After several days of testing, we can have our say NBA 2K23 in our review. The most famous basketball title in the world is back to being talked about, for better or for worse.
NBA 2K23
Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, SWITCH, XBOX, XONE, XSX Genre: multiplayer-online, sports Exit date: September 8, 2022 Developer: Visual Concepts Distributor: Take-Two Interactive
Unfortunately, in fact, some versions have failed to make that generational leap that we were waiting for, and this has left more than one perplexity. Don’t get us wrong: the new 2K home title contains several improvements and changes, but not on all platforms.
On PC, for example, the changes from the past do not exist and it seems to play the exact same game from the previous year. On PlayStation 5, on the other hand, we noticed a good improvement on a general level and many small details that have allowed us to appreciate this new release more.
Furthermore, the very great tribute to Jordan, given by the Jordan Challenges, adds a lot of content that gives you some fresh air. So, without too much delay, let’s get to the heart of our review of NBA 2K23.
The Jordan Challenges are the real novelty of this NBA 2K23
Before going into the well-established career, we want to talk to you about what, in our opinion, it’s one of the coolest parts of this NBA 2K23: the Jordan Challenge.
It is nothing more than one series of timelines that tell the story of one of the greatest exponents of basketball, Michael Jordanstarting from his NCAA championship, in 1982, with the University of North Carolina, up to the 1998 victory against the Jazz.
Each volume of this intriguing story is accompanied by a series of three challenges which allows us to relive the highlights of one of the most exciting careers in history. In the first game, for example, we will have to score a minimum of 16 points with Jordan and take 9 rebounds. It is not important to score all the requests to continue, but the more we manage to complete them, the more we will delve into the world of the NBA phenomenon.
Play this mode it’s a real blast from the past, something very compelling, both for those who lived those moments and for those who savored them thanks to the celebratory documentaries.
Also, to make the Jordan Challenges even more intriguing, they will be present inside graphics and film filters that will give it the right retro style. Playing the best moments of a great legend like Michael Jordan in this way was not only more than exciting, but also fun and engaging. It is, according to our point of view, the most beautiful mode of NBA 2K23.
Jordan challenges are definitely immersive
In addition to this special space dedicated to the basketball star, we also have the My NBA mode which, in the next-gen version, boasts of a particular introduction, the Ages. Basically, it’s about entering the field with a great team from the past, including those of Magic, Kobe, Bird, Jordan. We can relive their moments, making them even more magical: another experience full of nostalgia and fun.
In addition to the Ages, also the WNBA
In our test on PlayStation 5, we could also enjoy the WNBA that, this year, yes it is enriched with a few more pieces.
This is a mode that begins to have its weight within the title thanks also to the possibility of gearn rewards that you can spend in other game modes.
We do not find absolute revolutions, but, for example, we will be able to enter the Commissioner’s Cup or in the All Star Game. In addition to this, as already seen in the past, we will be able to realize our character as we wish – not only in the physical aspect, but also in the skills.
NBA 2K23 Career
One of pivotal mode of NBA 2K23 is the Careerwhich features a structure not very different than in the past.
We start with the creation of our character, both from a physical point of view, and for what concerns his career. After having changed its features, in fact, we will have to guide him on his climb to success, in the midst of adrenaline-pumping challenges full of concentration. We will be immersed in the activities to be carried out and the matches to be playedwith the aim of being the best on and off the pitch.
Nothing shocking from the point of view of the plot, but still an improvement over the previous year, in particular thanks to the small choices we have to make in the course of the narrative.
Ready to take the field
Did NBA 2k23 fix the shot?
Long last, NBA 2k23 twist a bit in the gameplay.
Fans, in fact, will know the simplicity of the shot in the previous chapter. Good luck for beginners, but a real hassle for simulation lovers. In the past, in fact, the shooting system was far too simple and it was almost always an assured basket.
This year, however, the system is reworked, slightly reducing the “green bar” And inserting other variables for the signing. The mechanics are not identical for every player and it is also influenced by his position on the pitch.
The shot has been revisited
The one in which flaw a little bit is the balancing: unfortunately, in fact, all these different characteristics they greatly affect the shot and make it difficult to fully understand the mechanics of each basketball star.
The shots that undergo a general downsizing also change and the same happens with dribbling. The shots are regulated by an adrenaline bar which makes it difficult to abuse. You can take a good shot only three times, then our player will lose full control of the ball.
What still does not convince, however, is theIA which, although better than the previous year, still has clearly visible gaps.
Microtransactions are a problem not to be underestimated
When it comes to free-to-play, we don’t have much of a problem digesting them microtransactions; we imagine, in fact, that a game offered for free needs some expedient to be able to bring in earnings. In an ideal universe, it should only be small aids to make you progress faster, or beautify your world and not to be better than others, but the reality is quite different. So, often, we are satisfied and accept everything without making too many fuss.
However, when we turn our gaze to titles produced by big brands, which are sold at full price, then the situation changes completely. In short, we are not against the inclusion in the game of skins or other types of aesthetic embellishments for a fee, but when it comes to enhance skills and characteristics, the nose twists a little. Unfortunately, the series has now taken this ugly turn – and in this NBA 2K23 does not contradict itself at all, indeed quite the opposite.
Entering The City, despite having played for some time, we find ourselves facing opponents definitely above our values. This is not because they are really better than us, but because they have spent more than us.
The one thing they did more than us was acquire the potential through credits. Unfortunately, even playing many hoursby completing the Career and all assignments, it won’t be that easy to earn VC and this is going to be really frustrating.
Compared to the past, where it was easier to earn in certain modes, we completely lose the ability to enjoy certain rewards by playing without spending. Therefore, getting involved in The City will become less and less fun and inviting.
A real shame, since, instead, the title deserves to be played in all its forms. A ride on the skate between one field and another, a trip to the shops: everything would be much more pleasant, if it were not that, to fully enjoy the experience, you have to use other real money.
My Team
More and more impressive graphics on next-gen ..
During our review, we have tested NBA 2k23 on PlayStation 5managing to appreciate them all its splendor.
It is not new that the 2K home title is a real pleasure to watch, but we always want to remember it. Developers they don’t give up an inch in terms of graphic quality: the play of light and shadow and the details are admirable. Each scene is beautiful to look at, fluid and bright: bright colors, but never unnatural, nuances and details with attention to detail.
The graphics are clean and rich, but not overly burdensome. During the course of the games, in fact, we did not see any particular problems related to the drop in frames or lag. Only in The City, where connection is relied upon, did we encounter some technical problems, especially during our rounds in the city. Nothing important, however, during our challenges.
… But let’s not forget the PC version
Although our review of NBA 2k23 is focused on the PlayStation 5 version (which you can find directly on Amazon), which features all the best next-gen features we cannot forget the PC.
On Windows, in fact, despite the promises made before the launch, we will find an old gen version. This, in fact, is practically identical to NBA 2k22, 2k21, 2k20 and even 2k19. All the small advances made over time on other consoles never made it to PC and this is definitely a mistake.
No improvement from the graphic point of view, no implementation in terms of animations, but above all no upgrades in the game world. All the improvements are aimed only at next-gen consoles, without taking into account that the computer has offered the possibility of an upgrade for years. Unfortunately, on PC, NBA 2K23 it is unjustifiably old and it is necessary for users to be aware of it.
Version reviewed: PS5