'NBA 2K18' puts previous versions to shame with incredible player, uniform upgrades

Bryan Wiedey

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'NBA 2K18' puts previous versions to shame with incredible player, uniform upgrades image

Improved graphics are expected with every new release of a sports video game. However, where the efforts are directed can help determine whether those improvements make a real impact that consumers immediately recognize and find valuable.

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For "NBA 2K18," not only are the players being represented in better fashion than ever before, but publisher 2K Sports has the benefit of being able to debut all the new Nike uniforms, which will naturally provide a fresh feel to the product.

Areas the development team focused on include player scanning (faces, body types, skin tones, tattoos), the new uniforms, over 200 pairs of shoes (which were also scanned) and expansion to the customization of created characters. 

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2K Sports announced Tuesday that a second year of The Prelude will release Sept. 8 for Xbox One and PS4. Acting as a free demo of sorts, The Prelude provides an opportunity to get a start on the MyCareer story mode with the progress made carrying over to the full game. With "NBA 2K17," it was the college portion of the story that played out. It has not been specified what the experience will be this time around. 

"NBA 2K18" will let you play through a story as a general manager, joining its other story-based mode which is centered on being a player. The game will release Sept. 15 to those who preorder. Shaquille O'Neal is featured on the two pricey special editions of the game, which will be sold for $150 and $100, respectively.










 

Bryan Wiedey

Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is a regular participant in the Press Row Podcast and Press Row Hangout shows, and can be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.