NBA 2K25 Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

NBA 2K25 is one of the best sports games of the year, just like previous versions. However, it does have a major downside that players should know about. This basketball game from Visual Concepts stands out because of its great presentation, gameplay, and overall immersion. But, it is affected by long-standing pay-to-win tactics that may not change.

One of the biggest updates in NBA 2K25 is a new dribbling physics system that makes controlling the ball feel more realistic. While it’s hard to explain, you’ll notice the difference when you play. The improved ProPlay animation system also brings real-life basketball footage into the game. Most people have played basketball at some point, even if it’s just shooting hoops with friends. NBA 2K25 does a great job of capturing that experience, building on a solid gameplay foundation.

Unlike other game series that toss out ideas that don’t work, NBA 2K focuses on improving its features. This dedication is seen in second year of ProPlay system which adds more detail to the game. While NBA 2K24 set stage, NBA 2K25 enhances it with new animations that reflect real-life playing styles. Each basketball player is unique & NBA 2K25 does a better job of showcasing that with distinct jump shots, signature moves and post-score celebrations inspired by real players.

Last year, many players were frustrated with NBA 2K’s “green-or-miss” shooting system. This meant that shots had to be perfectly timed to land in the green zone on the shot meter, or else the attempt would fail. This year, the developers at Visual Concepts listened to that feedback and introduced two different shooting options. First keeps the high-risk, high-reward “green-or-miss” mechanic which challenges players to rely on their skills to make difficult shots. The second option is more forgiving, allowing for shots that aren’t perfectly timed but depends more on positioning and defense like a “sim” mode versus a “competitive” mode.

Now, players have the choice between a refined version of last year’s system or a return to what was used before NBA 2K24. Both options are easier to manage thanks to the game’s improved UI customization and create-a-jumpshot feature. Players can customize their shot meter by adjusting its size, shape, colors, and even placement on the screen. You can also design your own jumper making it easier to find shot timing that fits your style.

For new players, NBA 2K’s deep gameplay can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, game now includes a comprehensive skills trainer called “Learn 2K” mode. This new feature teaches everything from basic basketball skills to advanced techniques like ball handling and ankle-breaker moves. Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate player, or a pro, this mode offers a practice facility to help you improve your skills.

This new training suite is a welcome addition because sports games can become complicated over time, assuming players have experience from past versions. With this detailed tutorial, NBA 2K25 ensures that both newcomers and veterans can master the game at their own pace.

For years, no sports game has matched the authentic feel of a real-life TV broadcast like NBA 2K. This continues in NBA 2K25, where the presentation remains top-notch, even if there aren’t any major new features this year. The game has set a high standard, and no other sports game comes close.

The commentary is incredibly lifelike, featuring multiple teams with beloved voices like Kevin Harlan. It sounds so realistic that you could mistake it for an actual NBA game just by listening. The commentators remember past matchups and discuss NBA history, while also inviting players to take part in post-game press conferences.

During timeouts, you’ll see coaches and players discussing strategies, as well as entertaining performances from mascots and dance crews. The overall atmosphere—complete with crowd reactions and scoreboard displays—is outstanding. This level of detail has been impressive for a long time and continues to feel fresh.

The halftime shows are both funny and engaging, with hosts covering scores and highlights around the league. In career mode, there’s even an in-game TV show that is entertaining and worth watching, unlike the cringeworthy attempts in other games. I found myself captivated by one episode where the hosts debated the best teams in NBA history, and I didn’t want to skip it.

No other sports game puts in this much effort, and while others may try similar features, they often fall flat. In NBA 2K25, I don’t feel the need to skip anything. When I started a new season with the Celtics, I enjoyed their championship ring ceremony on opening night, amazed at how well it was put together. NBA 2K25 truly looks, sounds and feels like real life, making me an even bigger fan of basketball.

NBA 2K25 continues to lead the competition with its franchise mode, MyNBA. A standout feature, introduced two years ago, is “Eras,” which lets players start a league in different decades, each with authentic rules, rosters, and presentation styles. This year, a new era has been added—the Steph Curry Era—focused on the present day. Although it’s not as unique as past eras like the Kobe Era, it still offers a fresh starting point for fans of modern basketball.

The WNBA mode in NBA 2K25 is the most advanced version yet, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s basketball. High-profile rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have brought new attention to the league and the game highlights this with stellar presentation. WNBA mode, called “The W,” allows you to participate in press conferences and aim for greatness, similar to the men’s MyCareer mode. However, for players less familiar with WNBA history, this mode feels more like a learning experience, offering a fresh perspective on the league.

The commentary in The W mode also recalls WNBA legends and recent achievements, like Becky Hammon’s back-to-back titles with Las Vegas. Press conferences add further context to the league’s history, which, for many, has only recently gained attention. NBA 2K25’s focus on the WNBA feels like it’s growing with the league’s rise in popularity, adding to the excitement.

You can’t take your WNBA player into the game’s social space, but it’s clear that the 2K team is working hard to expand its features, offering a lot of content compared to other sports games. The main attractions are MyPlayer and The City. In MyPlayer, you create your character, customizing their stats in various areas like dunking and shooting. You can even use a mobile app to put your face on your player, and the results have improved over time.

In MyCareer you play through your character’s journey from high school to NBA, aiming to become legendary player & build a successful dynasty. Unlike many other sports games, this solo story mode is fully developed & enjoyable allowing you to chase NBA history while earning recognition through social feeds & media reactions.

After or during your NBA career, you can also explore The City, a vibrant social space with daily and weekly challenges, various game modes, and shopping options. It’s where many players spend their time, but the challenge system can be demanding, making it hard to keep up without dedicating too much time to the game.

The City offers various activities, like 3v3 pick-up games, training sessions, and competitive matches. It’s a standout feature that makes other sports games look inferior. While the design has improved from a crowded mall vibe to a more appealing beach boardwalk setting, it still has one major flaw: a pay-to-win economy. Players can use real money to improve their characters, making the game less fair for those who don’t want to spend extra.

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Although there are some improvements in matching players with similar ratings, the core issue remains. The microtransaction problem has persisted for years, and it detracts from the otherwise excellent gameplay experience. Overall, NBA 2K25 is a fantastic basketball sim, but its economic model holds it back from being truly great.