They mix in numerous anecdotes about players, coaches and executives while also staying on top of the on-court action. The three-man booth of Kevin Harlan, Steve Kerr and Clark Kellogg returns and calls the action impeccably. 2K has added layer after layer of gameplay tweaks over the years and 2K14 is the culmination of that. The zippier passes help offensive players hit open teammates quicker, providing more of a window to get off a clean look. This combination opens up the drive-and-kick game, a staple for most NBA offenses. Passes feel much more crisp, and the players space the floor better. Defense has also been amped up on the perimeter, making it more difficult to get to the paint.īut don't think offense was neglected. The blocking system has been overhauled, allowing for more highlight rejections.
Contact around the rim has been beefed up, providing yet another level of realism the series has always strived for. There's a level of physicality that the series has needed that has been added this year. The developers have said they added 3,000 new animations, and it's evident immediately.
It's fun to be in the driver's seat of LeBron's career and provides a bit of a story to follow in a genre that rarely offers it.īut the mode would be nothing without solid gameplay, and the NBA 2K series has never struggled with that. When I was asked to play point with LeBron, I finished with 30 points 30 assists (tying an NBA record) and 12 rebounds, but was awarded only two out of three stars. You are graded after each matchup, providing some replay value for those who want to ace each contest. For example, one game both of the Heat's point guards are injured, tasking LeBron to play point guard. During these games, there goals to attain or obstacles to overcome. In Path to Greatness, you step in LeBron's shoes and play key games during this season with the Heat. In my experience, LeBron chose to go with the Knicks, but I've seen other scenarios where he's chosen to return to the Cavs. You can select to stay with the Heat or select a "Fantastic Journey," which has LeBron bolting the Heat but you can't decide where he goes next. But you don't have total freedom in this mode.
With James about to become a free agent again this summer if he chooses to opt out of his current deal, 2K Sports thought it would be a great time for you to choose where The King's next destination should be. 2K Sports landed LeBron James as its cover athlete for 2K14, and the developers leveraged LeBron James' involvement.