If you wanted a definition of “Under the radar” then NBA 2K14 can be used a pretty good example. Lost in a race of launch titles bigger than it, NBA 2K14 will be a diamond in the rough for some players. Fans of the series can enjoy this game as they would do every year, but I am no annual subscriber, far from it. In fact this is my first NBA game and in the space of a week I’ve sampled 2k14 and 2k13.
NBA 2K14 on the Xbox One offers something which many a launch title has given players, utterly amazing graphics. But 2k14 is by far the most beautiful game I have seen to date. It’s a marvel. As you defend and concentrate it’s very difficult not to be taken back by the sheer depth and detail that 2K14 offers the player.
Using “2KSports Real Voice” the game has actual player vocals used in an efficient way which gives the player a sense of true effort to make the game as accurate as ever. Sadly manager and certain players don’t have a backing for themselves and don’t talk at all which seems a little bit of a lazy attempt instead of using a voice actor.
Those details and the overall detail of the game are shown off in the My Career mode which allows NBA to flex its story telling credentials. However parts of the game away from actually playing on the court need a lot of work and in fact look much neglected. Parts such as the missing voice when talking to individual players, the removal of training unless you are “invited” and the general poor graphics within menus including an awfully photo shopped billboard with your face on?! Menus are simplified but once again look like they have been rushed and could probably do with a little bit more design and graphical work. It really is swings and roundabouts at this point because some people will love this and others will say it just shouts “Lack of Effort.”
For newcomers to the series it’s a lot to take in. And 2K sports knows this and the extensive training schemes take you through every move you need to know with expert help. The training is a particular highlight of the games established and extensive network of moves and skills. This is really shown off in the training however some parts do seem a little tedious making press Y to block for example before I can move forward.
Down to the gameplay side of things and it doesn’t disappoint, the AI offers a stiff test and the game itself allows players freedom with just the right touch of challenge. That being said the top players of the NBA, James, Durant, Duncan etc are obviously unreal and so they should be. Linking back to the My Career mode, the player you start off with finds it very tough in the league. Might be my ability that or the pro’s, pretty sure it’s not my fault…. But the gulf in class is very evident and I think the game makes this clear throughout the various end of game cut scenes which allow the player to improve manager and player relationships as well as forming friends when it comes to fans.
As far as features go on NBA 2k14, you have your standard “be a pro” style create your player career mode and a manager mode for those wishing to delve into controlling the whole team. Adding assets and of course winning, in the results business. 2K14 offers a type of ultimate team style of feature allowing you to attempt tournaments, play with friends and purchase all manner of items linked to the NBA from players to classic kits. The currency used is earnt in any game mode which adds to the replay ability of all modes across 2k14.
Through the currency the game attempts to reward players for their performance which is gauged by the 2K system adding on addition points towards a final grade, A to E. This is the bread and butter of NBA 2K14 and nothing has changed from the previous series, it’s your ticket to a better player, more wins and a better team.
The depth of NBA 2K14 is there for all to see in My GM and My Career modes, all be at very cheesy and cringey at times! But value for money is there and fans of the series will be pleased with the latest addition. Especially the way it looks on your shiny new Xbox One! All in all it's a must buy for fans but it can be a bit like marmite for newcomes, my advice, try before you buy if you can!
