NBA 2K13

This game is massive. It will easily keep even the most hardened player busy until next season. Suffice to say, this is the new bar that any future basketball title is going to be gauged against.

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"NBA 2K13" is a sports game that offers single-player, local multi-player , and multi-player gameplay experiences. The game features compelling mechanics, fabulous graphics, and a good soundtrack, with more than 5 million copies sold worldwide. With JAY Z as Executive Producer, "NBA 2K13" offers an enhanced MyCAREER mode and lets players match historical and current NBA talents, including the epic Dream Team vs. 2012 U.S. Men's National Team showdown.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

73%

Audience ScoreBased on 221 reviews

gameplay11 positive mentions

stability4 negative mentions

NBA 2K13 is considered one of the best basketball games ever, with great graphics, fluid gameplay, and a highly engaging MyCareer mode.
The game offers a lot of replayability and customization options, allowing players to create and develop their own characters in a realistic basketball environment.
Many players appreciate the soundtrack and the overall presentation, which adds to the immersive experience of playing basketball.

The PC version lacks several features found in console versions, such as online multiplayer options and certain game modes, which frustrates many players.
Gameplay can be plagued by bugs and AI issues, leading to unrealistic player movements and frustrating experiences during matches.
Controls can be difficult to master, especially when using a keyboard, and many players recommend using a gamepad for a better experience.

gameplay
21 mentions
52 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
Overall, the gameplay in the game is praised for its fluidity, solid mechanics, and immersive career mode, though some players note issues such as contract renewal limitations and minor input lag. While many appreciate the graphics and presentation, there are criticisms regarding the lack of significant improvements from previous iterations and occasional glitches. Despite these drawbacks, the game is recognized as one of the better basketball simulations available, with a good balance of challenge and accessibility.
- “I like the gameplay itself, and I think you can't find a better basketball simulation than that.”
- “Pros: amazing gameplay in career mode.”
- “Fantastic presentation, superb graphics and animations, excellent gameplay, and solid AI all lead me to the previous conclusion.”
- “There are some issues with the gameplay, especially the career mode that does not allow you to renew your contract with your current team.”
- “The mechanics have not improved much from 2K12; 2K12 feels even more fluid to me sometimes.”
- “Gameplay is extremely glitchy and my player is the only enjoyable game mode.”
graphics
20 mentions
65 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics of the game are generally praised for their quality, with many reviewers noting great visuals, smooth animations, and a near photo-realistic representation of players. While some mention that the graphics may not be next-gen or feel slightly outdated, the majority agree that the game runs well even on less powerful systems, contributing to an enjoyable gameplay experience. However, a few users pointed out minor issues with positioning and controls that detract from the overall visual experience.
- “With great visuals and excellent controls, that are easy to learn but hard to master, the game leaves you enjoying the moments.”
- “Fantastic presentation, superb graphics and animations, excellent gameplay, and solid AI all lead me to the previous conclusion.”
- “The second best basketball game I have played to date :) graphically close to photo-realism with a decent game engine capturing pretty much every move you can think of.”
- “From what I heard, the gameplay is the same; the graphics are not next-gen and there are little changes between the two.”
- “Also looks outdated with the meeting the GM graphics; voiceover and game noise sound good enough; controls are okay.”
- “[Choppy standard game visuals on TV, intimidating player and coach controls, less-than-great tutorials]”
music
9 mentions
78 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
22 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising the soundtrack as cool and fitting, while others find it repetitive or lacking in variety. Overall, many appreciate the soundtracks as a highlight, contributing positively to the game's ambiance and enhancing the gameplay experience. However, there are calls for more music tracks to be added to further enrich the audio experience.
- “I like the soundtrack; it's cool and fits well with the game, along with good graphics and gameplay.”
- “Banging game! Doesn't require an upgrade to NBA 2K14 and has a great soundtrack!”
- “One of the single greatest games out there with all of its amazing visuals and superb soundtrack.”
- “Sometimes the commentary and music get redundant.”
- “The music tracks are alright; I wish you could add more into the game somehow.”
stability
5 mentions
20 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
80 % negative mentions
The game's stability is mixed; while some players report minimal glitches during extensive playtime, others experience frequent bugs and performance issues that detract from the overall experience. Despite decent graphics and extensive menu options, the game's stability is hampered by a buggy engine and missing content.
- “Runs great, graphics are decent, and there are a lot of menu options for hours upon hours of gameplay.”
- “Very buggy game; sometimes it works, but most of the time it does not.”
- “Lots of glitches, poor performance, and a lack of features compared to Xbox.”
- “It's fun until the glitches and missing content take over.”
story
3 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The story in 2K16 and 2K17 is criticized for lacking personal connection, as players follow a character with experiences that feel distant from their own. Additionally, the lengthy draft sequence detracts from the overall experience, contrasting with the more engaging narrative found in 2K14.
- “You lose that feeling in 2K16 and 2K17 as you follow the story of a character whose life experiences are far different from your own.”
- “On my quest to get drafted, I had to sit through 45 minutes of draft nonsense watching other people get picked.”
- “One of the best NBA games, tops all others... now 2K14 is a different story.”
character development
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted to be engaging, providing players with a compelling and immersive experience as they connect with the characters' growth and transformations throughout the story.
- “Character development can be incredibly engaging, making players feel deeply connected to the story.”
- “The depth of character development in this game allows for meaningful choices that impact the narrative.”
- “I love how the character development evolves throughout the game, providing a rich and immersive experience.”
replayability
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game's replay value is exceptionally high, indicating a strong incentive for players to return and experience it multiple times.
- “The replay value is off the charts.”
- “Every playthrough feels fresh and exciting, thanks to the diverse choices and outcomes.”
- “With multiple endings and character paths, I find myself coming back for more every time.”