NBA 2K17 Hands-On Review: 10 Things You Need To Know
How does basketball's biggest video game franchise move on from Spike Lee? Pretty well, actually.
Last year's instalment of the NBA 2K series was generally well received with one notable exception: MyCareer mode. For many years, the franchise's most personal mode had been one of its cornerstones, allowing players an immersive experience into the world of professional basketball.
2K16 threatened to unravel all that good work, as the game essentially rebranded itself as 'a Spike Lee joint', surrendering the customisable aspects of MyCareer mode and planting itself firmly on the director's rags-to-riches railroad. The rest of the game was, of course, solid. In fact it was excellent - with many touting the deep, immersive MyGM and MyLeague modes as the best of their kind yet (in any console-based sports game) - but the dilution of such a beloved aspect cast an inescapable shadow.
Now, thankfully, NBA 2K is back with a vengeance, shedding Spike's shackles along the way. This year's instalment doesn't bring with it quite as radical an overhaul of a signature game mode; it instead focuses on sharpening its strengths and refining the gameplay further.
Has it succeeded? Let's find out. Here are 10 things you need to know about NBA 2K17.
10. It Feels A Lot Smoother (And Rougher)
Upon diving into NBA 2K17, the most immediately noticeable difference is the way it feels. For a few years now, 2K have managed to bring the series up to speed with the latest advancements in animation and collision detection.
To say this year's instalment feels both smoother and rougher sounds strange, but it's completely true. Everything seems a little quicker; movement feels slick and easy, both with and without the ball.
However, that's not to say 2K have plonked their players on ice. Collisions, rebound battles, and off-ball skirmishes are satisfyingly meaty.