User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 467 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Feb 26, 2016
    1
    I don't care if NBA 2K is continuosly aiming for realism/simulation instead of arcade gameplay, but in this year's edition player movement/controlls feels stiffer than ever. Even worse when playing a Center or Power Forward. If this game is really developed with only simulation in mind, just label it as a simulator and not a game. This ruins the fun for me. NBA 2K15 disappointed me andI don't care if NBA 2K is continuosly aiming for realism/simulation instead of arcade gameplay, but in this year's edition player movement/controlls feels stiffer than ever. Even worse when playing a Center or Power Forward. If this game is really developed with only simulation in mind, just label it as a simulator and not a game. This ruins the fun for me. NBA 2K15 disappointed me and 2K16 disappoints me even more, so wish that those frozen brains at EA would develop at least a decent NBA Live. Expand
  2. Mar 5, 2016
    1
    I write is out of my love for prior incantations of this game, but this is going to hurt you more than it hurts me, hopefully.

    The trustfully non-soliloquial dissertation below pertains most entirely to the MyCareer mode in NBA 2K16 playing as an inside scoring shooting guard, the facts and discussion of which contained, except “The Good” section, are born out of pure misery. The
    I write is out of my love for prior incantations of this game, but this is going to hurt you more than it hurts me, hopefully.

    The trustfully non-soliloquial dissertation below pertains most entirely to the MyCareer mode in NBA 2K16 playing as an inside scoring shooting guard, the facts and discussion of which contained, except “The Good” section, are born out of pure misery.

    The Good
    Game looks great, and music is really good this year.
    Ability to move your team to other cities in franchise and creating a different uniform for them is awesome.
    The defensive rotation after the latest update is a lot better, in terms of center rotation for help defense in the lane, and all players seem to be playing passing lanes better on terrible passes.
    The stadium atmosphere is great.
    I really like the badges and leveling them up. Great idea.
    The commentary is very good.

    The Bad (in addition to my other post on the subject matter)
    Inexplicably not responding to pushed buttons: I have ran out of bounds while holding firmly the dunk/layup controls on multiple occasions late in a close game, on a fast-break, after a steal, while running directly under a basket without a defender or unreasonable animation preventing the dunk/layup. Hmmm…. In what universe is it a good decision by 2K to implement this in their game. 2K, this is a directly paradoxical decision in terms of what you should be deciding to put in this games. Decision like this demolish 2K’s reputation and trust among gamers. How can I trust a game that disregards, at its whims, to respond to my input. Whoever made this decision at 2K is a freaking moron. I would love to be at that meeting where they decided this. E.g. “Great idea Jim! We will just makes sure that the game is surprisingly and completely unresponsive in these type situations. How much are we paying you? You need a raise you ingenious bastard”. If the proposed scenario above did not happen, how are decisions made at 2K in a vacuum? WTF. This complete lack of response, has also occurred on many attempted passes to completely open persons in scoring positions, and in regard to dribble moves, especially the super easy and inordinately successful spin-move.
    AI players going catatonic: Tardosaurus AI players, literally falling asleep, with the f-ing ball in their hands, just staring into oblivion, until the clock nearly runs out. You have to force them to pass the ball, and if not they would continue in their catatonic state until the end of time and then three seconds before the world explodes, finally shoot a completely contested shot directly in the face of an opposing player. (a little over-dramatic, but I despise this)
    Loose balls: Nearly complete inability to acquire a loose ball
    Unfair blocking discrepancy: Upon every teammate or MyCareer block ejecting the ball into the 15th row. But when the opposing team blocks you or a teammate, their ball seemingly always starts a fast break. (completely unrealistic and unfair stupidity by 2K).
    Idiotic failed dunking animation: Driving, trying to dunk in congestion, but instead of getting blocked or rejected by the rim, inexplicably throwing the ball over the rim and not surprisingly directly to the opposing team now on a fast break.
    Player Initiated teammate passes: Inconsistent ability of teammates to pick an appropriate passing type and location when throwing to your player. And, spraticatily picking the most inappropriate type and locate possible for the situation.
    Teammate post play: Teammate in the post taking a shot directly in the face of opposing post player, without any attempt to create space or utilize a post move, and unsurprisingly getting reject with virtuosity or hopelessly missing the shot. (Great AI guys).
    League progression: After five or more years into My Career mode the NBA sucks in terms of talent. Player progression of CPU players and teammates is terrible.
    3pt shooting discrepancy: Seemingly a better chance to make a half-ways contested three super late in the clock than to make a wide-open three in transition.
    Inability to effect your team: Inability to affect the franchise in any way, except performance and asking to be traded. You cannot even talk to the coach to suggest something. You are not only the face of your team, but eventually the face of the league, way is this not an option? In the NBA the player’s voice is exercised through the coach’s medium to management, if it truly is My Career shouldn’t we have a say in something that has to do with it?
    Too many wide-open 3pt shots: How am I shooting a career 46.6% from three with a 78 rating (most of my career my rating was way worse, less than 70) taking on average more than 5 threes a game? The answer is because, I am completely open without a man within 3 yards of me. I only take completely wide open threes. I don’t even running plays in order to get these chances, so why am I getting so many chances? How am I getting so open when I am the best player in the league? I have absolutely no Idea. Don’t get me wrong I like making open threes, but getting this many opportunities is ridiculous.
    Poor transition on-man defense: I am a transition finishing inside scoring dunkaholic. How is it that I don’t have a man on my hip most of the time while in transition? I can understand if the guy is covering me is one highly involved in a particular opposing team offensive play, but otherwise he should be on me consistently.
    Failure to deny the ball: The first way to stop a dominate shooting force is to deny him the ball. How is it that I can get the ball whenever I what.
    Failure to need plays for known shooters who don’t create: Most dominate players who don’t generally create and are good three point shooters must have plays run for them in order to get them the ball anywhere close to the three-point line with an open shot. This is almost never the case in 2K. If you disagree, look at the late career of Ray Allen.
    Rebounding dominance for sucky suckingtons: How am I getting so many rebounds as a 6’6 inside scoring shooting guard, without even one upgrade in rebounding? I nearly leading the league as a rebounding shooting guard it is ridiculous. Why? Answer, I am never ever boxed-out and always crashing the boards without any resistance from opposing players. 2K, did they not read the scouting report, or see me crash the boards for the 50th time this game?
    Get the F out of the way: Absolutely everyone gets in your way like you are the center of gravity.
    Out-of-bounds on opposing inbound: Why am I inexplicably situated out of bounds near the bench on nearly every opposing team inbound play? Can someone please explain this to me in a reasonably logical un-attenuated cognisable manner. Oh, you cannot.
    Back-board shots for years and years and years, derrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!: If I shoot another basketball hitting the side or backside of the back-board next year, I swear I might lose it.
    Wrong dunk selection in congestion: Why does the game pick the most incomprehensibly stupid and most likely to be blocked type of dunk or layup, while in congestion, and at the most inappropriate times? Tard? What this does, is require me to take all the really cool, exciting, dunk and layup amination selections out of my possible options, because if I keep a dunk selection were the ball gets cliched back lower then my shoulders, the AI will inexplicably selection that one to do in congestion, which will result in a block or strip from behind. 2K is either too stupid to figure this out or just doesn’t what to remedy it. Maybe because it is a gimmick that makes the game harder without thought. The funny thing about using these type of gimmicks is the advantage for 2K is that it is easy, but the disadvantage is that it is wrong and makes you look like inbred idiots. Kind of the same thing that happens when people uses stereotypes unreasonably. Not to compare the two. . . but still to compare the two (perfect oxymoronic statement), because of the undeniable similarity.

    2K, I wrote this not to inform the world of this game’s intrepid idiodicy and neither just to blast your name, but in the hope that you see it, are listening, and actually care. I am officially done wasting my life on this subject.

    Your dear, trustfully consoleable, opprobrious,

    Turdsandwhich
    Expand
  3. Mar 31, 2021
    1
    This game is 2k18 but before 18 came out. Story was good. Gameplay just like 18's gameplay. Game is pay to win. I barely have fun playing it and most people call it the 2k ever when there is zero fun to have in it. 2k17 was a lot more funner than this dog ****
  4. Jun 16, 2016
    0
    I can't play with my name Diogo? WTF? Ridicolous. The game is a lot worst than 2k15 and 2k14...............................................................................
  5. Sep 8, 2017
    0
    The game-play is just not fun. It feels sluggish, and the margin for error on anything is really low. I suppose it is all in the name of realism.

    I got this with a friend and we would have sequences like: missed layup, offensive rebound, missed wide open jumper, defensive rebound, turn-over, turn-over, kickball. Leaning jumper scoring on 4 guys. Time-out. The entire rhythm of the
    The game-play is just not fun. It feels sluggish, and the margin for error on anything is really low. I suppose it is all in the name of realism.

    I got this with a friend and we would have sequences like: missed layup, offensive rebound, missed wide open jumper, defensive rebound, turn-over, turn-over, kickball. Leaning jumper scoring on 4 guys. Time-out. The entire rhythm of the game is frustrating and slow for a casual gamer like me.

    Yea yea, I hear all you 2k-ragers saying "@#$%$#$% you NOOB @#$@#% play NBA LIVE." I played 2k15 and really enjoyed it, but I suppose I will check out NBA LIVE from now on. I don't feel like spending hours and hours just to learn how to dribble a basketball all over again. Or weeks of game play just to hit an open jumper. I suppose people with lots of time on their hands get their kicks out of this but I am a pass...
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  6. Sep 25, 2015
    0
    Its totally racist for spike lee to assume that all basketball players have to be one race. the my career mode is complete trash because 2k allowed spike lee to be involved. Im not form NY and Im not from the hood sow what exactly was the point of this. Just that aspect has caused me to drop 2k 16 and pick up live 16. If your going ot make a story mode like that then it should be ableIts totally racist for spike lee to assume that all basketball players have to be one race. the my career mode is complete trash because 2k allowed spike lee to be involved. Im not form NY and Im not from the hood sow what exactly was the point of this. Just that aspect has caused me to drop 2k 16 and pick up live 16. If your going ot make a story mode like that then it should be able to pick up your choices as in race and where your from an dont just use 1 race for the career mode. Terrible idea 2K Expand
  7. Feb 18, 2016
    0
    Worst game ever. Whenever I try to pass, it always gets out of bounce. There are so many lags and the game is literally the worst game out there. Do not BUY.
  8. Sep 27, 2015
    0
    This game made tons of improvements, but it failed in many areas that really mattered.

    1. Servers not fixed. 2. Spike Lee MyCareer mode limits freedom of story and presents racially charged stereotypes. If Spike Lee's name was not attached to this, I don't think 2K would have gotten away with this. 3. More Bugs... Players freezing or getting stuck. 4. My Court while cool doesn't
    This game made tons of improvements, but it failed in many areas that really mattered.

    1. Servers not fixed.
    2. Spike Lee MyCareer mode limits freedom of story and presents racially charged stereotypes. If Spike Lee's name was not attached to this, I don't think 2K would have gotten away with this.
    3. More Bugs... Players freezing or getting stuck.
    4. My Court while cool doesn't currently allow custom logos.
    Expand
  9. Sep 27, 2015
    0
    This game made tons of improvements, but it failed in many areas that really mattered.

    1. Servers not fixed. 2. Spike Lee MyCareer mode limits freedom of story and presents racially charged stereotypes. If Spike Lee's name was not attached to this, I don't think 2K would have gotten away with this. 3. More Bugs... Players freezing or getting stuck. 4. My Court while cool doesn't
    This game made tons of improvements, but it failed in many areas that really mattered.

    1. Servers not fixed.
    2. Spike Lee MyCareer mode limits freedom of story and presents racially charged stereotypes. If Spike Lee's name was not attached to this, I don't think 2K would have gotten away with this.
    3. More Bugs... Players freezing or getting stuck.
    4. My Court while cool doesn't currently allow custom logos
    Expand
  10. Oct 12, 2015
    0
    This game is a downgrade from last years game. it is nearly impossible to make a 5 foot jumper. but in all actuality nobody shoots 5 foot jumpers in real life. is should be a layup or dunk. once the ball get to the paint is a automatic foul or point with no chance at missing. and if you get bumped you don't even get the opportunity to shoot the ball. passing is completely broke. you can'tThis game is a downgrade from last years game. it is nearly impossible to make a 5 foot jumper. but in all actuality nobody shoots 5 foot jumpers in real life. is should be a layup or dunk. once the ball get to the paint is a automatic foul or point with no chance at missing. and if you get bumped you don't even get the opportunity to shoot the ball. passing is completely broke. you can't pump fake. You also can't intercept passes. Only can dribble in lanes. alley opps are broke. player at excel at finishing can't finish against big men.your teammates are constantly in your way. there is nothing good i can say about online. the lag makes online unplayable Expand
  11. Sep 4, 2016
    0
    It appears to me that 2K Sports spent much efforts in making more money by in-game purchases, instead of perfecting the game-play. This is a CONSOLE GAME, not a cheap cell phone game.
  12. Dec 19, 2015
    0
    Do not buy this game, and if you do purchase it, please don't play myTeam. The issue starts with Ronnie2K and the development team has begun mocking the community. They flooded the myTeam game mode with 96 overall Luis Scola, Jamal Crawford, JR Smith, and many others after blatantly going back on their promises.
  13. Dec 20, 2015
    0
    The community management and dynamic rating updaters/new card releasers doesn't give a **** about the community, especially on PC.
    In this game, you have a mode where you got to win 10 straight games to win one of the best players in the game.
    Because 2K didn't fix his game since 3 months, you can have your opponent dc, you'll lose the game and then you're done with this challenge. Nice
    The community management and dynamic rating updaters/new card releasers doesn't give a **** about the community, especially on PC.
    In this game, you have a mode where you got to win 10 straight games to win one of the best players in the game.
    Because 2K didn't fix his game since 3 months, you can have your opponent dc, you'll lose the game and then you're done with this challenge. Nice job 2K.
    Actually they're adding trash and unknown Diamond players (highest rating in the game) that are better than some **** legends like Magic, Bird, Shaq or Jordan.
    WHAT THE **** ARE YOU THINKING???

    2K has no competition and their playerbase is just now a moneycow for them.
    The game is still pretty good, but i'll put them a 1 on metacritic because they have to LISTEN their community and stop the **** non sense bull****.
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  14. Dec 20, 2015
    0
    0-0 losses, 96 diamond players who suck, terrible community managers, false promises. Don't buy it. The game can be fun but it's run so damn poorly that it will frustrate you more than you'll enjoy it.
  15. Mar 11, 2016
    0
    Good graphics but terrible AI which on harder difficulties basically means the 4 players you don't control are a liability & are more stupid than a 6 year old playing for the first time. The odds of completing myteam or MyCareer are basically nonexistent and an obvious ploy by 2k to get people hooked so they'll end up paying more money for a game they've already bought. Very concernedGood graphics but terrible AI which on harder difficulties basically means the 4 players you don't control are a liability & are more stupid than a 6 year old playing for the first time. The odds of completing myteam or MyCareer are basically nonexistent and an obvious ploy by 2k to get people hooked so they'll end up paying more money for a game they've already bought. Very concerned about what the game is becoming after being a loyal customer for years. Expand
  16. Apr 1, 2016
    0
    Just another sports game only focused on selling cards not improving the game like madden and mlb the show. You can not use all of the players offline that are available to purchase online. That is just a money grab I hate all sports games now because I pay for a game and then they want me to pay for the players too.
  17. Jun 13, 2016
    0
    This game is completely unplayable, I think it has something to do with the update servers, but don't expect to actually be able to play the game when you load it up, there will be an update which downloads painfully slowly. I am lucky that I didn't actually pay any money for this game (PS Plus) because if I did I would be furious.

    I would like to review the actual gameplay of this
    This game is completely unplayable, I think it has something to do with the update servers, but don't expect to actually be able to play the game when you load it up, there will be an update which downloads painfully slowly. I am lucky that I didn't actually pay any money for this game (PS Plus) because if I did I would be furious.

    I would like to review the actual gameplay of this game, but I am not going to waste my life waiting for every 0.0001 MB to download.

    Awful, just plain awful.
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  18. Jul 31, 2016
    0
    this is the worst my career ever. you cannot do a fast small forward like durant or lebron or carmelo. If you make a small forward inside, he's only gonna be 80 in layup, ***kin 80 man!!! that's the stupidest thing i ever heard man for real. Also, if you make a 6'1'' point guard, you can only be 86 in speed:who the *uck made this game was high as hell
  19. Dec 4, 2016
    0
    There are so many glitches in this game its infuriating. Career is badly thought through, with preset characters allowing little room for freedom for the player. Even in regular game mode, players that are not controlled by the user him or herself will randomly walk around the floor at times, leaving their opposition wide open. Shots that are considered A grade will regularly miss, whilstThere are so many glitches in this game its infuriating. Career is badly thought through, with preset characters allowing little room for freedom for the player. Even in regular game mode, players that are not controlled by the user him or herself will randomly walk around the floor at times, leaving their opposition wide open. Shots that are considered A grade will regularly miss, whilst the opposing Cpu will consistently hit shots that are tightly contested. Overall this game makes me so angry regularly due to the way it glitches out. They probably wont fix it because they are 2k, so I would just wait for the new version to come out and pray its actually playable. Expand
  20. Mar 12, 2017
    0
    Games are only as good as two things. For PvE, they are only as good as their AI at the highest levels. For PvP, they are only as good as they are able to resolve what happens when two players DO something to each other at the same time (assuming the game doesn't suffer from fundamental network issues).

    This game is terrible at both.
  21. Jul 3, 2021
    0
    Pior jogo da minha vida e da história. Nunca jogeui jogo pior, do menu que dxa qlqr um com epilepsia até a gameplay de merda.
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 51
  2. Negative: 0 out of 51
  1. Mar 3, 2016
    100
    NBA 2K16 has raised the bar not just for future iterations of the series but for every sports game developed beyond this point.
  2. CD-Action
    Dec 16, 2015
    80
    Let’s forget about terrible cutscenes directed by Spike Lee – the game itself is still a joy to play. [12/2015, p.54]
  3. Dec 15, 2015
    80
    NBA 2K16 continues to be at the top of its game, even if the new career mode isn’t everything I wanted from a Spike Lee joint.