NBA 2K19 Review: 6 Ups & 2 Downs

4. Presentation

NBA 2K19
2K Games

First-class presentation has been one of NBA 2K's hallmarks for years, and the latest edition is no different. Yes, there are a handful of graphical glitches and hiccups, but these can be patched out, and for the most part, 2K19 is a beautiful sports game that looks and sounds sharper than ever.

The menus are slick and intuitive, the Travis Scott-curated contemporary hip-hop soundtrack feels both fresh and current, player models are second to none, and the commentary is the best in any sporting series. What's most impressive, however, is how 2K19 captures the experience of a live basketball broadcast. Little touches like Ernie Johnson, Shaq, and Kenny Smith's pre-game banter to the crowd's buzz and the sound of Jordans squeaking across hardwood create the impeccable "game night" atmosphere fans expect from the series, and it's incredibly immersive.

NBA 2K remains the standard-bearer in this regard. No other sporting franchise (from FIFA to WWE 2K) can match its level of gloss and sheen, and with the TV style too close to real life to ever go stale, it's hard to see the developers ever veering from this immaculate format.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.