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Review of NBA 2K16 on Xbox One

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Sep 2015
Cover image of NBA 2K16 on Xbox One
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: Xbox One Xbox One logo
Released: 29 Sep 2015
Genre: Sports
Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K Sports

Introduction

Welcome to NBA 2K16, where you can dunk, dribble, and pretend to have the athleticism of a basketball superstar, all from the comfort of your couch! This game promises more than just nail-biting basketball action; it comes with a story written by Spike Lee, better graphics, and more microtransactions than a kid asking for a candy bar at checkout. Let's dive into the court and see if this game can shoot its shot or if it'll miss the mark!

Gameplay

NBA 2K16 takes you straight into the hardwood madness with gameplay that resembles an actual NBA game - even the parts where players fall over like newborn giraffes. The MyCareer mode has stepped up its game (pun intended), featuring a storyline that actually attempts to be emotional and relatable. Players get to navigate the trials of a high school basketball star whose journey is narrated like a dramatic film directed by Spike Lee himself. Yes, you'll create a player that resembles the basketball skills of your dreams, only to have them referred to as "Frequency Vibrations". Sounds like a name for your favorite DJ, doesn't it? On the flip side, MyTeam mode allows players to build dream teams reminiscent of trading card games, only without the sticky fingers. Construct a team, fight against other players, and try to pull rare cards with the good ol' procedures of chance. Pro tip: Don't shy away from the new MyGM mode where you get to make the tough calls of a team manager- like whether or not to trade that snazzy pair of sneakers you got in the last pack opening. And while the gameplay does give life to the on-court competition, let's not forget the crucial element: online modes! Prepare for some nail-biting games or some frustrating disconnects. Just like in real life, sometimes you'll be winning, and sometimes, you'll question why you even bothered logging in. And if you do face any connection issues, just pretend you've been injured in a highly dramatic altercation, take a breather, and shake your fists at the virtual sky!

Graphics

As you launch 2K16 on your Xbox One, prepare to feast your eyes on the splendid graphics that rival some top-notch basketball broadcasts. With full-body scans of players, the game gives you a peek into what the athletes actually look like from all angles-so long as you don't pause the game in the middle of an intense moment just to admire how great Kevin Durant's face model is. While you may not be able to fill your scouting department with their animations, players move fluidly, and the redesigned menus make you feel like you're navigating Apple's playground rather than a dusty old game menu. Between the incredible lighting effects and attention to detail, this game looks so good you might accidentally call for a travel and wind up at the edge of your sofa, believing it to be a real-life experience.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, NBA 2K16 takes every slam dunk, fancy footwork, and behind-the-back pass you could wish for and throws it into an electrifying package that screams for you to pick it up. Sure, there's a few bumps (or should I say, missed free throws) along the way such as microtransactions taking the limelight away from some core game modes or the occasional connection issue that feels like your opponents just hit pause on your efforts. Yet, whether you're jamming with an iconic legend or trying to make sense of what Frequency Vibrations is thinking, you're in for a good time on the virtual court. It's basketball packed with fun, competition, and a sprinkle of wholesome drama- exactly what we needed from a sports title. So grab your sneakers (or your favorite pair of fuzzy slippers), and dive into the exhilarating experience that is NBA 2K16!

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