The core of developer Visual Concepts’ yearly basketball series has become a repetitive cycle of recycled concepts and uninspired modes over the past few years due to the company’s focus on expanding microtransactions and improving online capabilities. However, NBA 2K25 seems distinct, akin to an experienced player in the league and the epitome of a consistent starter. Although it still has flaws in its game, its strong foundation and adaptability make it a dependable addition to any rotation. Or, in this instance, a fresh and inventive addition that will appeal to both new and seasoned fans.
Nobody would put up with the nonsense that 2K insisted on tackling surrounding the action if it were not so good on the court. Without a doubt, 2K25 is incredibly identifiable and you still can not teach a long-running basketball sim a lot of innovative new techniques. However, that does not mean you can not buff it till it has the same level of smoothness as Steph Curry’s buttery sweater. Herein lies the true potential of what Visual Concepts refers to as “ProPLAY technology.” Despite being included in 2K24 at first, this year’s version excels at creating realistic player motions and animations, making plays like Paul George’s smooth jump jumper and Jayson Tatum’s upper body heave appear authentic.
The lack of variety is my only complaint. Sure, it is fun to spam an almost unstoppable Go-To shot, but I wish every superstar had multiple signature moves at their disposal. Particularly disappointing to me was the lack of Go-To post moves; Joel Embiid’s real-life repertoire of dream shakes and shimmy fakes should not be replaced by a one-dribble pull-up fadeaway.
Rhythm and Blues
Rhythm Shooting is an intriguing new addition that offers a more intricate and distinct method of scoring threes and middies. To be honest, though, after all these years of being tapped and released square, I thought it was useless at first. Simply put, I did not see any reason to master its more difficult down-up Pro Stick motion. However, after using both the traditional shooting technique and rhythm shooting with various jump shot animations on multiple occasions, I found that I liked rhythm shooting more. This is because it is not only more forgiving of erroneous releases but also allows you to easily switch from fake shots to dribbling actions.
Naturally, updated animations come with a new shot meter, which, to be honest, annoyed me the first time I used it for an entire battle. Understandably, I would become enraged after missing three consecutive open shots. It was the shot meter’s fault rather than a problem with competence. I was on the verge of throwing a controller and some nasty insults at my TV, but fortunately, cooler heads won out, and I ultimately discovered the new Shot Timing Profiles tool, which at least partially makes up for the new meter.
The Shot Timing Profile in NBA 2K25 is by default set to Difficulty-Based, which means that the difficulty level you are playing at will have a significant impact on when you jump shots. For your shots to be made, your release must be almost flawless if you are playing on All-Pro like I am. Or, you might as well give up if you get inducted into the Hall of Fame for any reason. Fortunately, you have four additional profiles to choose from: Real Player %, Low Risk-Reward, Normal Risk-Reward, and High Risk-Reward.
Adapting to the new shot meter was made much easier by switching to Normal Risk-Reward, the setting that is “most similar” to the original 2K timing. This is because an imperfect release had less of an impact on a shot, saving my TV. However, Shot Timing Profiles are only partially effective in hiding the fact that timing this year’s arrow shot meter—as well as the ring and dial alternatives—remains challenging. If only there was a way for me to switch to the simpler, basic bar style from last year.
Having played around with these innovative gameplay elements in Learn2K, the new teaching area, I was excited to see what else NBA 2K25 had in store. I decided to check out the new Steph Era on MyNBA Eras, which oddly enough starts in 2016—two years after the Warriors’ first championship and the real start of Curry’s terror. I should say, three-rror, instead. Do you understand? While the LeBron Era occurred in the first part of the decade, making the 2010s uncomfortably crowded, I can support the Steph Era as a celebration of the nearly unstoppable dynasty that Steph and company created.
Don’t Call It a Comeback
Before launching into the updated MyCareer mode, I was bracing myself for disappointment because the new features in MyNBA Eras were a little disappointing. How foolish I was, oh! Upon booting it up for the first time, I was thrust into every hooper’s boyhood dream: it was overtime in the NBA Finals, my team was ahead, and I got to finish the rest of the match for a chance to create history (after selecting my favorite position, team, and appearance).
It is only a little preview of my player’s possible plot, to begin with, but this quick dip into a high-stakes environment is the much-needed breath of fresh air for MyCareer after last year’s letdown. Although it is a great beginning, a single thrilling career arc is insufficient to justify a single-player mode by itself. I stepped back in to try to make the intro a reality after concluding the match (spoiler alert: we won) and experimenting with different builds for an hour. But first, I had to go back in time to my player’s lowly beginnings via the recently released Heart of a Dynasty story mode.
For someone who played the original MyCareer games for the majority of their adolescence (such as NBA 2K10 through 2K13), Heart of a Dynasty was a wonderful breath of new air. It is a little game (you can replay only four story-based battles), but seeing your character progress through each one after finishing them all is a very nostalgic feeling. It is better than having no plot at all, even though it is not exactly the show-out-and-get-drafted experience I have been hoping for these past few years—you know, the ones that start you off from high school and college until you build enough stock at the Combine to get picked by your preferred team?
That is primarily because I completed all ten of the beginner tutorials before attempting each MyTeam game style, which I strongly advise you to do as well. This enabled me to acquire a free agent Kevin Durant card, which was extremely helpful in Triple Threat Online, as well as four 80+-rated stars: Damian Lillard, Lamar Odom, Tony Allen, and LaMarcus Aldridge. In addition, I strengthened my team even further with just a few thousand MyTeam Points (MT) now that the Auction House is back—a big relief.
Are these the best players to start with on your squad right now? Most likely not. Though they can not quite match those with a squad full of diamond cards and rated 90 or above, I am nevertheless glad that I can compete in 3v3s and Showdown with the team I was able to put together for free.
Verdict
Never has this been more true than in NBA 2K25: the more things change, the more they remain the same. The basic concept is familiar, and it probably always will be, but there are a few additions that make it more interesting and difficult, like Shot Timing Profiles, Rhythm Shooting, and Go-To Moves. MyCareer is still the most significant option in the series, and I appreciate that Streetball is back and the Heart of a Dynasty plotline evokes nostalgia while emphasizing the renewed importance of single-player experiences, which I now have reason to believe will be even better next year.
Do not get me wrong: when it comes to online player advancement, microtransactions are still as prevalent and annoying as ever. But at least now that the Auction House has been restored to allow you to acquire cards without purchasing Venture Capital, it does not feel as important as it once did, especially in MyTeam. To put it simply, Michael Jordan’s dramatic comeback in 1995 is not quite on par with NBA 2K25. It feels more like his late-career stay with the Washington Wizards. Longtime fans like myself can still be pleasantly surprised by the few tricks it still has up its sleeve, even as we complain about long-term problems.
