NBA 2K23, the latest in Visual Concepts’ long-running annual basketball series, introduces several new features and overhauled game mechanics while taking us on a walk down memory lane. Although the 2K franchise has gained a reputation for focusing more on microtransactions than actual gameplay innovations, this year’s game mode additions and fundamental improvements largely overshadow the infamous pay-to-win schemes. The result is a package that feels more novel than other titles in the series’ recent history.
2K’s in-game mechanics have primarily followed a stable and successful plan, but introduces several updates this year, most notably the revamped shot counters and stamina bars. The new Shooting Knife leaves little room for error, making it more challenging than previous iterations. I initially had trouble mastering this updated feature thanks to this tighter release timing mechanic; previously you could get a shot even if your timing wasn’t perfect, but in NBA 2K23 success almost always requires a near-perfect release.
The stamina system in 2K23 has also been modified and now comes with three adrenaline bars. Sprinting and explosive dribbling moves now drain Stamina and Adrenaline gauges. This is especially helpful in online matches as it prevents individual players from dribbling too much and promotes team play. While these tweaks are difficult to master, the game feels as close to the actual sport as possible, which only helps the franchise in the long run.
These core gameplay improvements permeate the wide range of modes offered in NBA 2K23. This suite of offerings includes all the mainstays of the series plus some exciting new ones, like the Jordan Challenge, which lets you relive iconic moments from Michael Jordan’s career and MyNBA Eras. The former features fun challenges like The Shot and The Flu Game, each with their own achievements to replicate.
Rather than reliving history, MyNBA Eras, in contrast, allows us to rewrite it by giving us four NBA periods to choose from, each with their own distinct rules and roster. As a Suns fan, I especially loved revisiting iconic periods like the 7 Seconds or Less team of the 2000s and playing through a season in that era. This type of experience is exactly the kind of innovation the series has been lacking in recent years, and its inclusion in 2K23 works wonders to round out what this entry offers.
If you’re looking for the more traditional 2K modes, MyCareer remains one of the essential features of any 2K release. This year’s storyline leaves a lot to be desired, and the lack of choices makes it feel less like I’m shaping my own player’s career and more like I’m following through with a predetermined narrative.
Most of the improvements in MyCareer, however, went into restructuring The City, the hub where you’ll find most of your activities. Here Visual Concepts fully embraces its RPG aspects with the retention of its quest system and the addition of The Arena, which MyCareer events are now fully integrated into. The inclusion of both features provides players with a fully immersive experience, and game day events such as press conferences and pre-game shootarounds make this mode feel even more like an NBA player’s career.
Players can also access the Jordan Challenge across the region, not to mention the numerous online competitive games that can be found in and around them. The four city affiliations reappear, but each of the faction neighborhoods this time has its own beautifully designed theme. The size of the city in 2K23 has also been reduced, and with the inclusion of fast travel using the subway system, traversing is easier than in last year’s release.
As usual, MyTeam contains many competitions that can be played in both single and multiplayer versions. Instead of letting you choose your launcher directly, this year’s edition lets you try the launchers in a Triple Threat (3v3) match against AI before making your decision. There are also themed challenges and competitions where you can earn rewards to boost your team. If, like me, you prefer the casual experience of 2K, MyTeam has a lot going for it in terms of its offline single player modes.
Ultimately, however, microtransactions are more present in NBA 2K23 than ever before. Shredding MyTeam points and tokens is an option for those unwilling to spend more than the game’s premium price, but unless you’re incredibly patient, the easiest way is to spend real money buying packs to acquire a stacked squad. It’s been a tough year this year as the currency earned from MyCareer and MyTeam matches is so low that it takes a ridiculous amount of work to bring your team and player up to par with higher rated groups.
Overall, NBA 2K23 pays a fitting tribute to the historical legends and iconic moments that made the sport what it is today. While the game has some issues with its poor narrative choices and ubiquitous microtransactions, it’s still a solid improvement over the previous game. This year’s release isn’t quite the flashy free-throw line-dunk that lands a perfect score, but it’s a worthy all-around performance that would earn MJ an approving shrug.
