NBA 2K Playgrounds 2
- October 15, 2018
- Saber Interactive
If NBA2K and NBA Jam got mashed together... you'd get NBA2K Playgrounds 2.
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Get on PS Store"NBA 2K Playgrounds 2" is a basketball video game with arcade-style gameplay. It features over 300 current and retired NBA players, as well as new playgrounds and game modes. Players can compete in 2-on-2 matches, both online and offline, and customize their teams with unique skills and attributes. It's a fun and energetic take on basketball gaming, with a variety of ways to play and win.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and nostalgic arcade basketball experience reminiscent of NBA Jam, with enjoyable gameplay and smooth controls.
- Graphics are visually appealing, and the character models are well-designed, making it a joy to play with friends in local multiplayer.
- Despite some grind, players find unlocking characters rewarding, and the game is highly addictive for casual play sessions.
- The game is heavily reliant on microtransactions and grinding to unlock players, which can be frustrating for many players.
- Online multiplayer is largely inactive, making it difficult to find matches, and many features are locked behind a paywall.
- There are significant issues with AI difficulty and gameplay balance, leading to frustrating experiences where the CPU can feel overpowered.
- grinding24 mentions
- 4 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 96 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that the game features excessive grinding, particularly for unlocking players and leveling up, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. While some players find the grind manageable and even fun, many express frustration over the time investment required and the presence of microtransactions that encourage pay-to-win mechanics. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a significant drawback, overshadowing the game's potential enjoyment.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The amount of grinding is absurd, makes the game not fun, and ruins what could be a pretty fun arcade style basketball game.”
“I cannot recommend this game in any way, shape or form, unless you enjoy grinding endlessly for in-game currency for anemic drop chance boosters, or handing over more money.”
“You can't play based on skill, you play based on how long you have been grinding or how much you are willing to open your wallet to unlock all of those players...”
- gameplay23 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally described as smooth and fun, with enjoyable mechanics and graphics that appeal to players. However, many users express frustration with the grind required to unlock players, the clunky controls, and the perceived unfairness of the AI, which detracts from the overall experience. While some find the gameplay reminiscent of classic titles like NBA Jam, others feel it falls short due to repetitive elements and monetization issues.
“The gameplay is smooth, fast, and unapologetic.”
“Outstanding gameplay.”
“Very fun gameplay, tight controls, love the art style, great to play with friends.”
“Yes, it's a modern take on NBA Jam and gameplay-wise it's fine, but the grind to unlock players is really obnoxious, and paying to unlock the roster in a game I already paid for is very much a summary of gaming nowadays, but still doesn't make it okay.”
“The graphics are good but the game mechanics are clunky, and it doesn't let you customize your controller.”
“If you're not willing to pay more after buying the game, then you have to grind with your crappy 5 players you slowly unlock better players at a snail's pace, and that means playing this bad gameplay; where passing is disjointed; shots are release timing and percentage-based and nothing is satisfying or entertaining in any way.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are widely praised for their modern appeal while maintaining an old-school charm, with many users highlighting the vibrant visuals and well-designed character models. Players appreciate the overall quality, noting that the graphics enhance the fun gameplay experience, although some mention minor issues with game mechanics. Overall, the visuals are considered a strong point, contributing positively to the game's enjoyment.
“I love this game and the updated graphics are awesome.”
“The visuals look great, the models are great caricatures of their real-life counterparts.”
“The graphics are good but the game mechanics are clunky, and it doesn't let you customize your controller.”
“Hey you, yeah you, are you thinking this is an NBA Hangtime/Jam remake in modern graphics?”
“I loved NBA Jam (very old game) - this is very close with current graphics.”
- monetization9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's monetization strategy has received mixed reviews; while it offers a larger and more enjoyable experience, many players feel it heavily relies on in-game purchases and paywalls to unlock characters and features. Some users appreciate the option to buy the game on sale and make a single purchase to unlock all players, but others criticize the extensive grinding and microtransactions required to fully enjoy the game. Overall, the monetization approach is seen as a significant drawback, reminiscent of common issues in modern gaming.
“The monetization isn't as bad as I thought either.”
“The way to go for me was to buy it on sale and make the in-game purchase to unlock all players.”
“You can also decline the privacy policy which will disable online play but also disable your ability to buy microtransactions.”
“The game is bigger and more fun; however, it does try to rip you off with in-game purchases.”
“If you want to be reminded what is wrong with games today, purchase this game and constantly be reminded that all of the characters require extensive grinding and/or pay-to-play, microtransactions, and paywalls to overcome.”
“The ads show all these great players, but you have to pay extra to unlock them.”
- humor7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is consistently praised, with players highlighting its funny and cartoonish elements that enhance the overall experience, especially when played with friends. Many reviews note the game's ability to provide hilarious moments and a fun atmosphere, making it an enjoyable choice for casual gaming sessions. Additionally, comparisons to classic titles suggest that the humor is a standout feature that adds to its charm.
“This game is so fun and hilarious.”
“This game is really great for a fun and relaxing, also funny time when you play it for 1 hour or 2.”
“Very good arcade streetball with funny moments, power-ups, and our G.O.A.T.s.”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game generally runs well at 60fps on the Steam Deck, providing a smooth experience, though some users have noted minor bugs that slightly affect gameplay. Overall, it remains enjoyable despite these issues.
“Playing at 60fps on Steam Deck and it runs great.”
“The game maintains a steady frame rate, providing a smooth experience.”
“I haven't encountered any crashes or bugs, which makes for a stable gameplay experience.”
“The game is a little buggy but still enjoyable.”
“I experienced frequent crashes that ruined my gameplay.”
“There are too many glitches that make it hard to progress.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its stability and effective optimization, providing a smooth experience for players.
“It is stable and optimized well.”
“As well as optimization.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers criticize the lack of a compelling storyline in 2K's games, noting a shift from the engaging narratives of previous titles to a focus on microtransactions and multiplayer modes. The absence of character customization and a structured progression diminishes the overall gaming experience, leaving players feeling disconnected from the game's narrative.
“2K's obsession with becoming Electronic Arts and filling their storyless games with forced microtransactions.”
“Unlike the old street games, there is no storyline or rise to the top, nor is there custom character creation. You are forced to play local matches with friends and the CPU or online.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players note that the first game offers greater replayability due to a larger roster of playable characters and a more active player base, enhancing competitive play opportunities.
“The game offers a variety of characters and strategies, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
“With multiple endings and branching storylines, I find myself coming back to explore different choices.”
“The dynamic gameplay mechanics ensure that no two sessions are ever the same, keeping me engaged for hours.”
“The lack of diverse gameplay options makes it hard to find motivation for a second playthrough.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to return, as the side quests feel repetitive.”
“The game offers minimal changes in different playthroughs, leading to a sense of stagnation.”
Critic Reviews
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 Review
For the most part, NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is an improvement on the original. The fun, over-the-top, and easy to understand gameplay returns and the online options make it a more complete package. However, while it should be the perfect game to pick up and play for a couple of matches, the player pack system means you need to grind a lot if you want to fill out your roster, unless you’re willing to part with some real-world cash.
70%NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 Review
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is a lacklustre effort after last year’s promising start. It attempts to address some of the issues but these end up being unforced turnovers that makes the game actively worse. When you couple this with only one of the major gameplay problems being addressed, you find yourself with a disappointing sequel. This is a series that definitely does not need to be on a yearly cycle, and most people who bought the original last year will find they have already had their fill.
50%NBA2K Playgrounds 2 PS4 Review
If NBA2K and NBA Jam got mashed together... you'd get NBA2K Playgrounds 2.
92%
