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NBA 2K19

Another awesome instalment of the sensational NBA 2K series
NBA 2K19 Game Cover
56%Game Brain Score
emotional, optimization
monetization, gameplay
56% User Score Based on 58 reviews
Critic Score 80%Based on 26 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 5Playstation 4XboxiPhoneWindowsPlayStationXbox Series X|SPCPhoneXbox OneiPadMobile Platform
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NBA 2K19 Game Cover

About

NBA 2K19 is a single player and multiplayer sport game. It was developed by Visual Concepts and was released on September 11, 2018. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and neutral reviews from players.

NBA 2K celebrates 20 years of redefining what sports gaming can be, from best in class gameplay to ground breaking game modes and an immersive open-world "Neighborhood." NBA 2K19 continues to push limits as it brings gaming one step closer to real-life basketball excitement and culture.

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Play Modes
NBA 2K19 screenshot
NBA 2K19 screenshot
NBA 2K19 screenshot
NBA 2K19 screenshot
NBA 2K19 screenshot
NBA 2K19 screenshot
NBA 2K19 screenshot
NBA 2K19 screenshot
NBA 2K19 screenshot
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56%
Audience ScoreBased on 58 reviews
emotional3 positive mentions
  • NBA 2K19 features rock-solid gameplay and excellent presentation, making it the best basketball simulation available.
  • The MyCareer mode offers a compelling story and engaging progression, appealing to both newcomers and veterans.
  • The game includes a variety of modes and improved AI, providing a rich and rewarding basketball experience.
  • Microtransactions are prevalent and can hinder progression, making the experience feel grindy and exploitative.
  • Some modes, like MyCareer and MyNeighborhood, are criticized for being underdeveloped or intrusive.
  • Online multiplayer suffers from instabilities and lag, detracting from the overall gameplay experience.
  • monetization
    13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    NBA 2K19 is praised for its gameplay and style, but it is significantly hindered by aggressive microtransactions that impact progression and overall enjoyment. Players express frustration over the pay-to-win elements, particularly in modes like MyTeam and MyCareer, where cosmetic options and character upgrades are locked behind a monetization scheme. Despite some improvements in progression, the intrusive nature of microtransactions remains a major drawback, preventing the game from reaching its full potential.

    • “Nba 2k19 is a fun basketball game held back by unnecessary bells and whistles alongside intrusive microtransactions.”
    • “Take away the microtransactions and this is a must-play for basketball fans.”
    • “While the heavy emphasis on microtransactions is still front and center in nba 2k19, progression has been improved enough to make this a far more attractive prospect for both rookies and seasoned vets.”
    • “If not for the blatant microtransactions and VC-driven progression system, NBA 2K19 would be the best basketball game on and off the court to date.”
    • “However, basic cosmetic options being held hostage behind microtransactions and an obtrusive story during MyCareer are huge unforced turnovers and prevent NBA 2K19 from cementing itself as the greatest of all time.”
    • “It is a true shame the game is shackled by microtransactions which make progression a grind both for MyTeam and your player.”
  • gameplay
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in NBA 2K19 is widely praised for its realism, variety, and depth, featuring fantastic basketball mechanics and a range of modes like MyCareer and MyLeague that enhance player engagement. However, some players feel that the experience is somewhat hindered by microtransactions and an aggressive monetization strategy. Overall, the game is noted for its high production value and polished presentation, making it a standout entry in the series.

    • “Basketball gameplay is by far the best it's ever been; players look and move just as they do in real life.”
    • “NBA 2K19 struggles to strike the right balance – the game offers some refreshing story and gameplay improvements, but they don’t quite make up for an aggressive monetization scheme that hasn’t been updated in any meaningful way.”
    • “NBA 2K19’s rock-solid gameplay and strong sense of style make it the best of the series, but its style is slightly cramped by microtransactions.”
    • “When it comes to gameplay, presentation, and polish, 2K’s latest entry is undoubtedly unmatched.”
  • story
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story aspect of NBA 2K19 receives mixed reviews, with players noting that the MyCareer mode features an emotional yet sometimes cringeworthy prelude, while cutscenes become less intrusive once in the NBA. Although the game offers a compelling narrative and engaging dialogue in modes like MyGM, criticisms arise regarding the overall quality of the MyCareer storyline and the impact of microtransactions on progression. Despite these issues, the game is praised for its character development and voiceover performances, contributing to a more immersive experience.

    • “While cringey at times, MyCareer’s lengthy prelude section tells an emotional story.”
    • “MyCareer makes you invested in the player you create, with great voiceover performances in the MyCareer story.”
    • “With a vastly superior MyCareer story, a revamped social hub, and all the presentation-focused bells and whistles you expect from the premiere basketball sim, NBA 2K19 continues to cement itself as one of the Switch’s strongest sports offerings.”
    • “However, basic cosmetic options being held hostage behind microtransactions and an obtrusive story during MyCareer are huge unforced turnovers and prevent NBA 2K19 from cementing itself as the greatest of all time.”
    • “Microtransactions destroy progression; the MyCareer storyline is terrible, and the neighborhood remains a pointless distraction from basketball.”
    • “Microtransactions and grind still feel too prevalent, with cheesily written story modes.”
  • emotional
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by a compelling narrative in the MyCareer mode, which, despite some cringe-worthy moments, effectively engages players with its storytelling. Additionally, the intelligent AI and fluid gameplay mechanics enhance the emotional satisfaction of achieving success on the court, while the MyGM mode offers a mix of humor and depth that adds to the overall emotional experience.

    • “While cringey at times, MyCareer’s lengthy prelude section tells an emotional story.”
    • “Once in the NBA league, cutscenes in MyCareer are far less intrusive and more straightforward compared to the past three NBA games by 2K.”
    • “Compelling story and wacky dialogue in MyGM: The Saga Continues.”
  • optimization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game is praised for its engaging MyCareer mode, which fosters player investment, alongside challenging and rewarding core NBA 2K mechanics. Additionally, the variety of game modes and high-quality voiceover performances enhance the overall experience.

    • “MyCareer makes you invested in the player you create.”
    • “Core NBA 2K mechanics are challenging and rewarding.”
    • “Plenty of game modes to choose from.”
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80%Critics’ scoreBased on 26 critic reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions

NBA 2K19 is a sport game.

NBA 2K19 is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, iPhone and others.

NBA 2K19 was released on September 11, 2018.

NBA 2K19 was developed by Visual Concepts.

NBA 2K19 has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its emotional but disliked it for its monetization.

NBA 2K19 is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Skater XL, Out of the Park Baseball 20, NBA 2K15, Two Point Museum, College Bowl and others.