NBA 2K25 hit the shelves this week amid plenty of excitement for the latest edition of the world's leading basketball video game and the early returns show the game has more than lived up to the hype.
I was lucky enough to get an early look at NBA 2K25 at 2K Community Day and test out the new game, but after a weekend locked into my Playstation, exploring every element of the game, this year's edition is no doubt the smoothest version of the game yet, with a ton of new features.
From the enhanced WNBA offering to the revamp of The City, here's five key takeaways from NBA 2K25
MORE: Top 10 NBA 2K25 player ratings revealed
NBA 2K25 gameplay is on another level
Much of the criticism leveled at NBA 2K24 surrounded the gameplay, dribbling engine and overall feel of the game, and you can tell the dev team went away and took their time in the lab, creating the smoothest gameplay the game has had to date.
Immediately when you pick up the controller, the dribbling stands out, especially when attacking the basket with a vast array of dribble moves to get by your defender.
NBA 2K added 9,000 new ProPLAY animations, including 1,500 dribbling animations, 1,100 signature shot animations, and more than 1,300 new off-the-ball animations, including 150 new signature motion styles based the most rostered players from the 2023-24 NBA season, making it super realistic.
Shooting has split opinion, but overall it's a win
Shooting in NBA 2K25 is perhaps the biggest difference from last year's version of the game with a brand new shot meter, that does take a bit of time to get the hang of.
The Pro Stick Rhythm shooting allows gamers to simulate a player's shooting rhythm with the joystick and when it comes to the shot meter, you have the option of three different settings — Arrow (default), Ring and Dial.
The main difference being the shot meter no longer freezes on release, rather it follows through the entire motion of the shot, which is especially noticeable when shooting layups or free throws in online gameplay.
You can also customize the shot meter in the Customize HUD screen or just turn it off altogether.
Overall, once you get the hang of it, the shooting motion is way more fliud and realistic in NBA 2K25.
Increased game modes across the board
Exploring the different game modes in NBA 2K25 was fun and offers an expansive gaming experience across the MyCareer, MyTeam, MyPlayer, and MyNBA modes
'The Steph Era' MyNBA mode, which features the 2017 Golden State Warriors takes the cake — you can either play with them or try to stop them — but it's an enjoyable mode navigating one of the most dominant stretches of recent NBA history.
MORE: Ronnie 2K talks expanded WNBA offering in NBA2K25 | Inside 'The Steph Era' in MyNBA
The WNBA mode is as big as ever, headlined by the 'Become the GOAT' mode in the Pursuit of Greatness story.
This mode sees players dropped into the Rookie of the Year race alongside Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Rickea Jackson, vying to eclipse the legends of the game, with detailed, visualized progress of their accomplishments along the way and how they stack up to the GOAT they're chasing.
For the first time, WNBA players feature in press conferences after key moments in games, like breaking records, accepting awards like Rookie of the Year and MVP.
Between A'Ja Wilson's dominance as the highest-rated WNBA player in 2K history at 99, to launching threes from literally anywhere with Caitlin Clark, the WNBA mode of the game is well worth checking out.
The City refresh is a hoopers' dream playground
You can get lost in the reimagined City in NBA 2K25.
The redesigned City lets you take your MyPlayer to a variety of outdoor parks, highlighted by the Proving Grounds where you can take on other players in 1-v-1, 2-v-2, 3-v-3 or 5-v-5 games.
While The City is smaller in NBA 2K25 it feels more intimate and easy to navigate.
The return of MyCOURT is a big plus, where you can customize the arena and practice with friends and MyCareer teammates.
Notably, the older court designs like Rivet Park are back in the Triple Threat Park, along with some other nostalgic battlegrounds from previous versions of the game.
Play anywhere & win everywhere in The City in #NBA2K25 🏙️
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 29, 2024
Explore a more compact and connected environment featuring:
🌟 Boulevard of the Stars
😤 Proving Grounds
🏠 Return of MyCOURT
🏀 Updated looks for Pro-Am, REC, and Ante-Up Courts
More details in the Courtside Report 👇… pic.twitter.com/CINWtY70BR
One of the new features is the Boulevard of Stars — an NBA version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, featuring NBA Finals winners, to which you can add your name to if you win titles in MyCareer.
