For sports simulations that appear annually, it is difficult to set new accents. The fine-tuning of NBA 2K23 is significantly better than in previous years. In terms of scope, it covers the full basketball fascination. However, the series does not get rid of an annoying disruptive factor.
It's amazing how close NBA 2K23 is to the circus of the world's biggest basketball league. From the warm-up procedure, the atmosphere in the hall to the half-time analysis with Shaquille O'Neal and the press conference after the game - for real ballers, the new edition of the simulation offers more attention to detail on and off the court than ever before. However, the craze for microtransactions continues to increase.
Visually, the basketball simulation from 2K Games has been one of the best that is feasible for the respective console generation for years. This year, the fine-tuning has paid off, especially on the PS5, and with a proper 4K display, the game is an absolute feast for the eyes. Individual pores, dripping sweat, blinking eyelashes add even more realism. In addition, there is the high quality of the player models in terms of appearance and movements. NBA arenas and the artistic direction of the slightly smaller career mode world "The City" are real eye-catchers.
The basic basketball animations in the game have taken another step in the right direction. It might seem a bit slower than the NBA 2K22 version, but it benefits players and AI alike. The freewheeling behavior of the other players is much more fluid and it no longer feels as if the players can change direction immediately.
For more explosiveness, NBA 2K23 relies on the new feature of adrenaline rushes. A limited resource for getting quick steps, dribbles, or difficult moves through to the basket. When all adrenaline rushes have been used up, the ball carrier loses speed. Especially in online mode, hyperactive opponents are slowed down. This means: More realism and creative development play will be rewarded. As far as positions are concerned, however, the new feature is not quite balanced: The agile shooting guard has about as many adrenaline rushes as a center, but uses them much less frequently in terms of playing behavior.
The AI has not only been further developed for fellow players, but also for computer-controlled opponents. The CPU players attack with a little more strategy, star players are much more difficult to stop. On the defensive, the AI learns, for example, if you always try the same pick-and-roll move, the defense will change the cover behavior and deliver accordingly.
MyCareer mode returns with a new story. If you built your own brand between basketball, fashion and music in the previous version of the game, character and attitude are a little more important in NBA 2K23. The story is raised with a rivalry with NBA rookie and fan favorite Shep Owens, whose place was snatched up by his own player in the draft. As a newcomer to the NBA, you must fight for your place on the team, win the favor of the fans and deal with provocation from Shep Owens.
The story takes place again in "The City", a kind of basketball town, which is peppered with streetball courts and shops from big advertising partners. Overall, the world in career mode is smaller than last year. An absolute plus, because you no longer have to jog from A to B for minutes to get to the next quest marker. Skateboarding was also an option last year, but the much denser city is no longer skater-friendly. It feels like you just get stuck on every stone or lantern. But that only reduces the fun of the game a little.
There are fresh elements in the city with a number of new buildings such as the "Block" or the "Cinema" where mini-games are completed. Overall, the career mode also relies on details. A game begins when you arrive at the hall, enter through the players' entrance, past waiting reporters and onto the court. During the breaks you can watch the cheerleaders or various dance groups, while the T-shirt cannons fire their "ammunition". towards the audience. At halftime, Shaquille O'Neal analyzes the events of the game. That has real NBA feeling.
Microtransactions and poor matchmaking in online duels remain a thorn in the side of career mode. As always, virtual currency is very slow to earn. The quickest and easiest way to improve your player's skills, appearance, and animations is to purchase them through the in-game shop. In order to be competitive with other online gamers in the first few weeks, you would have to invest the purchase price of the game again and push the values properly. Otherwise you will regularly see your level 70 player starting off against an opponent who is up to 20 levels stronger. Then no skill will help anymore. This becomes impractical, especially for many who join later, because the grind towards the 90 ranks is extremely long. This is yet another daunting aspect of the NBA 2K online experience.
But online clashes are not a must in career mode and with the "Jordan Challenge" 2K Games also brings a good dose of "retro". Re-enacting the greatest milestones of Michael Jordan's career - a wonderful tribute to the greatest of all time and a true love letter to all basketball madmen.
For an annual sports sim, NBA 2K23 does a great job. There are entertaining game modes that you can keep busy and have fun with. In addition, there is the career mode with another successful story in the impressive "The City 2.0". With passion and attention to detail, the necessary advancements in gameplay, NBA 2K23 is more than just a roster update.
