When “NBA 2K14” took the court on Oct. 1 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, fans once again took hold of the franchise that’s so delicately recreated the game of basketball.
Shortly after its release, the success was boosted by the game’s first next-generation trailer, properly titled the “OMG Trailer,” that debuted on Oct. 17 and showcased the action on PlayStation 4.
With the release of “NBA 2K14” on PlayStation 4, it’s time to look at a few of the categorical differences between it and its PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 counterparts to see if the next-generation really does provide the “wow factor” that many fans expect it to bring.
Graphics
The “OMG Trailer” was met with much criticism. Many didn’t believe that 2K Sports was actually showing in-game content, while others argued that there would be no way that the game would run that smooth on either next-generation console.
“NBA 2K14” is stunning though. There really isn’t any other word that could properly describe just how much of a leap it is over the, now, last generation. In fact, there were a few times during a replay or pregame cutscene that I had to do a double take to make sure that it was still a video game.
The level of detail in this version is incredible. Be it the way sweat gathers on the beard of Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden, how jerseys flow elegantly instead of sticking on players’ bodies, or even just how incredible players, coaches and fans look, there are no shortages of spectacular improvements.
Game play
While the game is pretty to look at, it’s really just a carbon copy how “NBA 2K14” plays on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. There may be an argument that players feel less “cemented” to the court now, but in comparison there really are no noticeable differences.
Presentation
Despite the non-existing changes to game play, 2K Sports have added a slew of ambitious features to the popular “MyCareer” mode that are drastically different, if not new altogether.
These interactions make up a new, personal flare that highlights MyCareer. You’ll now talk with your teammates and those around the league in the stadium tunnel or in the locker room, including your new “rival.” You’ll even find dialogue options in these moments that are unique to a sports game and can sometimes affect the way you’re viewed by your teammates and fans.
While these factors really do provide depth, they also give way to some unfortunate miscues. The mouth lipping is atrociously bad at some points, which is more noticeable now that things like general managers and reporters are improved graphically.
Final Verdict
“NBA 2K14” for PlayStation 4 is a radical improvement over its PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 counterparts. The game makes you want to keep coming back for more; the epitome of what you want in a sports title.
