With summer turning into fall, that means cooler weather, the holiday season, and of course, the return of NBA basketball. And with the return of the NBA, that also means the newest iteration of NBA 2K. NBA 2K24 offers the latest updated rosters, graphics, and modes for basketball enthusiasts to lose themselves in, though as a sports game, there’s always a sense of “is it worth it” because of the yearly installments. Well, we’re here to tell you that NBA 2K24 is exactly that: another yearly installment that die-hard fans will enjoy, while others will find it difficult to justify a purchase.

Time for Tip-Off

First, it’s important to talk about what exactly NBA 2K24 brings to the table. For seasoned fans, much of the old game modes have returned in MyTeam, MyCareer, and MyNBA. So for players who want to either create their own NBA superstar, construct a contending team with playing cards, or operate as a general manager in the traditional sense, NBA 2K24 offers those options again.

The main difference in game modes between last year and this year are the Mamba Moments. The late Kobe Bryant graces the cover of NBA 2K24, and similar to Michael Jordan’s challenges from a year ago, Bryant has a dedicated section of the game. These seven iconic moments occur throughout Bryant’s career and you’ll be tasked to replicate certain conditions to pass them. Rewards earned in Mamba Moments can be used in MyTeam and MyCareer.

Speaking of rewards, NBA 2K24 has a Season Pass that essentially acts as a Battle Pass. Each season runs for about a month and offers a plethora of rewards that you will unlock by simply playing the game. It doesn’t matter which game mode you’re in, you’ll always earn experience points that will be applied toward the Season Pass.

While there is a free Base Pass, you do have the option to purchase an upgradeable tier. This is a new way for NBA 2K24 to farm microtransactions aside from offering Virtual Currency to help boost your MyCareer player. Spending more money is understandably not something we wholeheartedly endorse but in this case, we can make an exception. If you plan on grinding the hell out of NBA 2K24, it would behoove you to upgrade the Season Pass. There is a treasure trove of rewards that can be used in all of the game modes and experience boosts that will make it easier to improve in MyCareer.

Conquer the City

MyCareer mode remains the most popular game mode in NBA 2K24 and offers several things to do. But before you begin staking your claim in the City, you’re tasked with creating your NBA superstar build. Similar to previous years, adjusting your physical traits like wingspan and height will impact a variety of attributes so it’s important to take your time in creating your build.

Once you’re satisfied with your player, it’s time for your NBA career to begin. Unlike previous years, you can simply choose which team you want to play for in NBA 2K24. While this gives you a bit more control in choosing a team where your player will thrive, it would’ve been nice to still have the option to be randomly drafted.

You can focus on simply playing the NBA games but MyCareer truly shines in the City. There are several missions scattered in the City and some are always changing. Completing activities in the City is an effective way to further improve your player on your quest to become the Greatest Of All Time. The ultimate goal of MyCareer is to surpass all-time great players and being able to see your player rise through the tiers is a great detail. There’s plenty to be done in the City so be sure to explore every nook and cranny.

Verdict

NBA 2K24 is the same game more or less than its many predecessors, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The gameplay remains solid with an emphasis on shooting, so it may take a bit to get used to the more delicate mechanics. The City is full of activities that you should not overlook and can be quick and easy ways to improve your player. MyNBA allows you to take control of a franchise in five different eras and new RPG elements add a layer to the general manager component. While NBA 2K24 does have a “pay to win” aspect to it, the upgraded Season Pass isn’t that important to where a casual player should feel pressured to purchase. If anything, NBA 2K24 is for die-hard NBA fans and gamers who plan on grinding the game well into the NBA season.

Score: 7.5/10

Pros:

• Reliving Kobe Bryant’s Greatest Moments in Mamba Moments
• Having the flexibility to choose your team in MyCareer
• RPG elements for general managers in MyNBA
• Season Pass to earn a variety of rewards

Cons:

• More microtransactions for upgraded tiers of Season Pass
• Not having the option to be randomly drafted in MyCareer
• Grinding to improve your player can become a slog

NBA 2K24 review code was provided by the publisher. You can read MP1st’s review and scoring policy right here.