NBA 2K25 Review-PS5

NBA 2K is one of my favourite games, by far the best basketball game ever developed and in my opinion also the best game from 2K.  All basketball fans and 2K gamers wait for this time of the year hoping that 2K will surprise us with something big. Well, let’s be clear here, NBA 2K25 is not going to shock you with a whole new gameplay experience but it does include some updates that significantly enhance the gameplay experience compared to NBA24K. 

On the negative side I must say that NBA 2K25 continues to push its "pay-to-win" model, pretty much like EA Sports is doing with Madden 25 or FC24 (FIFA) and I presume they will do the same in FC25 which is going to be released on September 20th. The game modes where you can clearly feel these money driven gamifications are MyTeam and MyCareer, and I will dive into this later. So, with this improved gameplay and increased focus on money microtransactions, is NBA 2K25 worth buying?

Gameplay & Improved Mechanics  

Visual Concepts has refined the on-court action, and although the changes might appear subtle initially, they greatly enhance the gameplay experience compared to the predecessor. So here, the game deserves some definite praise. 

The ProPlay animations, which were first introduced in the previous instalment, have been broadened to include additional actions. Star players now feature signature moves that distinguish them from others. Overall, these improvements make the gameplay feel more fluid and natural, and these updates also improve the customization options for your own player.

Another great thing to note for newcomers is that NBA 2K25 offers six difficulty levels, detailed customization options, and an expanded tutorial. If you’ve never played a 2K game or aren’t very familiar with basketball, there’s no need to worry. Experienced players will also find plenty to enjoy tackling the game’s harder modes.

The most significant adjustment for veterans is the revamped shooting mechanic. It now relies more on player positioning and the previous passing play, with shots being executed using a rising arrow and the square button. You need to not only set up the player effectively but also time your shot precisely.

Visual Concepts also directly addressed a major issue from last year: defence. Previously, it was challenging to maintain control over opposing players. In NBA 2K25, the new cut-off system levels the playing field. On defence, you can maintain your position against your opponent while using the right analog stick to react more effectively to the attackers' rapid movements.

This improvement makes off-ball defence much more effective, allowing you to better contain stars like LeBron James. Overall, defensive units are now more autonomous and agile. Compared to the previous version, bad passes are intercepted far more frequently.

The game’s structure has also improved, making it necessary to use strategies like Pick & Roll. Easy baskets are infrequent, and relying on brute force is usually ineffective.

On the plus side, the AI teammates are more proactive and frequently intercept passes. The new animations enhance physical encounters, leading to more frequent minor scrambles and unconventional rebounds. This makes the gameplay feel more dynamic overall.

Despite some initial challenges, you should be able to quickly adapt and I am sure you will be very pleased with this update. Additionally, the right stick now allows for a greater variety of fakes and skill moves, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Audio-Visual

The opening sequence sets the stage gloriously, blending slick action with a wealth of basketball details. This includes everything from halftime shows with Shaquille O’Neal to cheerleaders, top-notch commentary, and brief post-game interviews. Yes, they certainly get the tone spot on. 

And technically speaking, NBA 2K25 excels in presentation. I have already praised the animations, but the player models are equally impressive, with close-ups revealing every pore and bead of sweat. Perfect for those high-intensity games. 

That attention to detail extends beyond current teams to classic teams in Era Mode. Which makes it all the more exciting to experience legendary matchups, such as playing as the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan. 

As far as the soundtrack is concerned, this is certainly a “good” year with one or two notable bangers included (you can already listen to the full thing via Spotify), but it won’t go down as a historically strong year. 

MyCareer, MyTeam, MyNBA & Multiplayer 

Unfortunately, the MyCareer mode still didn't win me over. It has been significantly updated, with a redesigned virtual city and new streetball courts, but rookie progression based on VC remains sluggish, despite the added side quests and tasks, leading to a lot of grinding. Progress speeds up with real-money purchases, which undermines the natural progression and introduces a notable pay-to-win element, particularly in online play.

The same issue applies to the card-based mode, MyTeam. Much like Ultimate Team in “EA Sports FC,” you can purchase card packs to boost your chances of success. This mode has been expanded with new game types and is more comprehensive than ever. But it’s hard to shake the feeling that unless you want to pay, you’ll struggle to make much progress. 

Yep, the persistent problem remains: while the game is an improvement technically over NBA 2K24, microtransactions are still a major annoyance. 

In fairness, MyGM is thankfully unaffected by this. MyGM offers a solid RPG experience, with the only real drawback being cumbersome negotiations and dialogue. For those who can overlook this, the mode provides a lot of depth. It’s effectively fantasy basketball, and allows you to build and manage your own NBA team.

The beloved MyNBA mode and Mamba Moments are superbly done. They allow basketball fans to immerse themselves in the sport's history and recreate some of the NBA's most iconic moments.

Verdict  

Nobody can argue that NBA 2K25 is a Top Sport game that features excellent gameplay and strong presentation. In my opinion the improvements introduced this year are effective and enhance the overall player experience.

When it comes to content, the game is generous. Although there are many familiar aspects and a few persistent weaknesses, the variety is impressive. NBA 2K25 would be highly recommended if Visual Concepts and 2K Games hadn’t once again used microtransactions. 

Right after you start the game, it wants you to buy the Season Pass, so the intention of 2K is clear. They also don't hesitate to constantly guide you towards the microtransactions in the menu. You have to figure out for yourself if this affects your judgement – it surely affected mine. 

Sadly, it seems impossible to play a game nowadays without microtransactions, which clearly lead to advantages InGame. Nevertheless, if you are strong-willed enough to ignore these tempting pay-to-win bonuses, NBA 2K25 is worth buying, whether you’re a beginner or a pro, because there’s a great basketball game here.