Official NBA 2K18 Impressions Topic

[Andrew]

While I'm still disgusted by the VC gouging, I am liking MyCAREER a little more, the more I play it. The gameplay though, not the story, Neighborhood approach, or VC gouging. I do think the NBA side of things - MyLEAGUE, Play Now, MyTEAM, etc - is a lot better; at least as good as NBA 2K17, but I would say noticeably improved.

[el badman]

Some very early impressions for now.
So for the 1st time in almost 20 years I had skipped last year's game (I used to also get NBA Live prior to 2K becoming the only PC option), because I could sense that the direction it was taking was more and more about pointless gimmicks and microtransactions, and less about actual gameplay and having fun. For some reason, I felt compelled to shell out 60 bucks for 2K18 this time around, and for now I can't say that I've been converted back to a fan yet.
Like mostly everybody else who's leaving reviews about it, I'm shocked by how much the gameplay itself has become sluggish in the last few years, with less and less control of your player. I know that a big issue years ago was the apparent lack of physics, which was certainly impacting the realism, but it seems that now even the fastest players seem weighted down by cast iron shoes, forcing you to heavily modify the sliders to get an experience that at least resembles what the game used to be about. There's even more of a delay in animations for just about anything you attempt with the ball, which probably improves a bit on overall realism when looking at it from the outside, but certainly diminishes the fun factor by quite a lot.
The graphics are solid and the presentation is obviously where a lot of efforts went, but considering how much the game used to cost when it started on PC and how much it costs now, I would personally expect more eye candy when everything is cranked up to max.
I've barely scratched the surface for now, and I'm sure MyCareer will be fun to some extent, but for now I would say that once again the game seems to be all about form over substance.

[Dommy73]

As for the free throws, it seems to be more forgiving in the game than during the practice. That said, I have bought (150 VC) and equipped Kyle Korver's free throw form and it kinda helped. It's very slow, easy to time. I'm OVR 67 now, so it's either locked behind 65 or not at all.

The GUI for gameplay moves etc is terrible though.

[Jackal]

Stop giving them your money for shit that shouldn't be behind a paywall.

Well, it's more of a wish than a demand. It's your money, feel free to spend as you wish.

[Dommy73]

Well, I for example am not planning on purchasing any amount of VC. I can now get relatively good amount per match anyway.

Speaking of VC, one thing came to mind. Last year we had to pay to upgrade badges and that is gone now. This year you can have much more badges than 5, so that might actually be a good amount of VC saved.
Not saying haircuts locked behind VC is good, but it's fair to mention when something becomes free. It's not like you can pay to skip the badge grind.

[Dommy73]

Alright, I managed to get the silver version of the free throw badge (I get fouled a lot as a slasher)... So Andrew, you as a shooter, grind it out. just grind it out.

I'm not missing anymore in practice. I'm simply not missing with the Kyle Korver form since I got the silver version. It's swish most of the time too, doesn't matter if it's green, good, slightly late, slightly soon release. It just swishes most of the time.
I've had 25, 26 and 28 points in the drill with the silver badge. 25 is still three star result with 1k points towards the progress to the badge BTW.

Gold badge in 72K (well, 69K now) points. That's just probably gonna say "don't even shoot it, we'll just add the points".

So guys, if you're struggling with free throws, Kyle Korver form and silver badge. At least that works for my 6'8" SF.

[Andrew]

I'm almost at the Bronze badge. I'll try out Korver's form, thanks for the tip.

I've unlocked MyCOURT customisation at 75 Overall, and I am happy to say that this year, MyCOURT customisation is free. Whatever you want, it's immediately available, no VC to pay. That's a very welcome reprieve with so much else going behind a VC paywall. While I still think it's ridiculous that haircuts and facial hair cost VC now, at least they've allowed some cosmetic items to be free.

[ChrisCP3Paul]

Is anyone experiencing some weird camera shake when having the ball on offense ? this happens to me like half the damn time almost, it's super annoying...

I haven't played 2K in years but I remember you could shake the camera if you were on home court by hitting the shoulder buttons when the opponent is shooting free throws, I think that was in VS mode if you were playing against a friend or something...
I think it's the same principle here maybe, I don't get wtf is going on this is one of the stupidest things they could have put in the game...

any info on this guys?
thanks

[Andrew]

It seems to happen when you're on the road, an extension of the shaking camera during free throws when the crowd is raucous. I'm guessing there's a setting to turn it off as well, if you don't want the AI to be able to do it to you.

[Dommy73]

You can't turn it of as of now in MyCareer. The setting is simply missing, hopefully we'll get it back.

[Jackal]

Something they need to bring back or address is the shot-meter for layups. From what I gather the controller vibrates when the ideal time is to let go, but that's annoying as shit. I can't make a layup 3 out of 5 times when it should be the exact opposite with a rare miss in congested lanes.

[Dommy73]

Not to mention the controller vibrations seem to not work for large number of users, me included.

For what it's worth, the shot meter for layups is top 3 requested feature on Reddit (they're sending it to VC).

[Andrew]

Something they need to bring back or address is the shot-meter for layups. From what I gather the controller vibrates when the ideal time is to let go, but that's annoying as shit. I can't make a layup 3 out of 5 times when it should be the exact opposite with a rare miss in congested lanes.

Agreed. I'm not a fan of having release timing on layups as it is, but if you're going to have it, it needs to have the meter, like it did last year.

[Jackal]

I'd love it if they removed the meter, it's not needed as you mentioned.

Really wonder if the game will be more enjoyable/they listen to the feedback they receive.

[Dommy73]

Funny enough the layup shot meter still pops up from time to time.

[Andrew]

I'd love it if they removed the meter, it's not needed as you mentioned.

My feeling is that the meter is needed if you're going to have shot timing. At the very least, it needs to be an option. But I'd prefer shot timing to not be needed on layups at all, since my feeling is that it just hasn't worked out as intended.

[ChrisCP3Paul]

oh wow so the camera shake is supposed to be there it's not a glitch ?

what about the shot releases ? if I remember correctly in previous 2K's the ball would get released when you let go of the shot button you could actually hold the shot button jump up and if you continue holding it the player would fall back down to the ground still holding the ball and having a travel called.... now it releases automatically by itself while I'm still holding the button down ?
This takes a lot out of the immersion, I would like to be in full control of my player's shot release

Perfect example right there they want to add "realism" with the camera shake, yet take out an actual feature that really IS supposed to work that way....

[Uncle Drew]

I was missing Shaq and Kyrie (most noticeable) when I did the all teams.

Sounds like a epic fail to me. From the sound of these reviews, I won't be in a rush to get it.

[Dee4Three]

oh wow so the camera shake is supposed to be there it's not a glitch ?

what about the shot releases ? if I remember correctly in previous 2K's the ball would get released when you let go of the shot button you could actually hold the shot button jump up and if you continue holding it the player would fall back down to the ground still holding the ball and having a travel called.... now it releases automatically by itself while I'm still holding the button down ?
This takes a lot out of the immersion, I would like to be in full control of my player's shot release

Perfect example right there they want to add "realism" with the camera shake, yet take out an actual feature that really IS supposed to work that way....

The camera shakes for me when the crowd is chanting "DEFENSE" and hitting the bleachers with feet. It's really silly, it doesn't add to the immersion, it actually hurts it. Don't try to give a game life in that way when you can't give it life in a normal way (Like correct lighting, crowd reactions, etc).

[Jackal]

I'd love it if they removed the meter, it's not needed as you mentioned.

My feeling is that the meter is needed if you're going to have shot timing. At the very least, it needs to be an option. But I'd prefer shot timing to not be needed on layups at all, since my feeling is that it just hasn't worked out as intended.

My bad, I was multitasking and didn't type a coherent sentence. I meant I am totally in for no shot timing on the layups. Since they are timed, I would like the meter. But if they removed the timing of it all and just let me make a layup, I'd be much happier. Sorry for being unclear.

[Andrew]

Ah, gotcha.

[Dommy73]

BTW during team practice when you do layup it shows the timing like on a shot, so you can train it a bit.

But yeah, just make it percentage based on ratings, type of layup and badges.

[Andrew]

Oddly, I'm shooting worse from the foul line with Kyle Korver's form. I did just get the Bronze Free Throw Ace Badge though, so we'll see how that goes. Chances are up over 70% now, at least.

[Dommy73]

I had terrible perfromance in free throw drills yesterday, complete 180 from the sunday. Still two star performances though.

I'm honestly baffled by it.

[Yuurei]

Is there an option to set the sim game time in MyCareer mode? I set the quarter time to 6 minutes, but I have the feeling that simulated games have a 9 minutes quarters and I can't find an option to change it.

By the way, since this is my first entry - Hello to everyone

[diamenz]

r u guys getting any type of reactions from the ai on pump fakes and jab steps?

[dwayne12345]

MyCareer has never been my thing. I may play it in a few months to try something different but not sold on it.

MyGM - I for one love the story element so far. As a Nets fan I find it truly realistic. You think Billy King gave up the house for Garnett and Pierce just on his own accord? Definitely love the pressure you get to do moves from people around the organization. The owner's son showed me how great Michael Beasley's PER is for his salary (top in the league) and suggested I get him. The Knicks immediately made him untouchable (which feels storyline more than sim). The owner demanded I get him, so if I wanted to keep him happy I would have to give up D'Angelo Russell and like a 1st round pick for Beasley (which isn't happening).

I love that side of the GM mode. It makes me feel accomplished if I rebuild a winner with all of those obstacles i.e. terrible owners.

The only major negative to MyGM is not being able to use custom rosters. However hopefully we can just hack the default 2k rosters like we did last year.

MyLeague - It's still MyLeague. I want GM's to be part of the staff in that mode though and it would be perfect.

Bugs - Can't start a serious Franchise yet due to all the bugs. The one I'm seeing right off the bat is that Bird Rights are broken. Joel Embiid for example has 1 Bird Year so Philly can't resign him. Not sure how stuff that I encounter within minutes of playing a mode makes it past testing.

Draft and Stash creating multiple players is a ridiculous bug. Like how could that have not been known about months ago when they were building the mode? If it's fixed in patch 1 though all is forgiven.

Gameplay is much improved. Off ball defense from the A.I. is MUCH better. Also spacing is great. Last year I would have to set my Offense to Space the floor because Motion Cuts just had my A.I. players leaving open spots on the court for no reason. Glad this is being improved.

I will wait for patch 1 to dive deeper into the Franchise modes though.

[Dommy73]

Yes, I did get some defenders up in the air on pump fakes. I'm going to assume that players with relevant ratings (my slasher with 44 3pt rating can fake all I want, but even brain dead zombie wouldn't bite on that fake) will have better success. Also I can imagine that better defenders will jump less.

[timmyd]

One good thing is, I am getting more free-throw attempts. Which is a positive ofcoarse.

I played with guys like DeMar Derozan and James Harden and consistently get 6+ freethrows a game whenever I play. During simulation, that's another story lol... NBA 2k never get's realistic FT stats during a simmed season. The only time, I've gotten lucky is when I have had Shaq and draw foul tendency to 99 and scoring under the rim to 99 and attack strong to 99. He attemped close to 700 FT's but... that was like once before patches.

Anyways, I tweaked the foul tendency to 90's for both blocking, shooting, reaching etc so there are more free-throw attempts during game play.

[Jeffx]

Is it worth buying this for PS3, or should I stick with 2k16 for another year (and try to find updated rosters)?

[Andrew]

The PS3 and 360 versions don't even get mentioned during the preview season these days. They're definitely afterthoughts now, so I'm guessing the experience on offer isn't too great.

[hova-]

Okay after playing a few more quarters with many different teams (mostly classic teams - loving the late 90ies to mid 2000 teams - that's just my time ) I can say more about the game and I am not that disappointed anymore - still I think the game is very expensive for what you get.


For me, the gameplay is most important.

- I really love the new systems. It really feels different if you play "7 seconds or less" or "half court offense". This was so overdue, gives teams an identity and improved the game play a lot. Also the defensive settings etc have really improved and you actually see them on the court. But as always, 2k is so bad in roster creation etcm, that it will take me a while to edit stuff. How can the 04 Suns not have "7 seconds or less" as a system. I see they played a lot of pick n roll, too. But they CREATED this system under Mike D'Antoni. WTF!

- the new sliders give me tons of possibilities to change the pace and gameplay. I am already tooling around and it works very well. The foul sliders work out better than last year for me. With the over the back fouls increased I really noticed how I got called for over the back fouls when I tried to force the rebound by jumping hard although being boxed out and in bad position far off. I like that.

- rebounding and defense really profit from the ball being more "lose" than last year. There are rebound battles, balls knocked lose and ending up out of bounds and simply more realistic deflections.

- defense has improved overall. Less mental lapses by my AI colleagues, double teaming finally ends up in having a chance to STEAL the ball, not only to force a jump ball. There are still some issues with leaving players open, but well, it's a computer game and even in the real NBA bad defenders get hung up nowhere near their assignements.

- post play is way better imho. The fluidity makes it easier to pull off exactly the move that I want. Further the feeling for the defense is better. I can see and feel which side the defender is giving me and make the right moves. On the other side if I speculate or anticipate the post player to spin right and he does, I have a really good chance of getting the ball and forcing a very bad shot. When I have Shaq in the post, I can go beast mode and force my way to the basket. But then again, when I did not have great position a bit further away, I got blocked by Arvydas Sabonis twice because I was not close enough to dunk it.

- running plays is better. Quicker, easier and when broken, the play seems to continue until I can get through the system

- I like how the shot taking and making by the AI is much improved. I see floaters when I try to block with my big men, I see step backs (which by the way are really easy now as you can pull them off quicker) and I see that especially the good players, have an idea of what a "good" shot in the right situation is. On the other side when Tony Allen drives to the rim I see a brick against the backboard on an heavily contested shot and that is okay for me

- no more way off air balls on slightly contested shots with the clock running down. Very good.

- I still dont like that when I play with real player % (which I do), many shots seem to bounce around the rim a lot instead of more swishes. When I watch an real NBA game, there are maybe two or three bounces around the rim in one match. I have that after two minutes as the "release" does not count and shots never get swishes.

- Passing is improved, especially since they added a slider for pass speed. I upped it and it's cool to see quick passes with good speed. Also - unlike last year - the lead passes by big man on outlets finally work for players who are known for it. I also like how the adjustment sliders for passing (distance vs open vs direction) seems to work better than before.

- as always, 2k just does not do a good job on rosters and tendencies which really would help the game a lot! I will again do all by myself based on real life stats and tendencies and I know that this will improved the game immensely. But this time I feel like it could be close to realistic gameplay. But why do I have to edit this by myself?

- the graphics are very bad. I play with reshade and its better now but still the lighting is underwhelming. I hope there will be a good global soon. Also jerseys, faces etc. are so off.

- HOW CAN SO MANY PLAYERS LOOK SO BAD. Some player have GIGANTIC heads like KG, Battier, Yao and others. Some bodytypes just suck. White players seem to be a problem - all of them look so off. Look at Larry Bird WTF!?

- I have some framerate issues like everybody has. Since my system sucks, I dont want to put too much emphasis on this as criticism though.

- havent tried Myleague or MyGM yet

- I dont play anything that has to do with myplayer or VC. I only need good gameplay and then I start a dynasty (when I have found the perfect sliders and updated the opening roster)

cheers

[Dee4Three]

My issues with the game:

Gameplay:

- Players feel and look like they are skating. It reminds me of some of the older Live games with this.

- Passing is delayed. It looks like some of it is because of the passing animations. It makes the gameplay stall, and is an odd fit with the current gameplay direction. So while everything else is fast, passing (Which is a fast element of basketball), is slowed down or delayed.

- Players feel so light, and mostly the same. Using Lenny Wilkens feels like using Iverson, players don't differentiate from eachother to me. It's like one big game of players looking the same body type wise, and playstyle wise.

- Dribbling is so fast with certain players that it looks unnatural and silly. Literally moving hands 100MPH while dribbling. It doesn't feel good to pull off a sweet dribble move with Iverson, when I can do the exact same thing with Jerry West.

- Because of the list above, the game feels hectic even when trying to slow the gameplay down.

Graphics:

- Up close, many of the faces look awesome, and the graphics overall look solid. But from the gameplay view, the game looks and feels dead. No NBA excitement, it's dull.

- The lighting is as bad or worse than 2K15, I have never watched a broadcast that looks even remotely that dark. It used to be mostly just the classic teams, now it's current and classic teams.

- The crowd is so dark, and not engaged. You will hear sounds from the crowd, but no movement. It's a snoozefest.

- The body types got worse in my opinion. The body types in 2K17 outside of the skinny body type were better. The players in this game lack traps (Straight line from shoulder to shoulder), they clearly don't work out right. No muscle tone on the players can be found, and it's like 2 or 3 body types for the whole game.

- They butchered many of the classic players faces (Including Larry Bird and Clyde Drexler), I don't know how those faces get into production looking like that, it's horrible.

- Players heads are far too big at times for the body. Kevin Garnett looks like a bobble head, so do many other players. The artists behind the game seemed to forget that all human beings have necks, and they must be added to complete a human body.

Rosters:

- The classic teams seem half done, hardly any authentic faces for the years, and a slew of fakes on each team. Yes, licensing is a problem, but to have 5 or 6 fakes on teams that are not that old makes me question an effort issue. Or, a not want to pay for it issue... or both.

In Conclusion, I much prefer NBA 2K17 pre-patched at this point. Not only does the gameplay feel better (Again, I said pre-patched), but the atmosphere and graphics are far more appealing than the dead feel of NBA 2K18. My biggest issue with 2K17 was the defense, and the excessive bumping. I've been able to fix the defense for the most part by using pre patch gameplay, and slight slider adjustments. I've been able to curve almost all of the excessive bumping by changing body up sensitivity to 0 for user and CPU. 2K17 for me is a lot of fun now.

In my opinion, this game should not be reviewed as high as it is, good thing I don't pay much attention to after release reviews from the big names. I gave a 2KU review, but the game does not feel as good on release. Also, you truly notice the atmosphere/graphical issues when you jump into a regular game. And btw, I know that me liking 2K17 more at this point isn't the popular opinion or choice, but it's how I feel.

[Dommy73]

My issue with passing is that if I press the button to request pass (on break for example) while the ball is already on the way (even if it's just leaving passer's hands), I'll automatically pass it even full second later when I get it.

[sticky-fingers]

Well, after Dee4Three's post here and on his YouTube channel, i tried again 2K17. And, no way for me.

I wrote so many times here my deceptions about 2K false announced "improvements", but this time I must write (many times) that I like this (vanilla) version.

I only play vs CPU and the gameplay is so much better with 2K18 :
+ Fights for the rebounds
+ big men runs very slow no and cant catch a PG
+ first step is very fast
+ no more CPU unrealistic fast break full court pass,
+ I dont feel the game is scripted like it was on 2K16/17
+ In game UI is so much better too.
+ jerseys looks so much better
+ 2K removed the fucking assistant coach

Few bad points that i can manage
- HoF is too simple, but I think it perhaps can be tweaked with the sliders.
- some ugly faces (Bird, Shaq), ugly necks (I.Thomas), ugly teeth (old MJ)
- First step is even too fast vs CPU
- MyGM scenario

[Dee4Three]

Are you playing it pre patches? If not, 2K17 post patch gameplay is not good.

That's why I said pre patches.

Also, I know it's not the popular opinion right now, by a long stretch, it's just my opinion.

[sticky-fingers]

2k17 : December version.
i'm disapointed for you, especially you saved my 2K17 season.
In fact, i dont understand some of your issues you : delayed passes, overspeeded dribbles ?!
perhaps should you try to tune your settings (vsync ?) and adjust your sliders. It could change your experience.

[Dee4Three]

2k17 : December version.
i'm disapointed for you, especially you saved my 2K17 season.
In fact, i dont understand some of your issues you : delayed passes, overspeeded dribbles ?!
perhaps should you try to tune your settings (vsync ?) and adjust your sliders. It could change your experience.

I tried messing with it, it was the same for me.

And I'm glad you loved my rosters, I appreciate the support.

[Dommy73]

So I just found out you can launch a quick game from your appartment in career mode.

That is actually a very nice feature.

You of course get the VC from it.

[Jeffx]

The PS3 and 360 versions don't even get mentioned during the preview season these days. They're definitely afterthoughts now, so I'm guessing the experience on offer isn't too great.

Yeah, the PS3 version is a $60 roster upgrade. But I can't play with outdated rosters so I bought it. Knicks are pretty decent. They're loaded with players who can hit the J when Carmelo or KP get doubled in the post (Beasley, THJ, Lee, Thomas, Jack, Baker). But why do the announcers keep saying the names of players not involved in the game? I hope there's a patch for this.

[hova-]

My issues with the game:

[list]Gameplay:

- Players feel so light, and mostly the same. Using Lenny Wilkens feels like using Iverson, players don't differentiate from eachother to me. It's like one big game of players looking the same body type wise, and playstyle wise.

- Dribbling is so fast with certain players that it looks unnatural and silly. Literally moving hands 100MPH while dribbling. It doesn't feel good to pull off a sweet dribble move with Iverson, when I can do the exact same thing with Jerry West.

Dee, I agree with you on many points. I also recognized the skating problem. It has not been that worse since 5 years or so.

But about the speed - they have really added a lot of sliders (like moving with ball and without) which help out for this problem. You can make big guys feel "heavier" without losing the explosiveness for smaller guys.

[Andrew]

The PS3 and 360 versions don't even get mentioned during the preview season these days. They're definitely afterthoughts now, so I'm guessing the experience on offer isn't too great.

Yeah, the PS3 version is a $60 roster upgrade. But I can't play with outdated rosters so I bought it. Knicks are pretty decent. They're loaded with players who can hit the J when Carmelo or KP get doubled in the post (Beasley, THJ, Lee, Thomas, Jack, Baker). But why do the announcers keep saying the names of players not involved in the game? I hope there's a patch for this.

I'm not sure they've done much (if anything) in the way of post-release support for 360/PS3 since PS4/X1 became the focus.

[Rasheeed]

is anyone else experiencing the following?

- players don't bite on pump fakes
- cpu doesn't take many timeouts

[Rasheeed]

Is anyone experiencing some weird camera shake when having the ball on offense ? this happens to me like half the damn time almost, it's super annoying...

I haven't been able to find a way to turn it off but from what I can see it happens when you are on the road and on a scoring drought. You have to score a few buckets before it goes away. Super annoying.

[Dommy73]

players don't bite on pump fakes

I've had a few bites, but they're generally rare with competent defenders.

cpu doesn't take many timeouts

I dunno, generally I see timeouts being taken as needed.

[Rasheeed]

players don't bite on pump fakes

I've had a few bites, but they're generally rare with competent defenders.

cpu doesn't take many timeouts

I dunno, generally I see timeouts being taken as needed.

Must be just me. I've had just 1 pump fake work successfully in about 15 games, and the CPU only seems to take TO's when it's down otherwise it'll just take 2-3 all game long.

[Dommy73]

Are you playing 6 minutes quarters? Because I play 12 and maybe CPU doesn't take timeouts because players aren't fatugued.

[Rasheeed]

Are you playing 6 minutes quarters? Because I play 12 and maybe CPU doesn't take timeouts because players aren't fatugued.

11 minute quarters. Timeouts are taken if I'm winning, but if I'm losing the CPU will only take a maximum of 3 timeouts during the whole game.

[Jeffx]

The PS3 and 360 versions don't even get mentioned during the preview season these days. They're definitely afterthoughts now, so I'm guessing the experience on offer isn't too great.

Yeah, the PS3 version is a $60 roster upgrade. But I can't play with outdated rosters so I bought it. Knicks are pretty decent. They're loaded with players who can hit the J when Carmelo or KP get doubled in the post (Beasley, THJ, Lee, Thomas, Jack, Baker). But why do the announcers keep saying the names of players not involved in the game? I hope there's a patch for this.

I'm not sure they've done much (if anything) in the way of post-release support for 360/PS3 since PS4/X1 became the focus.

Aside from uniform/court tweaks, and the all-time players for each team, nothing's changed for PS3. My guys are still clueless on 'D', leaving 3pt shooters wide open to double the post.

[Andrew]

I'm not surprised. I'm surprised they're still developing that version.