The Best NBA 2K Games of All Time
Basketball fans and video gamers alike have held mixed feelings about the NBA 2K franchise, which has been a staple of the sports gaming world since the late 1990s.
Over the years, the series has seen countless changes, improvements, and new features added with each iteration. With over 23 entries to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which NBA 2K game is truly the best of all time.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of the franchise and explore some of the most well-received games in the series. Let’s see which NBA 2K game truly reigns supreme!
1. NBA 2K11
NBA 2K11 was a hype beast. Easily a top contender for the best NBA 2K game of all time. The game generated a huge fanbase and capitalized on the return of basketball legend, Micheal Jordan.
Most titles for this series ended up going for a simpler approach to story-telling but NBA 2K11 starts off the game by directly throwing us into the action. A good menu screen is nice but the feeling of having Jordan on your team against the Lakers is hard to beat.
Beyond the impressive cinematics and pacing, NBA 2K11 won fans with a killer soundtrack and upgraded gameplay. The new ISO-stepback mechanic for dribbling definitely appealed to players who enjoyed showing off their finesse. Although, the game still had an exploit or two to cheese any particularly hard match.
The newly-introduced special moves and iconic plays emulated the thrill of being on an actual team and playing a real match, making NBA 2K11 one of the best entries of all time.
2. NBA 2K16
NBA 2K16 is the game that broke NBA 2K’s dry spell and featured one of the best intros of the franchise. It introduced many new features with gameplay elements that defined the genre later on.
It also featured a new “Pro-AM” mode, where players could team up with friends and compete in online matches, as well as an expanded MyCareer mode, which allowed players to experience the life of an NBA player both on and off the court.
Due to the major graphics overhaul, life-like characters, and exciting modes, NBA 2K16 felt authentic, smooth, and distinct. Plus, adding Kenny Smith to the Shaq and Ernie show made the segment a lot more appealing.
Overall, it was a massive step up over the previous installment and it’s still fondly remembered as being one of the best.
3. NBA 2k2
It’s time to introduce you to one of the earliest NBA 2K games to make its way to multiple gaming consoles.
This was SEGA’s masterpiece and it shows. The clean menu layouts, the nifty transitions, and the console-pushing graphics made sure the game was considered iconic upon release.
Not to mention, the addition of the “Street” mode provided hours of fun, as players could take their custom characters and hit the pavement for some intense streetball action.
In short, NBA 2K2 is a solid entry in the franchise and an enjoyable blast from the past for gamers looking for a nostalgia trip.
4. NBA 2K7
This game was jam-packed with features that kept players hooked for months on end. While the game had its own set of problems, the cool features largely made up for those shortcomings.
NBA 2K7 featured a whole host of upgrades like shots specific to certain characters and signature styles. But it didn’t stop there! The devs added a sweet cherry on top with a fully licensed soundtrack to jam out to while cruising through the menu screens.
Players also had their own lounging area called “The Crib,” where they were able to play mini-games like darts and air hockey, and show off their trophies on a case.
The graphics and mechanics weren’t as outdated as you’d assume either, with most of the games’ elements essentially staying the same as the franchise progressed. With its innovative features and exciting gameplay, NBA 2K7 is a classic that still holds up today.
5. NBA 2K14
This was an impressive leap in terms of graphics and technology employed for the franchise. The PS4 was the next-gen console that shook the gaming industry as a whole, and NBA 2K was ready to fully utilize its capabilities.
The initial gameplay footage drew in a large crowd and the game eventually delivered more than superficial graphic upgrades.
NBA 2K14 was the entry that introduced the “Path to Greatness” mode where players could live out their dreams of being an NBA superstar or even take LeBron James on a journey to become the greatest player of all time.
It was also the first game in the series to feature EuroLeague teams, expanding its reach to a global audience. In short, if you’re a hoops fan looking for an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience, NBA 2K14 is a must-play.
Final Thoughts
The NBA 2K franchise has seen many ups and downs, with some games receiving widespread acclaim and others leaving fans disappointed.
While everyone’s opinion may differ on which NBA 2K game is the best of all time, we hope this article provided a solid starting point for exploring the franchise’s rich history.