Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 54
  2. Negative: 4 out of 54
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  1. Oct 13, 2017
    40
    NBA 2K18 is an example of everything that is wrong with the modern game industry, and can only be recommended for people who love to give game companies all of their money. The game itself is good, but ruined by micro transactions.
  2. 40
    NBA 2K18 is a king on the court, but its antics off it, particularly its use of microtransactions, leave it in a world of trouble.
  3. Sep 22, 2017
    33
    Where other sports games have stepped up their games to provide a comprehensive experience, NBA 2K18 has taken a huge step back, and seems more focused on getting more money out of players than doing anything else. If you just want a game where you can play as Lebron James or Kevin Durant in exhibition games, it’s fine for that, but if you want to do anything else, stay far, far away.
  4. Sep 22, 2017
    30
    With NBA 2K18 we’ve reached an inevitable crossroad, though the signs should have been seen a while back. The on court action is still the best available, but there is now room for another franchise to come and steal an audience that will be sick of the costs of simply being able to compete in the 2K series. The grind isn’t fun and paying gives advantages over those who won’t or can’t afford to. You absolutely cannot ignore how NBA 2K18 is a full price game that also integrates the business model of a free to play/pay to win title and the way that the enjoyment you get from it suffers because of it.
User Score
1.8

Overwhelming dislike- based on 742 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 742
  1. Sep 15, 2017
    4
    Beware of fake reviews. The two 10 rated reviews seem like paid advertisement. This game is far from a 10/10 especially if you are a mycareerBeware of fake reviews. The two 10 rated reviews seem like paid advertisement. This game is far from a 10/10 especially if you are a mycareer player. The greed this year by 2k is the most I've seen by a company in a while.

    - Players May Not Preview A Haircut, And Must Repurchase Previously Purchased Haircuts

    - NBA 2k18 Removes The Bonus VC For Higher Difficulty Modifier

    - NBA 2k18 App Gives Less VC Than It Used To

    - Can no longer preview attribute boosts before purchasing upgrades in MyCareer.

    This is only what's been discovered within the first 14 hours. They've turned this into a **** mobile game with microtransactions at every time, except you paid $60 for the privilege.

    Campaign story is awful and all cutscenes are unskippable. Look up lil tasty your new sidekick if you want to preview the cringe.

    Still facing shot clock cheese, unstoppable animations, as well as broken ones like the failed dunk. Game needs major work, especially in terms of microtransactions.
    Full Review »
  2. Sep 15, 2017
    0
    The currency system in this game is a joke. 2k has cut down the amount of VC (in game currency) you can earn considerably, and has startedThe currency system in this game is a joke. 2k has cut down the amount of VC (in game currency) you can earn considerably, and has started charging for ridiculous things like haircuts. They've implemented a free-to-play model in a $60 video game. It's unbelievably greedy and dishonest. Full Review »
  3. Sep 15, 2017
    2
    One of the biggest cash grabs in video game history. Have to pay for haircuts that you cant preview, can no longer preview attribute upgradesOne of the biggest cash grabs in video game history. Have to pay for haircuts that you cant preview, can no longer preview attribute upgrades leading to broken builds, and everything cots more VC then ever before. VC earning has been neutered across the board. Making 1/2 per game and even less through the app than last year. They are forcing consumers into micro transactions at every turn. Game play feels very familiar and the same cheese will be back. Full Review »