For years, the NBA 2K series has dominated the basketball gaming niche, consistently delivering realistic simulations of the sport. However, in recent iterations, developer Visual Concepts seemed more focused on incorporating microtransactions than innovating the core gameplay, which gamers initially fell in love with. This often left fans feeling like they were buying a recycled game every year, which resulted to critics calling a new version a glorified roster update.
Enter NBA 2K25—a game that feels like a breath of fresh air, significantly improved version of the previous games before it. With massive improvements across the board, this entry could very well attract new fans while reigniting the passion of long-time players.
Basketball action at its finest
NBA 2K25 stands out primarily because of its exceptional on-court basketball action. While many might argue that a long-running basketball sim can’t reinvent the wheel, this latest installment proves that with enough polish, it can certainly refine it. At the heart of this refinement is the return of “ProPLAY technology.”
First introduced in NBA 2K24, this tech has been significantly enhanced for 2K25, offering 9,000 more lifelike player animations and movements. The fluidity of Kevin Durant’s jump shot and the authenticity of Lebron James’ movements are testament to this improvement. In addition, 2K says there’s also a new dribble engine that was built from the ground up, the biggest change in NBA 2K for the past 15 years.
Complementing the enhanced animations is the introduction of new “Go-To moves,” which further emphasize NBA 2K25’s dedication to realism. Players can now replicate their favorite athletes’ signature moves, whether it’s Nikola Jokic’s signature one-legged jumper, James Harden’s step back, or Steph Curry’s iconic 3PT shots. These moves aren’t just for show; they become crucial when plays break down or the shot clock runs low, and gamers have to rely on a superstar to take charge. Using Kevin Durant’s patented crossover hesitation pull-up, combined with his length, generates enough space for an open shot every time. The same goes for Luka Doncic’s signature moves, despite his movements being a little bit slow.
However, the Go-To moves feature isn’t without its flaws. While it’s exhilarating to have such powerful shot making moves in your arsenal, the lack of variety is noticeable. It’s somewhat disappointing that each superstar only has one signature move. For a player like Joel Embiid, known for his vast array of post moves like dream shakes and shimmy fakes, the absence of other Go-To post maneuvers feels like a missed opportunity. Perhaps they will improve it and add more next year, especially with the positive feedback and excitement brought by Go-To moves.
Aside from offense, NBA 2K25 also has improvements in the defense department. The game introduces refined controls that allow players to more effectively stay in front of their opponents. This includes improved lateral movement and footwork animations that make it easier to shadow offensive players and contest shots. The defensive stance mechanics have been fine-tuned, allowing for quicker reaction times and better positioning, which are crucial for disrupting drives and forcing turnovers.
Contesting shots has been made more realistic, with a greater emphasis on timing and positioning. In NBA 2K25, defenders who time their jumps accurately can significantly impact an opponent’s shooting percentage. The blocking system has also been enhanced, offering more varied block animations based on player attributes and positioning. This adds another layer of strategy, as players must decide whether to go for a block or maintain position to secure a rebound or force a miss. Contrary to previous NBA 2Ks, simply standing in front of your man and raising your hands up will no longer guarantee an opponent to miss, which is pretty absurd if you think about it.
The stealing mechanics have been revamped to reward smart play over button-mashing. Anticipating passing lanes and using precise timing to poke the ball away are critical skills that players need to master. The risk-reward factor is more pronounced; poorly timed steal attempts can lead to fouls or leave a defender out of position, whereas successful steals can lead to fast-break opportunities. Throwing full court passes, especially with a low pass accuracy, has finally been nerfed as it’s easier to get in the passing lanes. I think it’s a bit over the top, though, so let’s hope 2K tones it down a bit and lessen the activation of ridiculous steal animations.
Rhythm Shooting
Another intriguing addition to NBA 2K25 is Rhythm Shooting. Initially, this feature felt unnecessary to me, especially as someone accustomed to tapping and releasing the square button for years. The down-up Pro Stick motion seemed more cumbersome than beneficial. However, after experimenting with both the traditional shooting method and Rhythm Shooting across various jump shot animations, I found myself favoring the latter. Not only is it more forgiving of mistimed releases, but it also allows for seamless transitions into dribble moves or from a jab step. It just felt natural after getting used to it, and it adds another level of skill gap for an otherwise ‘easy’ game.
Accompanying these revamped animations is a new shot meter. Initially, I found this change frustrating, especially during moments when I missed open shots consecutively. It was easy to blame the meter rather than my own skill. However, after playing for a while, I eventually got used to it. I would prefer to have more options though, like the traditional one used for the past few years. But to be honest, shooting without a meter is far easier for me, as I just rely on the visual cue of the player shooting the shot.
Out of the box, the default NBA 2K25 Shot Timing feature is Difficulty-Based. This means your difficulty (Rookie, Pro, All-Star, Superstar, Hall of Fame) setting influences the jump shot timings. Playing on All-Pro, for instance, makes it easier to green releases, while the Hall of Fame mode makes scoring feel incredible hard for someone new to the game. Thankfully, players have options with four other profiles to choose from: Real Player %, Low Risk, Normal-Risk, and High-Risk Reward. This flexibility allows users to customize their experience based on skill level and preference. If you’re confident with your shot, I suggest shooting with High-Risk or Normal-Risk settings.
Visuals and Presentation
Graphically, NBA 2K25 continues the series’ tradition of delivering stunning visuals. Player likenesses are more accurate than ever, and the arenas burst with life, capturing the energy and excitement of a live NBA game. From the hardwood’s reflections to the detailed textures of jerseys, every visual element contributes to an immersive experience.
Additionally, the broadcast presentation has seen improvements, with new camera angles and dynamic commentary that further enhance the realism. The game’s presentation feels like watching a live NBA broadcast, complete with insightful analysis and smooth transitions between plays. This attention to detail in both visuals and audio helps draw players deeper into the experience, making every game feel unique and engaging. Although I have to note that once you memorize the lines, it gets less impressive over time, which is pretty normal.
Beyond the visual and mechanical enhancements, NBA 2K25 also benefits from smarter AI, which contributes to a more challenging and rewarding gameplay experience. Opponent teams adapt better to the player’s strategies, requiring more thought and planning to outmaneuver them. This improved AI extends to teammates as well, who exhibit better decision-making and positioning, reducing frustration and enhancing teamwork dynamics.
Eras Mode
Probably my most favorite feature is the Eras Quick Play, where gamers can use teams and entire rosters of previous eras.
Eras Quick Play includes a wide selection of iconic teams and rosters from various decades, such as the dominant Chicago Bulls of the 1990s, the Showtime Lakers of the 2000s, 2010s Miami Heat with Lebron, or the dominant Golden State Warriors with Kevin Durant. Each team features accurate player rosters, complete with the skills and attributes that defined their era. This authenticity allows players to experience firsthand the playing styles and strategies that were prevalent during these times.
NBA 2K25 also enhances the Eras Quick Play experience with era-specific broadcast presentations. This includes commentary styles, graphic overlays, and camera angles that reflect the television broadcasts of each period. The attention to detail extends to the courts and uniforms, which are accurately recreated to match those of the respective eras. These elements work together to transport players back in time, enhancing the immersion and making each game feel like a genuine trip down memory lane.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the innovations and improvements, NBA 2K25 isn’t without its shortcomings. The lack of variety in Go-To moves has already been mentioned, but there are other areas where the game could improve. While the core gameplay is strong, the surrounding modes and features still feel like they’ve been carried over from previous installments without significant updates. This can make some aspects of the game feel like a rehash rather than a fresh experience.
Additionally, while the game mechanics have seen positive changes, the massive presence of microtransactions remains a sticking point for many players. These transactions can heavily impact the game’s MyTeam and Online game modes, creating a massive disparity between players who invest additional money and those who choose not to. Sure, you can grind and farm VC to keep up with other players, but it takes a long time to get a decent amount. While I understand that it’s 2K’s way of convincing gamers to purchase VC, it would have been better if they increased the rewards for quests by at least 10%. At the current rate, it’s hard to justify grinding for long hours just to get a bit of VC that would barely make a difference.
Verdict
NBA 2K25 represents a refined return to form for the series, striking a balance between innovation and familiarity. The improvements in gameplay mechanics, particularly with ProPLAY technology and Rhythm Shooting, offer a more realistic and engaging basketball experience. The game’s commitment to capturing the unique styles of NBA superstars through Go-To moves adds depth, even if there’s room for further expansion and diversity in this feature.
The new shot meter and Shot Timing Profiles provide players with customization options to tailor the shooting experience to their preference, catering to both newcomers and seasoned veterans. This flexibility helps make the game more accessible while maintaining a level of challenge that will keep players engaged.
However, despite these advancements, NBA 2K25 still grapples with issues that have lingered from previous iterations. The prevalence of microtransactions can detract from the overall experience, especially in modes like MyTeam, where they can create an uneven playing field. Additionally, some of the game modes outside of core gameplay could benefit from fresh ideas and innovations to keep them feeling new and exciting.
Overall, NBA 2K25 is a strong entry in the series, demonstrating a willingness to evolve and improve upon its foundation. While not perfect, it delivers a compelling basketball simulation that both fans of the franchise and newcomers can enjoy. If Visual Concepts continues on this path, addressing lingering issues and expanding on its innovative features, the future of the NBA 2K series looks promising.