NBA 2K23 Review

NBA 2K23 reviewed by Ben Vollmer on Xbox Series X. Also available on PlayStation 5. (Note that the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC versions are based on the older version of NBA 2K and have significantly different features.)

I am heavily conflicted about NBA 2K23. On one hand, the new retro game modes have reached out to my inner sports geek and given me a way to replay NBA history in a way that I’ve never done before. Especially paired with a handful of really strong gameplay changes, like improved spacing and AI, I foresee myself dumping dozens of hours into reliving and reconstructing NBA history. Conversely, I now feel completely and utterly isolated from the MyCareer experience. I have no interest in shelling out additional cash (even beyond the expensive Michael Jordan Edition) or grind for insane hours just to be able to compete on the online court, and the density of The City and its shopping opportunities is lost on me for the same reason. Instead, I’ll take my metaphorical basketball and go home, where I can enjoy the parts of NBA 2K23 that I can fully experience without the repugnant emphasis of its microtransactions.

#IGN #Gaming #NBA2K23

[mainevent]

Thank you so much for actually holding 2k accountable for microtransactions. Companies have been getting away with this for far too long.

[Yorm_]

I’m giving this a 10/10 because the GameStop girl gave me the $150 edition on accident 🤷🏽‍♂️

[xboxfosho]

Everyone should start 80 overall. Starting 60 is purposely painful and boring, its time for a change.

[relld]

I'm glad IGN is finally calling 2K out for this literal Play-to-win model. I've been screaming how tedious and time consuming they make it.

[ricky_rozaay]

If only IGN was this harsh to Madden. If 2k23 got a 6, then Madden deserves a 4

[zamis]

The rebounding has long been a issue. The ball takes a unnatural bounce and like a heat seeking missile to the player with better rebounding stats. Probably even more noticeable in my player online

[CensorTube]

I’m still leveling up my character from last year 💀

[matteohotty]

This is why you wait till it's on sale for 20 bucks usd

[Ballinout]

Back in my day we had a game called NBA 2k16. Fun times they were.

[gambasfile]

People who actually follow the nba and play actual basketball are more than satisfied with this. We dont play mycareer so we arent really affected by microtransactions. The improved gameplay, jordan mode, and new era mode are more than enough reasons to buy this game. Not to mention, updated face scans, more animations, updated player skillsets and playstyle.

[keijijohnson]

Quite funny that this got a six outta ten for how much it still heavily relies on microwaving, yet MADDEN 23’s a score higher despite it being guilty of doing the same stuff NBA 2K23 is being criticized of here, if not more so in some parts! Though both still should’ve been given a four or five, this really shows how much more suspicious IGN has been when it comes to these scores when they haven’t had an issue giving the Switch versions of FIFA the scores they rightfully deserved.

[Sessho]

Should be a 4. This is the best 2k in years because of the updated animations and quality of life improvements but the focus on micro transactions ruins the product. You would have to play everyday for months to reach a point where your character can actually play basketball so it corners people into buying the digital currency.

[harrywilliams]

Please mention the ongoing server issues, game crashing issues, and most importantly the ONLINE INPUT LAG where everything is behind be 0.5 to 1.0 seconds.

Stop ignoring the servers. VC isn’t the only crime they commit.

[jordanmoore]

On top of all of this, they implement a tier badge system meaning you get all the best badges last. So not only do the people who have put more time and money in have more badges, they have way better ones as well. If the next 2k is genuinely like this, this will be my last 2k.

[CharlesCinco]

I'd be more impressed with the Jordan challenge if they added his Wizards days lol

[Bebe-kzdo]

In my opinion the worst problem is the difficulty’s, for example on all-star difficulty you can completely fill the shot metre but if there is even 5% contest you can’t make the shot, it’s not even a luck thing because it has happened so many times

[rogerfed]

If only there was a tennis game like this..a retro mode.. Reliving Wimbledon 2008/2019 winning.. Amazing physics and gameplay..man I'd pour money for a tennis game like that

[sppsports]

Proud of IGN here. I'm a 2K diehard, have been since NBA 2K on the Dreamcast, but enough is enough. This franchise has become stagnant and each year is a repeat of the last. VC is out of control, and it just creates a toxic environment. Do better, 2K.

[kelhorton]

Anybody that reviews 2K in broadcast shouldn’t be listened to

[neraklh]

Yeah, just gonna grab it next year in May with 5 bucks. It's a solid 5 dollar single player game if you don't enjoy the gambling side of it