Kevin Durant explains the shot meter, Stephen Curry details the new dribbling moves (there are more than 100 new size-up moves you can use to embarrass defenders), and Anthony Davis covers defense. If you’re a total newcomer to the series, be prepared for a considerable learning curve - this is a basketball sim, and it’s most enjoyable when played with as such - but there’s a surprisingly enjoyable series of video tutorials that go over the finer points, narrated by NBA All-Stars. The game rewards players who position themselves well and time their actions perfectly, rather than the ones who mash the buttons on players with a high steal rating hoping for a turnover. My favorite change is the rework to steals. Players have an especially weighty feel in 2K15, and they move more realistically around the court, with far less sliding on defense. Visual Concepts has added thousands of new animations to the game, making every trip down the floor feel unique, and every playcall just a bit different. When playing with the default broadcast view, the other players on the floor frequently block your vision of the meter, leaving you to watch the height of your player’s jump, as you would in 2K14.Īside from the shot meter, 2K veterans should feel right at home. It’s extremely satisfying to hit the perfect shot right in the center of the meter, but you can’t rely on the tool 100 percent of the time. The shot meter offers excellent feedback on every shot and makes it easier to deal with players like Shawn Marion who have bizarre releases. Part of the challenge of a 2K game is learning the nuances of each player’s jumpshot, but it was frustrating to randomly miss when it seemed like you released at the perfect time in older games. If you manage to release the stick just at the right time, the meter will flash green, and your player will drain it. If you release the stick far too early or too late, the meter will turn red, and you’ll most likely miss. Whenever you take a shot, a meter underneath your player will indicate the correct release point. The biggest change to the tried-and-true 2K formula is the addition of the shot meter.

There’s a game mode for everyone in 2K15, the hardest part might just be deciding which one you like the most.

2K15 is the richest game in the series to date, and its greatness lies in its versatility.

With NBA 2K15, developer Visual Concepts and 2K Games have delivered the full package.

It looked better than any sports game that came before it, but it felt like the start of something bigger. The first game of the beloved 2K series to hit next-gen consoles, NBA 2K14, was a jaw-dropping visual showcase that cloaked a sub-par collection of modes and features.

Nba 2k15 video