NBA 2K19

 PlayStation 4
User Score
2.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 462 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 462
  2. Mixed: 50 out of 462
  3. Negative: 326 out of 462
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  1. Therambokitty
    Mar 16, 2019
    8
    I love this game! Probably one of the best NBA 2K games in a while. Although the microtransactions are getting a little too crazy. I still enjoy the game and playing Myteam Everyday can't get enough!
  2. DarthNinja916
    Sep 10, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. DISCLAIMER: 2K always is bad when it comes to launching their games, so I’m just going to deduct one point off the score for the fact that this launch was terrible and will get worse on the 11th with the other players joining in.

    So this is my 8th year playing 2K, and after the absolute GARBAGE that 2K18 was, I was ready for a refreshing change.

    I can gladly say that this is a improvement.

    2K for years now has struggled to make a skills gap and a actual reason to get good at the game. 2K15 and 2K16’s Scoring Style idea was a slight improvement but did nothing to stop 6’ 7” speed boosting dribble God’s from dominating the Park and was simply useless as players could still have extremely high dunking and shooting attributes. 2K17 tried to change the game and introduce Archetypes; new play styles that would limit a players abilities and have to cater to a certain way of playing. But then Playmakers, Sharps, and Glass Cleaners took over and the “skills matter” idea fell flat. 2K18 tried to improve the archetype system by adding dual archetypes all with their own certain caps to badges and attribute caps. Then Sharps and Shot-Creators became too overpowered as shooting was a breeze once you got Limitless Cheese or Difficult Shi*s as my friend calls them. (Limitless Range and Difficult Shots).

    So you think in 2K19 they would finally figure it out right?

    Yes, and no. Now while the archetype system is massively better than 18, there still are some OP builds; the Playmaking Shot-Creator, or even the Slashing Shot-Creator are some popular “OP” builds as they are all around builds that can do 2 things really well, and also be pretty successful at others. Builds such as the Pure Sharp and Sharpshooting Playmaker got their nerfs, but also some slight improvements to make it so they can’t do the offense all by themselves but still can carry the load pretty well. And as always, Slashers are dominant and eventually will get nerfed, but we’ll see if they become like 2K17’s slashers or 2K13’s. Badges such as Ankle Breaker and Relentless Finisher seem slightly nerfed but not majorly. Limitless Range is a noticeable nerf this year as I did a shoot around with Curry and Klay and could barley hit from the logo and beyond the hash mark. (3/10 with Klay, 4/10 with Curry.)

    So what’s bad?

    Well as always, the micro transactions are awful but not as bad as previous 2K’s, *cough cough, 2K18*. This may seem misleading as first as many things are still the same prices, but you earn VC at a pretty good rate this year, especially in MyCareer. Teammate grade can give you a 2x bonus, so can difficulty multipliers. (Pro to HoF.) The daily things also help a bit, and so does the daily spin, which at the moment is basically inaccessible because of the thousands surrounding it constantly, but still, you can also use endorsements this year to boost your per-game salary and there’s also events at the park such as the Reese’s Puff “Crunch Hour” that give you 2x VC every game.

    MyTeam looks less pay to win, but the $250,000 tournament will definitely change that lol.

    MyCareer is back at it with the cheesy nick names and stuff, now it’s nowhere near the cheesiness of 2K16 or 18, but still cheesy with Jackson Ellis and ATM returning, but I’ll be honest, I did laugh when I heard their bum a**es try to talk smack against me.

    MyLeauge and MyGM made some improvement, but is still slightly boring unless your into numbers and stuff like me/do challenges.

    Otherwise I’d say this is a great basketball game and would get it unless NBA Live has smooth gameplay that isn’t stiff and robotic.

    Score: 8.7/10

    2K Rating: tied for 5th.    … Expand
  3. galip
    Sep 11, 2018
    8
    Game's feels slight more realistic then last year version, graphic has improved, my personal problem with all of nba 2k's games is the net/rim physics .. it might seems to be a slight issue, but in any past 2k game (and my first was 2k6!!) when the ball 'meets' the net, it never really felt realistic .. which for me it's quite disappointment that they did not improve on that area for allGame's feels slight more realistic then last year version, graphic has improved, my personal problem with all of nba 2k's games is the net/rim physics .. it might seems to be a slight issue, but in any past 2k game (and my first was 2k6!!) when the ball 'meets' the net, it never really felt realistic .. which for me it's quite disappointment that they did not improve on that area for all these years ..
    as far as gameplay thats my only issue .. everything else feels great to me.

    didn't check any of the other modes yet, so my review is all about the gameplay.    … Expand
  4. LRBEternal
    Sep 12, 2018
    10
    The best NBA 2K to date. Visual Concept really focused on the gameplay this time, and it shows. This game has all that you need in a basketball game. I don't really care about the micro-transactions because with all the game has to offer, i don't have to buy any to enjoy my experience.
  5. JeepDaddyMac46
    Sep 11, 2018
    10
    First of all, stop lying on your User Revuews. Most of you probably don’t even have the game. If you did, you would know just what an amazing game 2K19 truly is. Stellar gameplay, improved menus, best graphics in the series to date. There are tons of gameplay options and so many customization options. Outside of the core game, there are Premium modes, MyCareer and MyTeam that willFirst of all, stop lying on your User Revuews. Most of you probably don’t even have the game. If you did, you would know just what an amazing game 2K19 truly is. Stellar gameplay, improved menus, best graphics in the series to date. There are tons of gameplay options and so many customization options. Outside of the core game, there are Premium modes, MyCareer and MyTeam that will require “grinding” or you can optionally buy VC to progress faster. There are a few miscues in the launch software; controller vibration doesn’t work, speed is a tad bit slow and the soundtrack is laughably horrible. Despite that, this game is a blast to play and MyCareer is fantastic.… Expand
  6. Mowta
    Sep 14, 2018
    8
    Definitely the most realistic NBA 2K game I've played so far. You won't be good when you first start your career. Like virtually every basketball player in real life, you will be pretty ineffective in the first quarter/half of your rookie season. That is true unless you are willing to spend money or grind VC some other way before starting a career. If you are expecting your player toDefinitely the most realistic NBA 2K game I've played so far. You won't be good when you first start your career. Like virtually every basketball player in real life, you will be pretty ineffective in the first quarter/half of your rookie season. That is true unless you are willing to spend money or grind VC some other way before starting a career. If you are expecting your player to dominate games from the get go and are not willing to pay up a lot of cash for that ability, you will not enjoy this game. If you are like me and enjoy the struggle to stardom path, you will love this game.

    Important note: If you are looking for mostly multiplayer, it is definitely pay to win until you can grind out your player.    … Expand
  7. 1CrazyRob
    Sep 18, 2018
    8
    I've personally created a metacritic account just to share my thoughts and review with everyone on this game.

    If you've played any of the last 3 years of the 2K series you should automatically know that it's a LONG grind for Free-to-play players aka casual players. This game has not changed one bit from that aspect. This game is intended for competitive players that is why it's an    I've personally created a metacritic account just to share my thoughts and review with everyone on this game.

    If you've played any of the last 3 years of the 2K series you should automatically know that it's a LONG grind for Free-to-play players aka casual players. This game has not changed one bit from that aspect. This game is intended for competitive players that is why it's an E-Sport game.

    You can accomplish feats in the MyCareer mode. Yes, it will take you a couple months of non-stop grinding, but it's very possible. But the people complaining WANT to play the online modes and do everything their favorite Twitch streamer can do or YouTuber can do....THEY PAY TO HAVE THEIR CHARACTER BE RELEVANT ONLINE. So yes, if you want to become competitive and play the online modes with your created players then you will most likely spend an additional $75 to get there.

    How is that any different from games being released that are incomplete and then later down the road releasing season passes, dlc's, expansion's, etc? IT'S THE EXACT SAME THING. Destiny 2 is the perfect example of this.

    Base Game - $60
    Expansion 1 & 2 - $30
    Forsaken - $60

    How is this any different???? They have several more expansions planned out too for Destiny 2 so it doesn't just stop there. People need to get a grip of reality and realize every game is like this. The model has not changed in the past 3 years for most games.

    Casual players need to stick to some of MyTeam mode, MyGM mode, Exhibition mode or anything else that doesn't require additional money to ENJOY the game. It's the same people complaining every year that they do not want to spend money on the game after they have purchased it. You need to wake up from this dream and either cough up the dough or stick to the casual modes.

    Now onto the game, I've mainly played just the career portion as most of my friends are either late to the party getting the game or grinding out badges. I've been thoroughly impressed because it feels like an actual basketball game and not some arcade button mashing game. I've also noticed the game requires more skills than holding a button and expecting your MyPlayer to perform like Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Which was much needed. The game needs to feel somewhat realistic otherwise who would want to play a bad basketball game.

    The online portion I've not yet touched as I'm still grinding my badges and attributes, and usually it takes a month or two after release to even get the online portion balanced and fixed so it's probably a blessing that I'm playing the game the slow way through career mode. The Pro level difficulty has not given me much issues if any. If you make dumb passes or shoot dumb shots...You should have low success rates. I will update my review once I get more online play, but this was more for those that do not understand the game market currently or any of the past 2K games.    … Expand
  8. ps4lover
    Sep 7, 2018
    10
    wow, NBA 2k19 is excellent basketball game ever i playing.. Gameplay and animations are top notch.. Defense improve is pretty much better beside offense.. ai cpu playing very properly on offense and defense..i haven't start up My GM/League yet but will do soon as possible.. My Career is very good with good story narratives. graphic look great and presentation look very good.. stats overlaywow, NBA 2k19 is excellent basketball game ever i playing.. Gameplay and animations are top notch.. Defense improve is pretty much better beside offense.. ai cpu playing very properly on offense and defense..i haven't start up My GM/League yet but will do soon as possible.. My Career is very good with good story narratives. graphic look great and presentation look very good.. stats overlay and scoreboard look very clean… Expand
  9. jeremym480
    Sep 13, 2018
    10
    NBA 2K is the cream of the crop when it comes to sports games. Game play is better than ever, MyLeauge and CAP is head and shoulders above all other sports games. This is a must own for any basketball fan.
  10. LordNord
    Sep 15, 2018
    8
    Always bought this 2K games.I start with positive things. I say the game mechanism is better in simple games or in story mode the NBA games. The real players looks better than early 2K games. Fun play games with friends. MYTeam mode is better too. But my fav part is always the Park. Now all things in one circle , middle the courts and sidelines the stores, i dont like it better wasAlways bought this 2K games.I start with positive things. I say the game mechanism is better in simple games or in story mode the NBA games. The real players looks better than early 2K games. Fun play games with friends. MYTeam mode is better too. But my fav part is always the Park. Now all things in one circle , middle the courts and sidelines the stores, i dont like it better was 2k18... You can make all things in your menu don't need go home or some bullsh!t lot of walking for nothing and loading screens. For me not negative this play or win things because i always make my caracter with playing not for money. I dont like people who make her/his caracter with money. All games i was 75-80% win in Park without buy stupid VC. Yes i know some people dont like griding and dont like the early part the game when your caracter is sh!t and always lose in the park but need little time and patience. I say it's a good basketball game but lot of people dont like this pay or win things. Look me i never bought VC and all games i was 75-80% winner in online games. Only you need lot of practice and you will win too.… Expand
  11. ReyalsfoSwodahs
    Sep 13, 2018
    8
    Unlike everyone reviewing this game based on MyPlayer, I'll speak on the things that actually matter in a sports game. The game plays better this year than previous years. Just by making the ball harder to drive and the opponents ankles harder to break, the game has taken a step forward. On offense, though I'm only a few games in, I cannot seem to spam the pick & roll like previous years.Unlike everyone reviewing this game based on MyPlayer, I'll speak on the things that actually matter in a sports game. The game plays better this year than previous years. Just by making the ball harder to drive and the opponents ankles harder to break, the game has taken a step forward. On offense, though I'm only a few games in, I cannot seem to spam the pick & roll like previous years. I feel like the computer defense tries to adjust to stop your offensive schemes. Also, I personally like the timed layups because it adds a level of I-cannot-drive-in-and-chuck-up-some-garbage-and-make-it-every-time. Now, the game has things it needs to improve: presentation, overall realism/look, and some gameplay flukes. I cannot stand when someone like Marvin Williams has the best game of his career against me...every time we play. Frank Kaminsky shouldn't be taking more shots than Kemba Walker. And that has been a huge complaint of mine for years now. They're too focused on the MyPlayer stuff to work on any actual gameplay. I'd still give the game a solid 8 so far. I'm excited to see how the game adjusts with different teams (will the Warriors play like the Warriors, will the Celtics play like the Celtics, etc...). If you're not in to the MyPlayer aspect, the game takes enough steps forward to warrant picking it up this year. If you're just looking to create a player a cheese-fest, apparently the game isn't for you.… Expand
  12. daniloadventist
    Sep 12, 2018
    10
    Excelente jogo! Nota 10, só faltou liberar dia 07/09 para a pré-venda da versao stardard.
    Melhor jogo de Esporte do Mercado!
  13. MiguelRiky11
    Oct 2, 2018
    8
    Sentimientos encontrados con NBA 2K19. Le estoy echando muchas horas y lo disfruto mucho, una jugabilidad que no iguala nadie, ni por asomo, representación de jugadores, equipos excelentes, muchos modos de juego, y disfruto de los modos de juego en offline. Cuando entramos al My Team es desesperante, solo predomina el pay to win. Gente con equipazos la mayoría pagados. no hay igualdad, elSentimientos encontrados con NBA 2K19. Le estoy echando muchas horas y lo disfruto mucho, una jugabilidad que no iguala nadie, ni por asomo, representación de jugadores, equipos excelentes, muchos modos de juego, y disfruto de los modos de juego en offline. Cuando entramos al My Team es desesperante, solo predomina el pay to win. Gente con equipazos la mayoría pagados. no hay igualdad, el Matchmaking no existe, si tienes un equipo de 80 te puedes enfrentar a uno de 99, y a veces llega a desesperar y quitarte las ganas. Si no te quieres gastar ni un €, tienes que jugar mucho, con la consecuente renovación de contratos y gastos de MT. Una desesperación… Expand
  14. fcadle
    Oct 15, 2018
    9
    The problem with the people in these comments is that they thought they would have an 85 overall player after a 3 hour gameplay. Just like in the NBA, not every rookie can hit 3's, can block, can handle, etc. This game is made for the casual gamer the same as any other is: if you aren't good at the game, you will lose often and will need to watch videos on how to improve.

    Love the new    The problem with the people in these comments is that they thought they would have an 85 overall player after a 3 hour gameplay. Just like in the NBA, not every rookie can hit 3's, can block, can handle, etc. This game is made for the casual gamer the same as any other is: if you aren't good at the game, you will lose often and will need to watch videos on how to improve.

    Love the new shot system, seems much more consistent. Players act far more realistic, passing more authentic.

    With that being said, this game is once again a cash-grab HOWEVER I have had multiple friends who hadn't preordered & are at 90. Not very often can you say games have 3+ playable game modes (MyCareer/Park, MyTeam, Play Now/Play Now Online) all of which they put effort to update from the previous version. Great improvement from a buggy 2k18, could always work out some bugs (such as PRO-AM) but great sports game. Might be better than FIFA this year...    … Expand
  15. GamePresscz
    Nov 19, 2018
    8
    Ve všech kategoriích doslova drtí konkurenci a i přesto, že nepřináší dostatek inovací oproti minulému dílu, můžeme hru doporučit všem milovníkům lesklých palubovek. GamePress cz
  16. kyzaghan
    May 22, 2019
    8
    MyCareer makes you invested in the player you create. Core NBA 2K mechanics are challenging and rewarding. Plenty of game modes to choose from. Great voiceover performances in MyCareer story. BUT Emphasis on virtual currency (VC) is borderline exploitative. Sluggish player movement in certain scenarios. Matchmaking tools in MyCareer are lacking. Narrative in MyCareer falls flat.
  17. TheShowfan29
    Oct 23, 2018
    9
    This is the smoothest edition of 2K ever. I do agree that Virtual Coins are required even in Franchise mode, but you gain more after each game. They did change some of the faces unnecessarily like Durant's, but this game is so solid in gameplay and audio and visual presentation that these minor drawbacks can be overlooked. The one thing they need to add to the game is the energy percentageThis is the smoothest edition of 2K ever. I do agree that Virtual Coins are required even in Franchise mode, but you gain more after each game. They did change some of the faces unnecessarily like Durant's, but this game is so solid in gameplay and audio and visual presentation that these minor drawbacks can be overlooked. The one thing they need to add to the game is the energy percentage of each player on the d-pad sub menu. Great game and this 2.3 user score is a joke.… Expand
  18. Childress7
    Sep 17, 2019
    8
    Great game with little improvements. Addictive gameplay and very good AI. Great Career mode.
  19. Bobbohead515
    Nov 3, 2019
    10
    One of the best 2ks in my opinion besides nb2k 16 so yeah that’s a bull bull I gotta is a big day haha was the best day for me to get home from my house haha is my birthday haha was a day or what a day or a week long week haha is a
  20. TheChrisPhoenix
    Feb 23, 2020
    10
    It's amazing to see how bad NBA 2K20 was for us to appreciate 2K19. Honestly, 2K19 to me is a pretty solid game if you're like me and prefers to play offline rather than online. However, if you love playing in the "Neighborhood" well I can feel your pain. That said, what I love about 2K is how much depth, fun and the amount of game modes this one has. Cherish this one before we get 2K21It's amazing to see how bad NBA 2K20 was for us to appreciate 2K19. Honestly, 2K19 to me is a pretty solid game if you're like me and prefers to play offline rather than online. However, if you love playing in the "Neighborhood" well I can feel your pain. That said, what I love about 2K is how much depth, fun and the amount of game modes this one has. Cherish this one before we get 2K21 which will be imported to next gen aka a WORSE version than 2K19/2K20 all put together!… Expand
  21. Milanos
    Sep 29, 2020
    9
    I play only MyLeague mode so microtransactions and other s**t are not included into my review. Gameplay is challenging and there is a great improvement over the previous year. You must know what you doing to get past your defender, because AI is better at defense this year. Animations are also good and are improved. Recently i have played 2k20 and 2k21 and I am still with the 2k19. 2k20I play only MyLeague mode so microtransactions and other s**t are not included into my review. Gameplay is challenging and there is a great improvement over the previous year. You must know what you doing to get past your defender, because AI is better at defense this year. Animations are also good and are improved. Recently i have played 2k20 and 2k21 and I am still with the 2k19. 2k20 and 2k21 are pure trash.… Expand
  22. hector_bcn98
    Nov 15, 2022
    8
    Más de lo msimo, con distintos equipos. Buen diseño de arte con todo lo que tiene que ver con LeBron.
  23. WashedPotatoes
    Jul 21, 2022
    8
    i think ive put close to 1000 hours in this game so its safe to say i liked it. definitely overhated, people just love to hate on 2k (even though it definitely has went downhill)

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best PS4 Game of 2018
27
#27 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2018
46
#46 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 49
  3. Negative: 1 out of 49
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Oct 28, 2018
    80
    NBA 2K19 is fantastic at all the times when it isn’t asking you to part with real cash. Although sadly, in MyCareer, you’ll be tempted to open your wallet way too often. [Issue#155, p.95]
  2. Worth Playing
    Oct 12, 2018
    85
    NBA 2K19 is still the go-to basketball simulation game out there. Its polish and refinement have only improved since last year, and it's difficult to imagine any improvements for next year. The MyCareer story has definitely improved, and so have the cut scene management and character customization. MyTeam feels like a revolving mode of new updates and content, but players who don't purchase VC may be getting the short end of the stick, since 10 pack boxes are exclusive to VC only. The game is amazing in all regards, but the constant reminder and pressure to purchase VC is wearing thin.
    Read full review
  3. XGN
    Oct 9, 2018
    90
    NBA 2K19 is everything that you expect from a basketball game. With the new edition 2K Games and Visual Concepts are closer to the real thing than ever.
    Read full review
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