- September 15, 2017
NBA 2K18
NBA 2K18 is an amazing game with many new fun aspects to it
Platforms
About
The highest rated annual sports title of this console generation returns with NBA 2K18, featuring unparalleled authenticity and improvements on the court.
- Characterful retro inspired art and excellent puzzle design enhance the overall experience.
- Incredible visuals and high production value contribute to an immersive basketball experience.
- Fluid movement system and refined shot mechanics make for an intuitive and gratifying gameplay.
- Microtransactions are pervasive, making progression feel pay-to-win and intrusive.
- The MyCareer story mode is lackluster and the Neighborhood hub can become repetitive.
- Technical issues and uneven animations detract from the overall polish of the game.
monetization8 mentions Positive Neutral NegativeThe monetization in NBA 2K18 is heavily criticized for its pervasive microtransactions, which many players feel create a pay-to-win environment, particularly in the MyCareer mode. Users express frustration that these microtransactions intrusively affect gameplay and progression, making it difficult to enjoy the game without spending additional money. Despite these issues, some players still find enjoyment in the core basketball gameplay if they can overlook the monetization aspects.
“Invasive microtransactions get in the way; there's so much fluff to get through, making MyCareer more annoying than fun.”
“Microtransactions essentially make MyCareer a pay-to-win experience, dulling the story and performance that intrusively permeates the experience.”
“Microtransactions essentially make MyCareer a pay-to-win experience. The dull MyCareer story and performance intrusively permeate the experience, and the neighborhood feels like a microtransaction hub.”
“Microtransactions are everywhere, and trying to advance without them feels nearly impossible.”
“Invasive microtransactions get in the way, with so much fluff to get through, making MyCareer more annoying than fun.”
NBA 2K18 Review
Teased as a prime title for the demographic aimed at in the Nintendo Switch reveal trailer, NBA 2K18 achieves that goal of serviceable console play in the portable space, but with notable compromises. Questionable micro-transaction placement and downloadable requirements aside, NBA 2K18 is the truly authentic basketball experience, and a strong sign of things to come.
70%NBA 2K18 Review – Strong Fundamentals Make Up For A Few Air Balls
NBA 2K18 has a few holes in its game -- the series needs to improve its writing, the ballyhooed MyCareer Neighborhood hub falls flat, and the tech powering the series is nearing retirement age. That said, boil the game down to its essentials and you have a rock-solid, well-balanced sports sim that provides an immensely entertaining shoulder-to-shoulder same-couch multiplayer experience. It’s that strong core that keeps NBA 2K18 and its vast array of modes and features from collapsing in on itself. NBA 2K18 isn’t a milestone entry in the series, but it’s a solid playoff contender well worth basketball fans’ time.
80%NBA 2K18 Review
To all the NBA fans out there: hold your horses! In no way is NBA 2K18 a bad game, but it's certainly not worth its current price-tag, as the few improvements it offers are simply not enough, and, secondly, its sub-par single-player portion relies too much on micro-transactions. That being said, it can certainly feel as if it's the perfect basketball title for some couch party fun.
60%
