The highly anticipated NBA 2K14 videogame has finally hit store shelves. People could not wait to get their hands on 2K’s latest release and it is safe to say that the folks of the 2K franchise did not disappoint. With new controls, game modes and updated graphics, NBA 2K14 has a much smoother experience and is definitely a must buy for all 2K sports fanatics.
This year’s game really makes the person behind the joystick feel like they are actually playing inside the game because of the newly designed control stick. The right thumb stick is used for almost every move, making it easier to put together different variations of crossovers, flashy passes and shot attempts. Even though it may sound weird to the normal 2K player, it is a positive game feature making the game play much smoother and exciting. The left thumb stick is used strictly for directional movement. It’s almost as if the gamer’s right thumb is the player.
2K improved its gameplay this year as there are noticeable differences when comparing it to 2K13. Now there is much more realistic defensive play. 2K13 gave the gamer the ability to dribble through a defense with much more ease. There are instances in last years edition where a player would be dribbling down the left side of the lane with the ball in his right hand with a defender on his right side and the player could still get all the way to the basketball. This year it is not as easy. If the gamer doesn’t protect the ball, it may bounce off of a defender’s leg or get stolen.
Other realistic defensive plays result in a greater chance at timing chase down blocks and steals. 2K13 had very low patience for constant reaching, which led to a lot of foul calls. This year, with good timing, there is a greater chance to steal the ball instead of picking up a foul.
There is even improved timing when blocking shots in this year’s 2k. A player like Nate Robinson can actually get his dunk blocked when trying to dunk on a seven-footer like Roy Hibbert; it’s more realistic and will save a lot of defensive gamers from headaches.
This year 2K finally let two-time NBA champion LeBron James grace the cover. Fresh off of his fourth MVP season and second NBA championship, 2K tailor made this year’s game for gamers to feel like they are LeBron James with a new game mode: “LeBron’s Path-to-Greatness.”
LeBron has had a controversial career thus far with his move from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat. After this upcoming season LeBron must decide whether he will stay in South Beach or take his talents elsewhere. But the Path to Greatness game mode gives the gamer a chance to predict LeBron’s decision before he actually does.
You could choose between returning to the Miami Heat or selecting any other NBA team to play for. No matter what the gamer may decide, the game mode schedules special games that have to be completed in order for the LeBron to have the approval of greatness. If you’ve always wished you were LeBron James, then this game gets you as close as you can get.
On a more realistic note, I would recommend this game to any gamer out there. If you’re looking for a basketball game that is realistic, smooth and easy to grasp, 2K14 is the game for you. I give it five stars. Maybe I’m biased but as soon as any gamer gets their hands on this game, I’m almost positive they will say the same.
