NBA 2K25 is the best sports game this year, but it’s not perfect.
One of the main highlights is the new dribbling system, making ball control feel more lifelike. The ProPlay animation system helps convert real-life footage into the game, adding to this realism. If you’ve ever dribbled a basketball, you’ll recognize how authentic it feels in NBA 2K25.
NBA 2K games don’t throw away ideas that don’t work; they tweak and improve them. This year, the ProPlay system is even better, with new animations that reflect players’ real-life styles. Every player moves uniquely, and the game captures this beautifully with signature jumpshots and celebrations.
Last year, players were unhappy with the “green-or-miss” shooting system. This year, there are two shooting options: one that keeps the high-risk, high-reward system and another that’s more forgiving but relies on positioning and defense. This gives players a choice between a more competitive or simulation-like experience.
You can customize your shot meter and create your own jumpshot, making the game more personalized and user-friendly. This helps manage the new shooting systems better.
New players might find the game complex, but NBA 2K25 introduces a comprehensive skills trainer. This mode teaches basics and advanced techniques, making the game accessible for everyone from novices to pros.
We think it’s great that the game includes something for new players. It’s like a coach guiding you through basketball fundamentals and advanced moves.
NBA 2K25 nails the TV broadcast feel of a real NBA game. Even though there aren’t many new presentation features, it still looks amazing. The commentary is top-notch, with personalities like Kevin Harlan making it sound like a real game.
During timeouts, you see everything from coach huddles to fun mascot performances. The atmosphere is so good it feels like you’re watching a live game.
Halftime shows are entertaining and informative, and the career mode’s in-game TV show is actually fun to watch. When I played as the Celtics, I watched their championship-ring ceremony and was amazed at the cutscene’s quality.
MyNBA mode’s new addition is the Steph Curry Era, which captures the current NBA landscape with detailed player contracts and new tournaments. While not as nostalgic as previous eras, it’s still a cool feature.
The WNBA modes are better than ever, reflecting the rising popularity of the women’s league. You can now participate in press conferences and aim for GOAT status, similar to the men’s MyCareer mode.
However, you can’t take your WNBA player into The City, but there’s still a lot to do. The WNBA mode has grown and offers almost as much content as the men’s league.
MyPlayer and The City are the game’s main attractions. You can customize your avatar’s stats and looks, even using a mobile app to put your face on the character. The technology has improved, making this feature really enjoyable.
With your MyPlayer, you can play through high school, a FIBA World Cup game, and join an NBA team in MyCareer mode. This mode has been expanded to make chasing NBA history even more exciting.
The City is a social hub with challenges, game modes, and shopping. However, the daily and weekly tasks can be too time-consuming, making it hard to keep up.
You can find different games around The City, from pick-up games to gym training. The City is the best social space in any sports game, making others look outdated by comparison.
This year, The City has a beach boardwalk theme instead of a mall, making it feel less like an ad-filled space. It’s a much more pleasant environment.
Despite all the praise, the game’s pay-to-win system is a big issue. The same currency used for cosmetics can also make your player better on the court, which can ruin the fun for those who don’t spend extra money.
I’ve written about this problem in a separate piece, discussing the game’s microtransaction issues. NBA 2K25 hasn’t improved in this area, although matchmaking has become easier for casual players.
These minor fixes don’t solve the bigger problem: the pay-to-win economy. It’s a shame because it holds back an otherwise fantastic game.
Critiquing NBA 2K25 is tricky; it’s complicated like a love-hate relationship. While the game excels in many areas, its economic model makes it less enjoyable. It’s hard to ignore this flaw, even with all the other impressive features.
