NBA 2K25 – Forty-eight hours after the release of the new version of NBA 2K, here are our first impressions.
Fluidity. When testing NBA 2K25 in advance, the word that immediately came to mind was “fluidity”. Because, when it comes to dribbling or shooting, we can see that the “ProPlay” technology is particularly successful and enjoyable. Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic or Anthony Edwards: the best players in the league have their own “signature shot” in attack, their dribbles are reproduced identically and the rendering in match is more than realistic and immersive.
Another appreciated aspect: the way in which the contacts are more and more natural and better and better worked. We can also highlight the level of the AI, which gains in intelligence and logic compared to the reading of “mismatches”, aids, double takes or “switches”, which makes it much more difficult to maneuver as the level of play increases. As for the teams of commentators, varied, they avoid a form of weariness caused by the chaining of matches. Finally, the overhaul of the “Takeover” gauge is carnage, in the good sense of the term, because a superstar becomes literally unplayable by entering the maximum level of this “zone” (Victor Wembanyama in the lead).
The “Face Cam” is glitching
Still a little disappointed with the lack of reaction from the public to the announcement of certain players. Because, if LeBron James seems to be booed more than anyone else during team presentations, we regret that Warriors fans don't cheer Klay Thompson or that Joel Embiid isn't booed in New York in the playoffs. A detail, certainly, except that it has its importance. But those who would like a taste of the Clippers' new arena will have the opportunity to attend a great show by launching a game at the Intuit Dome…
On the other hand, we can regret the failure of the “Face Scan” which, despite multiple attempts, regularly misses the mark. It is also sometimes complicated to find your way around the menus, less intuitive than with some “competitors”. As for those who imagined that the “pay to win/progress” would be less pronounced than in the past, it will unfortunately not be the case and, the more you refuse to pay to obtain precious VC (for “Virtual Currency”, the virtual currency of the game), the more difficult it will be for you to compete with it in multiplayer. Or to benefit from a player talented enough to climb the ranks in solo.
Overall, it is in any case a successful and accomplished NBA 2K25 that is offered to us by Visual Concepts, as the good points accumulate more than the bad. An update can quickly come and shake everything up if the criticism rains down on users but, as it is, it is difficult not to be seduced by this production which, as every year for a decade now, deserves its status as a reference in sports simulation. The progress is to be highlighted and the pleasure is there from the first moments of handling the game.
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