"NBA 2K18" is one of the most anticipated video games of the year, and now you can start playing early with the release of "The Prelude" on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. In what acts as a free demo, "The Prelude" offers the opportunity to start playing through the popular story mode with the progress made rolling over to be continued in the full game upon purchase.
For "NBA 2K18," the MyCareer story mode joins MyPark, Pro-Am and character customization within a new hub called "The Neighborhood." This open world area will be populated by other real MyPlayer characters from around the world in what looks a lot like "Grand Theft Auto Online." Both "NBA 2K" and "Grand Theft Auto" are developed by studios owned by parent company Take Two Interactive.
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While "The Prelude" also includes a tutorial scrimmage mode from its "2KU" suite of practice options, it does not feature any regular NBA games to play. The mobile app, available for iOS and Android, can be used to scan faces, which are then transferred into the game for the created character.
The first instance of "The Prelude" came last year with "NBA 2K17" and was most notable for taking place during the college portion of the story mode which included 10 licensed universities. That game also sold All-Time rosters for the schools as add-on downloadable content. "NBA 2K18" will not have any colleges in the story or outside of it.
"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, and introduces 17 new classic teams and 30 all-time teams. 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 posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the "Press Row Podcast" and can be reached on Twitter@Pastapadre.