Gameplay is top notch. It is improved over the first Playgrounds in noticeable ways while still feeling instantly familiar. The pace is fast, but as the controls become familiar you will start to learn your character's strengths and matches never feel like mayhem. With so many players ranging over so many different combinations of strengths I feel like you could mix up your playstyle toGameplay is top notch. It is improved over the first Playgrounds in noticeable ways while still feeling instantly familiar. The pace is fast, but as the controls become familiar you will start to learn your character's strengths and matches never feel like mayhem. With so many players ranging over so many different combinations of strengths I feel like you could mix up your playstyle to fit whatever mood you're in and never feel boxed in to a single "best" way to play.
CPU AI rarely feels unfairly overpowered.. at least not for long. Sure, when you get too far ahead AI opponents will drop threes like crazy, but who wants every match to be a runaway? It doesn't feel like punishment. When the CPU does get on a roll it keeps local matches fun and it doesn't happen enough to stay frustrating for long.
If you are finding it overly difficult, or eventually begin finding it easy to win there are four different match difficulties. The AI gets smarter as you ramp up these difficulties without feeling like it is cheating.
Also, this game is pretty! So many different character animations. So many beautifully over-the-top moves that are just crazy enough to bring a smile to your face without becoming repetitive or annoying. The court variety is nice, and they are all gorgeous. And, you can build your own court!.. with cosmetic bonuses that you'll need to either grind or pay for.. which brings me to my next point..
Lets talk about paying real money to unlock the full player roster and for cosmetic items. Cosmetic items both for your players, and for parts to build out your own court. Technically you don't NEED to pay to get these things. You can grind for everything, but you will be grinding A LOT. This would be a much bigger issue if the gameplay wasn't great, but it is! I don't count off a lot for this because grinding is playing the game.. and playing this game is fun!
That said, I get it. Micro-transactions suck, and if you are coming to this game wanting to play as your favorite legend your options are going to be A.) get really lucky B.) Grind, or C.) Pay real money. The same goes if you want to get heavy into decking out your players in fresh gear. That stinks. I understand.
However, if what you want more than anything is simply to be able to play as your favorite legend, there are ways to make that grind easier without paying. Winning an NBA Season with your player's team is guaranteed to unlock a Legend from that team.
Even without grinding for dozens of hours or shelling out real money for upgrades, just playing this game is top of the heap arcade basketball fun and after a handful of exhibition games to get your footing and an NBA season or two you will have unlocked enough players to build a team to fit your playstyle and you will have had fun doing it. If you didn't, then this type of arcade basketball game probably just isn't your thing.
PROS: Controls are tight and responsive. Smart/fair AI. Courts, players, and animations all explode with color and style. Fun power-ups. Massive roster means massive amount of variety in gameplay strategy.
CONS: Grindy. Not enough variety in music selection. The main dashboard menus are pretty bad. Micro-transactions.… Expand