NBA 2K19

Pros

• The expansions and refinements to MyTeam improve this already robust system.
• Skill moves are hard to learn, but amazing to execute, and deeply satisfying when you pull them off right.
• The AI is improved upon, and the various skills of the players shine through in every game.
• Players genuinely resemble their real-life models.

Cons

• Microtransactions remain an annoying presence and are necessary to enhance the MyTeam mode.
• Transitions between offense and defense are a noted sore point.

NBA 2K19 was the 2019 entry of this popular NBA franchise. This version of the game was the 20th-anniversary, and a separate 20th anniversary edition was released.

This game, like others in the series before it, contains numerous upgrades when compared to previous iterations. Various mechanics are tweaked, such as passing, shooting, and dribbling. These changes could present a difficult challenge for players, even those who were more experienced at the game. Fortunately, the game isn't too difficult to learn, and players should be able to get a handle on how the system works.

Like other games in this franchise, there are a variety of skill moves you need to learn to truly excel at the game, but once you do, you become every bit as good as the players that you are learning. These improvements can make a big difference in your overall gameplay and experience.

The MyTeam mode was featured again, with numerous upgrades. Players are given the ability to build everything by collecting virtual playing cards. This includes their own stadiums, players, coaches, jerseys, and more. New cards are available, including the "Heat Check," which would alter a player's ratings based on how they were playing in the real world. Of course, the game does come with Microtransaction options, enabling players to buy more and better cards. These were described by many reviewers as obtrusive and highly distracting when it comes to the overall gameplay.

A variety of other modes exist, including exhibitions, season play, MyPlayer, and online play. Playing the computer feels very different in each game, depending on the skill set of the chosen team that you are playing. This is a major improvement on other iterations of the franchise, which could feel as if you were playing the same players and the same team, regardless of who you were actually playing.

As is par for the course in games like this, the graphics excel. Developers clearly put a lot of time into making the players match who they are supposed to be designed after, ensuring that their movements, animations, and facial expressions match their real-life counterparts. Again, if you are going for realism, it is hard to find a sports game that does a better job at ensuring their players look like they do in real life.

At the time, the game was made available on all major platforms, including computer, Switch, xBox, and the PlayStation 4. It would later be made available on the iOS and Android.

Pros

• The expansions and refinements to MyTeam improve this already robust system.
• Skill moves are hard to learn, but amazing to execute, and deeply satisfying when you pull them off right.
• The AI is improved upon, and the various skills of the players shine through in every game.
• Players genuinely resemble their real-life models.

Cons

• Microtransactions remain an annoying presence and are necessary to enhance the MyTeam mode.
• Transitions between offense and defense are a noted sore point.