NBA 2K16

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 467 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 269 out of 467
  2. Mixed: 97 out of 467
  3. Negative: 101 out of 467
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  1. kgst
    Sep 25, 2015
    10
    Easily the best nba2k game yet, and best NBA game out there. And the story mode is great. This one is a no brainer, definitely worth a purchase.

    Also I'd you
  2. porhawj
    Sep 25, 2015
    10
    gameplay is best.. graphic is very good.. players emotion and celebrations are amazing.. player movement is so realistic.. Commentary is very good.. My GM is amazing.. ai cpu is very smarter on all pro or higher difficulty.. Big Kudo to 2ksports for did amazing job on NBA 2k16
  3. smoovelai
    Sep 26, 2015
    10
    its funny how some people are complaining that the family has to be black in mycareer when there are literally thousands of great games that do the same thing, most rpg's that let you customize and build your character don't change the family to match your creation, one great example is dragon age origins and that being said i do not believe one person ever called it racist....its notits funny how some people are complaining that the family has to be black in mycareer when there are literally thousands of great games that do the same thing, most rpg's that let you customize and build your character don't change the family to match your creation, one great example is dragon age origins and that being said i do not believe one person ever called it racist....its not racist its just the choice they made when you watch a movie you don't complain that its racist that the character adn family are whatever race they are....

    that being said i was surprised at the lack of choice during the spike lee part of the campaign i was expecting less of a movie and more choice and also to play more games in the NBA and affect my stats more.....

    but its still not enough to turn me off because one that section of the game is short in comparison to what you will be playing mostly later.....and thats when the game really starts you get to pick how and when you practice or scrimmage you pick your endorsements and off day activities

    mygm is similar but they revamped and built upon the great mode it was last year and seemed to have make it less repetitive and more rewarding and fun

    the gameplay is amazing....there is a learning curve especially due to the fact that there is no real tutorial but the new passing and post up features are sick as well as the improved defense

    love this game ....and for the review people who are complaining about the servers its way too early to tell if their reliable or not 2k admitted they were not turning them on fully until the game releases so people dont get too far ahead and spoil every single thing    … Expand
  4. kk84
    Sep 30, 2015
    10
    Just WOW! I love the spike lee mycareer, the commentators, the graphics, the animations, the atmosphere everything in this game is just maybe thousand times better than fifa! I love football so im still dreaming of ea making the same game with the same standard! i also love basket and especially through this game! Greatest sports game ever!
  5. talal1007
    Sep 29, 2015
    10
    hands down the best basketball sim out there, BUT the only downside of this game is the my career mode, like why do we have to only be able to play as a black guy? overall its a great experience
  6. BShaps
    Jan 17, 2016
    10
    This is the most realistic basketball game I've ever played. I'm playing on the Bulls in myCareer mode and D Rose gets hurt almost every game he plays in. 10/10 for realism.
  7. damman
    Sep 25, 2015
    10
    This is a great game as you know they are a lot of trolls that give this game a thumbs down you need get a life. I love this game and for people like MichiganGamer24 I say have fun with your boring and bad NBA live 16. This game will outsell that piece of trash game Live 16. Well back to this game it's a must own game. 2k wins again with great game-play and online game play I love thisThis is a great game as you know they are a lot of trolls that give this game a thumbs down you need get a life. I love this game and for people like MichiganGamer24 I say have fun with your boring and bad NBA live 16. This game will outsell that piece of trash game Live 16. Well back to this game it's a must own game. 2k wins again with great game-play and online game play I love this game it's going to be another great year for NBA 2k16. For the people who come on this site and troll this game and give it a 1 you need to get some puzzy and get a life because you suck in life! And you will always be a loser. If you think this game is racist you must be an idiot. How does this game keep you from getting a job based on your skin color or control your fate in society. That's racist get you facts right you think Spike Lee and 2k are racist? You're a loser. The fact is this game is deep and fun you can play this game forever with franchise mode, myplayer(which is really fun) online rankings and most of all you can learn the fundamentals of basketball and the history of the sport. I give it 10/10 and Game of the Year. I played NBA live 16 it's trash pure trash like last years demo. NBA live I would give 4/10 just pure trash of a game. EA pleas stop making trashy games like NBA Live 16. It's not even worth 59.99 it will be in the bargain bin in one week for 5.99… Expand
  8. kamykoski
    Oct 5, 2015
    10
    Best sports game on the market, even better than the last one which is hard to believe for me. Hands down for this ultimate basketball experience. Get it ASAP!
  9. Playstation_fan
    Nov 9, 2015
    10
    The best sports game in years. No for real, this game is that good. There are so many options and modes to get yourself addicted to. MyTeam is back and they finally have an Action to by your favourite players. Never really been a fan of MyTeam till this year. My Career is back with a little Spike Lee flavour and its as cheesy as ever. Some of the things they say are ridiculous and almostThe best sports game in years. No for real, this game is that good. There are so many options and modes to get yourself addicted to. MyTeam is back and they finally have an Action to by your favourite players. Never really been a fan of MyTeam till this year. My Career is back with a little Spike Lee flavour and its as cheesy as ever. Some of the things they say are ridiculous and almost painful to watch. Once the first season is done we get into the meat of my career and it is cooked to perfection. you now get the option on how you want to spend your off days and it makes the mode more enjoyable. My Park is also as good as ever with more customizable options you can get lost for days at the park.
    No sports game out now a days gives you these many options to pick and choose from. My Career story was a little disappointing but still better than any story Madden has ever tried to tell. The people at 2K seem to care about there games and I respect them for that. This truly is the best sports game in recent history.    … Expand
  10. skirwen
    Sep 25, 2015
    10
    I am having a ton of fun with the game so far. Every year they seem to do a great job with the graphics and it plays great as always. I haven't tried mystory yet, so I can't review that but everything else has been great.
  11. dnlangl
    Sep 26, 2015
    10
    NBA 2k16 has really improved. Graphics still is exceptional. Gameplay even became better, now that it's more realistic. Defense is more emphasized. Any game is unpredictable, unlike in NBA 2k15, wherein you expect the Splash Bros to combine 15-20 three pointers a game. Haha. 2k16 has been a huge upgrade. The soundtrack is even better, and mycareer left me speechless..
  12. LedLoaf
    Sep 27, 2015
    10
    This is easily the best basketball game ever made, maybe the best sport game out. Everyone talks about MyPlayer and to be honest I don't really care about it. I don't care about a story mode in a sports game. All I care about is gameplay. I like to pick a team and battle it out. The game play is very smooth. The pace is a little bit quicker and the passing and juking seems very fluid. EvenThis is easily the best basketball game ever made, maybe the best sport game out. Everyone talks about MyPlayer and to be honest I don't really care about it. I don't care about a story mode in a sports game. All I care about is gameplay. I like to pick a team and battle it out. The game play is very smooth. The pace is a little bit quicker and the passing and juking seems very fluid. Even the graphics to me look very well polished from last year. You now have the lob pass to get the ball to the post players and dominate for once. The defense has improved a lot and even cuts off the baseline exploit to dunk the basket on breakaway. You see a lot of interceptions and turn overs if you don't pass the ball correctly. You will be blocked if you make difficult shots. It's realistic and people who complain just want to run in with someone and beat the game with one person. The online lag is GREAT this year I didn't play last year because I found the lag to be unbearable.

    If all you care about is MyPlayer then you will be a little disappointed. The story is what you would expect in a "sports game" (not that good). You still play in high school, college, and the leap to the big leagues and get drafted. It's the same game as before and people disappointed about the story are expecting some big RPG story that you're not going to find in a sports game.

    This is a must have game for any fan of basketball or just sports in general. The game play is the best it has ever been and I can't stop playing it. Spike Lee has never made a good film in his entire life, what was he suppose to add to make this amazing? Deal with it, the mode to play as a player is still there and now has better game play. I give this game a 10 because of the little kids who actually give this game a 0 and not even explain what they didn't like. I would give it a solid 9/10 without thinking. Get this game    … Expand
  13. Lavaunrobinson
    Oct 1, 2015
    10
    Best sports game period... Level of customization is crazy.... Story is insane....geame modes and new features are amazing...graphics are some of the best in gaming and on top if that its gameplay is beautiful
  14. ZiltonReviews
    Oct 1, 2015
    10
    Despite Spike Lee cliche elements, NBA 2K16 still proves to be an amazing basketball game. The gameplay feels so real from being built upon from last year's game. MyCareer is very realistic and so lively in almost every way. This is a must get for all basketball fans.
  15. theygo
    Oct 4, 2015
    10
    Perfect game, as usual in NBA2k series. Improvement in graphics, game-play and My career mode, which is easier now to get hooked on. Brilliant animations and atmosphere. 2K still know what they are doing. Even online servers still are not as good as they should be, this is a 10.
  16. josemr01
    Feb 26, 2016
    10
    El mejor juego deportivo del Mercado. La jugabilidad es exquisita, la ambientación y banda sonora buenísima. El modo GM además ofrece aspectos de gestión muy exhaustivos, por lo que el partido que se le puede sacar al juego junto al resto de opciones es casi infinito.
  17. ItzChristian25
    Sep 24, 2020
    10
    This is one of the best 2ks of all time it was so fun, 2k16 and 2k17 were just great games
  18. Ty1991
    Mar 25, 2022
    10
    Wanted to start playing basketball games again since I haven't really been into the sport since 2006. Tried 2k22 and realized whi I don't like basketball games then my friend told me to try this one and even tho it's older, best basketball game on the ps4
  19. boobear
    Jul 3, 2023
    10
    Great Game LEBRON ofc so its very good so yeah its too great too good and i luv it
  20. seano4884
    Sep 29, 2015
    9
    Another superb outing from 2K with NBA 2K16. Gameplay is more refined and I love the changes to MyGM mode in particular. My one gripe with this game is the autoslave option and no that's not a typo. Forcing autosave on us again especially in MyGM mode slows the game down so much with the game having to save every 30 seconds when you move from date to date. GET RID OF IT 2K!

    Apart    Another superb outing from 2K with NBA 2K16. Gameplay is more refined and I love the changes to MyGM mode in particular. My one gripe with this game is the autoslave option and no that's not a typo. Forcing autosave on us again especially in MyGM mode slows the game down so much with the game having to save every 30 seconds when you move from date to date. GET RID OF IT 2K!

    Apart from that, one of the best sports game I've played.    … Expand
  21. L4DLegend91
    Dec 2, 2015
    9
    *DISCLAIMER* I haven't played online or MyCareer yet, so this only from a MyGM mode and exhibition game standpoint.

    I liked last years game for being easy to pick up, get into and play without issue. 2K16 takes the simple gameplay, adds some small nuances to make it better, add difficulty to making shots and driving to the basket, and ultimately made the game better. The MyGM is robust    *DISCLAIMER* I haven't played online or MyCareer yet, so this only from a MyGM mode and exhibition game standpoint.

    I liked last years game for being easy to pick up, get into and play without issue. 2K16 takes the simple gameplay, adds some small nuances to make it better, add difficulty to making shots and driving to the basket, and ultimately made the game better. The MyGM is robust and adds a lot of features that is going to add many hours or game time, making it as thorough as any other season or GM mode from any sports game.

    The presentation is beautiful and the music adds a great vibe to the game.

    Of course, I haven't played online or the Career Mode, but I will soon.    … Expand
  22. Sh4rk82
    Oct 14, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's always a solid game absolutely a must have if you like basketball or simply having fun with sport games. 2k has been able to improve a one already great product. Gameplay a little bit difficult for new gamer but once you became more confortable with the controller you can really appreciate the amazing possibility that the game give to you.… Expand
  23. Mr-X
    Feb 22, 2016
    9
    Beautiful Graphics, upgraded AI and gameplay, but occasionally laggy multiplayer and meaningless myCareer "movie" slightly hampers several aspects of the game.
  24. jakeharris
    Oct 1, 2015
    9
    Overall, NBA 2k16 is a great game. The gameplay is way more realistic and star players cannot be spammed like they were in previous years. Three point shooting is also more realistic and I love the the bounce passing and flashy passes. Ball handling is great too. My career is awesome with its storyline and the way you can play in High School and College. I do wish that the nationalOverall, NBA 2k16 is a great game. The gameplay is way more realistic and star players cannot be spammed like they were in previous years. Three point shooting is also more realistic and I love the the bounce passing and flashy passes. Ball handling is great too. My career is awesome with its storyline and the way you can play in High School and College. I do wish that the national championship game would be played in a football stadium though. Online is pretty good in this game. They sort of made the set up like Fifa, going up to a new division as you win more games. This gives gamers more of a challenge and drive to play. My only complaint I have about this game is that you can find yourself playing online games against teams with the same color jersey.… Expand
  25. al16
    Sep 26, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the most anticipated video games to release every year NBA 2K15 is back now trying someting new with the games features, sound track and game modes. The long awaited arguably most played and talked about game mode My Career/My player has showed us different snippets and cut scenes of the famous game mode but this year was different now directed by Spike Lee A film director famous for a variety of movies, Spike takes My player to another step where it is more realistic and we actually feel we are playing a story or our own story. This mode starts out with as usual the creation of your player you can 2K scan your face on to your player which gives you pretty decent results on your actual face then on to your position, height, wing-span and etc. We Start out with three High School games where we were able to choose which high school we wanted in the creation.With Cut Scenes introducing the story of a player they call "FREQ" we will be playing. "FREQ" is given in the story a black sister and light skin best friend with two black parents UNCHANGEABLE with 2K being a worldwide game i am sure not everyone is gonna be a black player nevertheless even a american player which is completely unrealistic on Spike Lee's Part. Throughout the mode there a overwhelming supply of cheesy and some realistic cut scenes.filled. By the time you get to college you are given another 3 years to stay Unchangeable and multiple cut scenes about your best friend "VIC" and going pro. Furthermore you get drafted and depending on what positon you play you will be a 50-60 rating.As the mode goes on you are given more cut scenes cheesy and some typical and real. Throughout the mode it is very heavily more about the story then basketball where a variety of people did not enjoy all in all out of 10 this my player was a 9 in my opinion because of the different features included in the mode amazing cheesy story and its just one the best ones of the series.
    We then move on to the Association my favorite mode which is heavily improved and has taken a jump over the many different other associations you are given the option to move your teams from city's or states, really interact with your players and WAY MORE COMPETITIVE CPU. There are many more aspects of this mode but i must move on.
    Next the return of my team is back which is a real life card playing games this mode has drastically also improved with the new feature to the cards to be
    1) Bronze
    2) Silver
    3) Gold
    4) Amethyst
    5) Diamond
    this mode features a fantasy type of way of playing as the ratings are going up and down throughout the season from real life. This mode also has a new feature in it called "The Gauntlent" where you choose from your collection and play a 3 on 3 game.
    We will slide by My park real quick because the mode has not changed much but a couple of new fixed glitches.
    Next up we then have Pro-Am where we can create are own arena jerseys and are able to play a 5 on 5 vs (most advised) online players cpu players will not be that good and you should prefer to play with friends or other online players this mode has not worked yet since purchasing the game but should be fixed soon. This mode will be very interesting to see which game between Live and 2K which Pro-Am is better.
    Next up we have My League which is just a online association so i will just breeze by this too.
    The game play and graphics has not improved much from 2k15 but the quick game feature has changed with a mode like road to the playoffs offered and you are given a ranking where you play to level up and etc.
    The ratings system has changed as it players are rated on how they match up to the greatest players of all time. We are also blessed to be given the TNT Crew of EJ Shaq and Kenny and sometimes Greg Anthony we are given a entertaining commentary before the game between halftime and at the end.
    All In All NBA 2K15 IS AN INCREDIBLE GAME Even with the flaws of my player and certain glitches i have seen and to come this game has improved drastically and i have rated it a 9.    … Expand
  26. matzac15
    Sep 29, 2015
    9
    Pleasantly surprised by the overall improvements to the game by 2K. The My Team mode is better with more options and MyLeague/MyGM is completely revised to allow a build your own experience per franchise. MyCareer mode is in need of work for the story, but overall is a huge improvement for upcoming years. This game is a definite buy for any NBA fan and best sports game for 2015.
  27. CDon
    Sep 29, 2015
    9
    This year's edition of NBA 2K continues the trend of sports simulation excellence. NBA 2K16 is deeper, prettier, and more finely tuned than its predecessor. The broken mode of NBA Pro-Am, the first year of the Career Mode, and the dysfunctional NBA Store are the major cons in this year's game. Overall, the pros completely outshine the negatives making NBA 2K16 arguably the greatestThis year's edition of NBA 2K continues the trend of sports simulation excellence. NBA 2K16 is deeper, prettier, and more finely tuned than its predecessor. The broken mode of NBA Pro-Am, the first year of the Career Mode, and the dysfunctional NBA Store are the major cons in this year's game. Overall, the pros completely outshine the negatives making NBA 2K16 arguably the greatest basketball game to date.

    The CONTROLS have been revamped once again this year adding dedicated buttons to bounce and lob passes. As usual, adapting the new controls can have you reverting to old habits, but once the controls are acclimated the gameplay is outstanding.

    The most popular mode on NBA 2K16 will once again be MY CAREER MODE in which Spike Lee takes the reigns and tries to deliver an actual story mode complete with characters, plots, and twists. Overall, the actual story of the Career Mode was disappointing due to the lack of decisions the player is able to make. The majority of the cut scenes have your created player going through dilemmas. Unfortunately, the choice will be selected for you by the next cut scene. It doesn't feel like your own story, but the script of an overbearing author (Spike Lee). On the bright side, Career Mode becomes outstanding after your player's rookie year in which the Spike Lee story is finished. No more cut scenes or scripts and you can actually focus on the basketball side of your career. You can play the full 82 game season, which was limited to you in your rookie year, and work on endorsements, practice with your team, or even hang with the connects you've made during your off days. If you can get through the scripted events leading to your sophomore season you will absolutely love the rest of what Career Mode has to offer. Another aspect of Career Mode that is worth mentioning is the ethnicity of your created character. If you make a character who is not of African descent your family members will still be Black. 2K could have easily made the tone of your family members change to the same tone as your character to add realism.

    The VISUALS are outstanding once again making this arguably the best looking sports game there is. The players resemble their real selves in every aspect from their facial expressions to the way they move up and down the court. The presentation is well done adding Shaq and Kenny "The Jet" Smith to the pre and post game show. The framerate, especially offline, is always smooth and the atmosphere of the stadium is electric. It is awesome to see a home team's fans leaving the stadium early as you are blowing them away.

    This years edition is extensive: adding a NBA Pro Am, My Team mode, and refined My Park mode. My Park has added a "21" mode and has been relatively smooth as far as the servers go. I am looking forward to 2K fixing the back and forth cheese that so many players are accustomed to seeing. My Park overall has been improved; however, NBA Pro Am mode, which is similar to the Jordan Rec Center of last year, is literally broken. It is surprising to actually see a smooth running Pro Am game. Most likely the Pro AM will not even load. The My League (Association/Franchise) mode is deeper than ever, allowing you to relocate a franchise, customize the stadium, and design new jerseys. You can operate the League offline or online. My Team takes your team onto the black top with street-like three versus three matches. The head to head online matches have been improved by adding a ranking system, which gives an excellent touch to just simple head to head.

    I have never played a basketball game this enormous and I am excited to keep digging past the surface into this excellent game.

    THANKS FOR READING!!!    … Expand
  28. Jbussy
    Feb 15, 2016
    9
    The 2016 installment of NBA 2k is one of the best all-around basketball simulator put out by this company. The gameplay found in this game is pretty similar to past installments of the game minus a couple control tweaks. One of te biggest new improvements to the A.I. is that they adapt to the way you play, for instance if you shoot a lot of perimeter shots the defense will adapt to that.The 2016 installment of NBA 2k is one of the best all-around basketball simulator put out by this company. The gameplay found in this game is pretty similar to past installments of the game minus a couple control tweaks. One of te biggest new improvements to the A.I. is that they adapt to the way you play, for instance if you shoot a lot of perimeter shots the defense will adapt to that. My GM is relatively the same but now you can customize pretty much every aspect of your team if you have the funds. All of the changes made in My GM are present in the My League mode. The story mode added My Career is alright but I found myself waiting for the scenes to end and not really caring about what happens to them due to the lack of choices I got to make. NBA 2k16 feels like it has made some major improvements from the last year and the series is definitely still one of the best sports simulators out there.
    9/10

    JB    … Expand
  29. bismarckcea
    Jul 3, 2016
    9
    Nba2k16 (Ps4) is the best Nba game i ever played in years! the graphics is great the players look exactly the same you can see the shoes that their wearing it's awesome! i can not wait to play Nba2k17 : )
  30. sgthombre
    Sep 23, 2016
    9
    I'm just writing at least 150 characters because I wanted to save this review in a more convenient way to look back at scores that I had given stuff as a user.
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best PS4 Game of 2015
36
#36 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
21
#21 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 51
  3. Negative: 0 out of 51
  1. Sporting News
    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.
    Read full review
  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. DarkStation
    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.
    Read full review
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