NBA 2K24

NBA 2K24 is the latest installment in the long-running basketball simulation series by Visual Concepts and 2K. Released on September 8, 2023, it aims to deliver the most authentic NBA experience yet, with a particular focus on honoring the legacy of Kobe Bryant.  

The Mamba's Tribute: Cover Athletes and Mamba Moments

  Kobe Bryant, the legendary "Black Mamba," is prominently featured on the cover of various editions of NBA 2K24, including the Kobe Bryant Edition, Black Mamba Edition, and 25th Anniversary Edition. This marks his sixth time as an NBA 2K cover athlete, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport and the game. WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu also shares the cover for a special WNBA Edition. A key new feature in NBA 2K24 is Mamba Moments. This mode allows players to relive and recreate some of Kobe Bryant's most iconic career highlights. Players can step into Kobe's shoes and experience pivotal games, from his early career dominance to his championship runs, aiming to replicate his real-life statistical achievements and clutch plays. This immersive mode is a direct tribute to Kobe's "Mamba Mentality" and offers a nostalgic journey through his illustrious career.  

Next-Gen Realism: ProPLAY Technology

  One of the most significant advancements in NBA 2K24, exclusively for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, is the introduction of ProPLAY technology. This groundbreaking feature directly translates real NBA footage into in-game animations. Instead of relying solely on traditional motion capture, ProPLAY captures actual movements from NBA games, including shots, dribbling, rebounds, blocks, passes, and free throws, and integrates them directly into the gameplay. This results in incredibly authentic and fluid animations, aiming to bridge the gap between televised games and interactive play, and provide an unprecedented level of realism.  

Gameplay Innovations and Modes

  NBA 2K24 brings a host of refinements and new features across its popular game modes:

• Gameplay Improvements: The overall on-court gameplay aims to be smoother and more realistic. This includes tightened perimeter defensive coverage, improved shot timing mechanics (with new "Shot Timing Visual Cue" settings), more forgiving layup timing for easy finishes, and new controllable rim hangs for dunks. Paint play for bigs has also been enhanced, with more effective putbacks and post moves.
• MyCAREER: Players embark on a journey to build their legacy in a new, bustling "City" (New Gen) or a scenic "Neighborhood" (Current Gen). This mode allows players to create their MyPLAYER, play through an NBA season as a rookie, complete quests to gain influence within their organization, and earn rewards and badge progression. New streetball areas and various online modes like Park, Rec, and Pro-Am offer competitive and casual multiplayer experiences. A new "Starting 5" mode allows 1v1 head-to-head play using your MyPLAYER and four other NBA players.
• MyTEAM: This popular mode sees foundational changes, including improved MyTEAM Points (MTP) earn rates and the introduction of a Player Market that replaces the Auction House. This aims to make Player Cards more accessible and straightforward to acquire. New releases in the Pack Market feature improved odds and more options for guaranteed pulls. Cross-progression for MyTEAM is available within the same console family (e.g., PS4 to PS5).
• The W (WNBA Mode): For PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, The W receives updates allowing players more control over their path to WNBA greatness. Players can pick their path and experience career progression within the WNBA.
• MyNBA: In MyNBA, a new "LeBron Era" has been added, allowing players to relive or rewrite the 2010s. A streamlined "MyNBA Lite" option is also available for new players seeking a quicker and more accessible franchise management experience.
• Seasons: The seasonal progression system returns, offering free and premium (Pro Pass, Hall of Fame Pass) reward tracks for MyCAREER and MyTEAM as players level up.

 

Crossplay

  A highly anticipated feature, crossplay, is available in NBA 2K24 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. This allows players on these next-gen platforms to compete against each other across all game modes, leading to reduced matchmaking times and a more diverse player pool. Players have the option to disable crossplay if they prefer to play only with those on their own platform. It's important to note that crossplay does not extend to PS4, Xbox One, PC, or Nintendo Switch versions. While MyTEAM progress and VC wallets are shared within the same console family (e.g., PS4 and PS5), full cross-platform progression across different console families is not supported.  

Reception

  Upon its release, NBA 2K24 received mixed to positive reviews. Critics generally lauded the enhanced on-court gameplay, praising the increased realism and smoother animations brought by ProPLAY technology (on next-gen). The dedication to authentic NBA presentation, including commentary and visuals, was also highlighted. However, a significant point of criticism revolved around the pervasive nature of microtransactions, particularly in the popular MyCAREER mode. Many reviewers felt that the progression systems in MyCAREER heavily pushed players towards in-game purchases (VC) to adequately level up their created player, leading to a "pay-to-progress" perception that overshadowed some of the game's improvements. Despite these concerns, the game's core basketball simulation and its commitment to new technologies like ProPLAY solidified its position as a top-tier sports title.