry, jerseys, and more—though, as always, they come at the cost of VC. Whether you’re a seasoned NBA 2K veteran or picking up the game for the first time, now is the perfect time to jump in. The game offers a fully customizable experience, with plenty of avenues for new players to get involved and start shooting hoops alongside the rest of the community.

Visually, NBA 2K25 is stunning, and the adrenaline-pumping soundtrack keeps the energy high throughout each game. With so much content to dive into, it’s a must-pickup for anyone with even a passing interest in basketball.