NBA 2K20

 PlayStation 4
User Score
1.4

Overwhelming dislike- based on 1203 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 105 out of 1203
  2. Mixed: 78 out of 1203
  3. Negative: 1,020 out of 1203
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  1. Eggnogthedog
    Apr 5, 2020
    5
    Huge lover of NBA 2K and been playing since 2k9. This is probably the most obvious that 2K has ever been around micro transactions. Every single time you log in? It's there. Before I go into the negatives? Definitely start with the few positives.

    -Graphics/Details to players -Ability to download user created rosters/legendary rosters Thats it truly. The negatives in this game are    Huge lover of NBA 2K and been playing since 2k9. This is probably the most obvious that 2K has ever been around micro transactions. Every single time you log in? It's there. Before I go into the negatives? Definitely start with the few positives.

    -Graphics/Details to players
    -Ability to download user created rosters/legendary rosters

    Thats it truly. The negatives in this game are astounding and it is sad to see the franchise fall so far. Gameplay is the exact same as previous entries of the last three to four years. They have added so many different badges and abilities now that they water down the original ones. With the micro transactions they have focused on MyTeam and MyPlayer more than anything in terms of game modes which really aren't that good either. The Franchise Mode/Online Play now features have not been updated outside of a change in the stock images they use and that's about it. 2K use to so great because of how players felt unique/themselves. Steph Curry could hit deep threes, Lebron was a tank etc... Now? You have to find guides or a user who edited all the players jump shots, packages etc to make them feel like themselves. Its a lot of work to put into a game that literally prides itself in being a basketball simulator. Some other basic things are truly broken in this game during gameplay as well including layups, dunks and just overall defense.

    Is this correctable for 2K? Absolutely but they need to realize that they can include a game with micro transactions can exist if they focus on other sides of the game for offline players as well. I doubt they will focus on anything else anytime soon though as this has been a progressive pattern for them for the last five years.

    One can hope. I gave this a 5/10 for the pure fact that the graphics are still some of the best while the cons truly outweighs the rest.    … Expand
  2. dpaudiophile
    Sep 11, 2019
    6
    The gameplay is the best it's ever been. The pace and speed of the game is great, it took me some getting used to, but I love it now after a couple weeks in. Off-ball stuff and running plays are miles better. The AI can be dumb at times though.

    My favorite mode, Myleague, is worse off than it was last year. No improvements made, just new issues upon old issues that weren't addressed.    The gameplay is the best it's ever been. The pace and speed of the game is great, it took me some getting used to, but I love it now after a couple weeks in. Off-ball stuff and running plays are miles better. The AI can be dumb at times though.

    My favorite mode, Myleague, is worse off than it was last year. No improvements made, just new issues upon old issues that weren't addressed.

    Mycareer still has an awful story, although not nearly as cringy as the past few years, but the cringe can still get real intense.

    Neighborhood is almost exactly the same. Lots of small issues, like the player card being too small to read, not being able to see another players details by hovering over their name and clicking R3... I don't want to go on, there are a lot of little things like that.

    WNBA is really fun to play, but it's only available in PlayNow ._.

    **** Myteam. That **** sucks ass in every single way possible.

    Overall the game is pretty good, just way too many bugs, not a lot of updates besides the ones made to gameplay, but those updates were good so... meh, I'm not that pissed about it.    … Expand
  3. alc121
    Sep 8, 2019
    5
    The core mechanics of the game are, as always, brilliant. However, in the latter 3 releases I have been forced to limit my experience of game to quick online matches. Both Mycarreer and Myteam are too grindy, and force you either to play all day long or to spend even more real money to stand a chance not to get frustrated. . It is a shame because it is a greedy move that would otherwiseThe core mechanics of the game are, as always, brilliant. However, in the latter 3 releases I have been forced to limit my experience of game to quick online matches. Both Mycarreer and Myteam are too grindy, and force you either to play all day long or to spend even more real money to stand a chance not to get frustrated. . It is a shame because it is a greedy move that would otherwise leave an impeccable game. Hope they react soon enough.… Expand
  4. MaxPayneIsGod
    Jul 25, 2021
    7
    Another yearly iteration of the only Basketball sim available.
    I enjoyed what I played of it, which was pretty much the career mode which was as contrived, convoluted and cringe-worthy as previous years.
    I always end up overwhelmed by these games with all the game modes and such.
    Micro-transactions have no impact on me what-so-ever because I'm not stupid enough to buy them.
  5. andyv2k14
    Sep 17, 2019
    7
    I'll caveat by saying I do not play MyTeam because it has always seemed like a lootbox type game. There were a lot of bugs (a lot with servers especially, I think) at launch, but it seems that has since been fixed and, sadly, that's hardly unique to 2k20.

    I feel that people who say gameplay hasn't changed have not played the game very much. Gameplay is definitely different (not always    I'll caveat by saying I do not play MyTeam because it has always seemed like a lootbox type game. There were a lot of bugs (a lot with servers especially, I think) at launch, but it seems that has since been fixed and, sadly, that's hardly unique to 2k20.

    I feel that people who say gameplay hasn't changed have not played the game very much. Gameplay is definitely different (not always for the better, but different). Notably, defense feels quite different. Lateral quickness is definitely a thing now and slower bigs will get absolutely roasted by quick guards.

    Also, you can pretty much respect your character, for all intents and purposes. The MyPlayer builder lets you see every single stat on the character before you start MyCareer. Also, you can test the build at any level with any badges, so you can get a halfway decent idea of what it will play like, as well as figure out what badges you need. Also, every time you earn a new badge you can go back in and change the badges that you selected previously (at least on my game I can). I'm not sure how much more of a respect you wanted. Of course they aren't going to give you unlimited refunds on VC (no company would do that, I don't think).

    The game is certainly costly, but 2k isn't the only game to use this model. A lot of games now are moving to the grind-or-pay premise. It doesn't bode well for gamers, but it's also not going to change either.    … Expand
  6. Real2kfan
    Sep 27, 2019
    5
    I know it was bad on release but come on guys it's not worse than 2k18 dont let it be rated lower. Overall just 2k19.5, the real problem was Ronnie2Cap lying, I get people dont like the slot machine either but, be honest with yourself the young 2k audience is very small and from my experience none of them have even touched myteam so let's not act like they're going to get into gamblingI know it was bad on release but come on guys it's not worse than 2k18 dont let it be rated lower. Overall just 2k19.5, the real problem was Ronnie2Cap lying, I get people dont like the slot machine either but, be honest with yourself the young 2k audience is very small and from my experience none of them have even touched myteam so let's not act like they're going to get into gambling from that. It's just an average 2k that was overhyped for no reason. If you're looking to play a basketball game I say buy 2k19 and download a custom roster with the currents rosters, but 2k20 wouldn't be the worse decision either… Expand
  7. GeorgeMavi
    Apr 20, 2020
    5
    Ok guys I know I am about 7 months late but here we go... The game is in good shape BUT, I don't know if it's just me, the gameplay has changed. For example, I think it's way more difficult to do dribble moves and I think the shot meter is very slow (and no I do not have a slow jumpshot). My career's story is solid and my team is good. I liked the fact that your overall can beOk guys I know I am about 7 months late but here we go... The game is in good shape BUT, I don't know if it's just me, the gameplay has changed. For example, I think it's way more difficult to do dribble moves and I think the shot meter is very slow (and no I do not have a slow jumpshot). My career's story is solid and my team is good. I liked the fact that your overall can be increased/decreased based on your my park games and I think tha the takeover choice is pretty useful. 5/10 only because I think the gameplay is different and worse. #bringbacktheoldgameplay… Expand
  8. Nobilis1984
    Sep 11, 2020
    5
    A wonderful game with a lot of scope if it weren't for the bad throw control and Pay2Win. You can buy so much stuff but earn so little as a professional.
  9. jay_caspian
    Dec 6, 2019
    5
    NBA 2k19 has some incredibly fun modes and gameplay, but it’s hampered down by an insane amount of pressure to make micro transactions (is it even “micro” if they want me to spend $50 all the time?) and comes off like a passive aggressive attack against their customers. While 2k claims they are making VC easier to earn, they can only claim this due to a deceptive change to the game. ForNBA 2k19 has some incredibly fun modes and gameplay, but it’s hampered down by an insane amount of pressure to make micro transactions (is it even “micro” if they want me to spend $50 all the time?) and comes off like a passive aggressive attack against their customers. While 2k claims they are making VC easier to earn, they can only claim this due to a deceptive change to the game. For example, last year $10 worth of VC only get a MyPlayer up to a 67 or 68, but this year, you can get it well into the 70s. However, they only lowered the cost of lower level VC. . You'll STILL need 200k VC, or $50 worth, in order to go from a 60 to 85, exact,y the same as 2k19, which is a difficuly task for an adult like myself who works 40 hours a week and has a family. Once again, The MyCareer path could have easily been called 'Return to the Grind” or simply, “give us your money mode.' This doesn’t even get into the casino elements that nearly everyone on here is complaining about (and justifiably, they’re right).

    Once you get passed the VC issues, the game is still fun in some ways. The new MyCareer story mode took a step back this year, but it’s not as cringe as 2k15-2k18. I wish they’d just focus on making a better MyCareer game then some a rather boring pre-NBA movie. I don’t think 2K has realized that players don’t care nearly as much about their characters BEFORE they enter the NBA, so maybe they’ll fix that in future games. I loved that they added the WNBA this year and hope they’ll expand it next year. They also fixed the “teammate” grading system from last year, making it much more fair. I also like some of the balance tuning they made to shooting.

    Overall, NBA 2K is a fun game that is hindered by it's desire to take the absolutely every penny they can get From it’s most devoted fans. I don’t hate 2k, I love them, basketball is my favorite sport and my hobby in many ways, I just wish 2k could take a step back and realize that their fangs are unhappy for a reason.    … Expand
  10. 613th
    Nov 4, 2020
    6
    Strange feelings - I like the game one side, and hate the other.

    The whole gambling problems it is rather obvious, but even there they made it more better than EA. Cause here we can collect all this cards (playbooks, sneakers and other), what make it more interesting, than just farming player cards in EA plays. Another bad thing for me - all this neighborhood stuff, I didn't like it    Strange feelings - I like the game one side, and hate the other.

    The whole gambling problems it is rather obvious, but even there they made it more better than EA. Cause here we can collect all this cards (playbooks, sneakers and other), what make it more interesting, than just farming player cards in EA plays.

    Another bad thing for me - all this neighborhood stuff, I didn't like it even when I was just watching 2K on Twitch. And now, when i try it - it is terrible.

    But, the general part of the game - whole basketball and NBA moves are great to me, Last NBA game I played was NBA 09 by EA so for me all the progress is great and I wanted to play this game more and more time before. And now I play it with pleasure.    … Expand
  11. ToshLichev
    Jun 21, 2020
    6
    As a basketball normie, this games gives me what I want. I get to throw a ball through a hoop and do it again and again. And that's great, because that's just about the only thing you can do without having to pay for it. If I hadn't paid like 6$ for this game I would have given it a much lower score.
  12. Ziglo
    Jun 28, 2021
    7
    my park did not change from last year, and this casino games kill all experience and fun.
  13. Luahanseng
    Aug 12, 2020
    7
    Finally, i able to enjoy nba again. i like the gameplay. aside from it, everything is just a copy paste from previous nba title grrr... You got saved by the improvement of the gameplay its more immersive
  14. Fthepatches
    Oct 1, 2019
    6
    What the hell 2k 5th patch in less than a month? 100gb of patches to download!!! How abt next time you add some QC to your release before shipping. Also why o why do we need a permanent internet connection to play my career??? You can disable the internet related functionalities in my career not the whole mode thats just dumb. Some of us are just interested in playing the my career gamesWhat the hell 2k 5th patch in less than a month? 100gb of patches to download!!! How abt next time you add some QC to your release before shipping. Also why o why do we need a permanent internet connection to play my career??? You can disable the internet related functionalities in my career not the whole mode thats just dumb. Some of us are just interested in playing the my career games and practices and progress naturally. Its just further proof of lack of vision planning and design in your produxt management division. Shame!!!!… Expand
  15. not2bebothered
    Oct 14, 2019
    5
    I'm not someone who falls for the micro transaction aspect of this game because i refuse to play MyCareer and MyTeam for that reason which is a shame because i find MyTeam in 2k17 really fun. i consider my self to be a casual gamer, who doesn't play online and plays the computer on Hall of Fame difficulty. i feel like the graphics are slightly better, animations are better (not all areI'm not someone who falls for the micro transaction aspect of this game because i refuse to play MyCareer and MyTeam for that reason which is a shame because i find MyTeam in 2k17 really fun. i consider my self to be a casual gamer, who doesn't play online and plays the computer on Hall of Fame difficulty. i feel like the graphics are slightly better, animations are better (not all are needed), and the gameplay is mostly improved. im really big on MyGM/MyLeague, however this game this year is just not cutting it for me. i use the Nets who on paper have 8 SF's and no PF but the game wont let me change players positions once you start MyGM/MyLeague. in terms of the actual game play the jump ball is never stated whether when your suppose to press triangle, I've tried it at all different times and i hardly ever win it. lightly contested layups hardly go in and open shots that's not perfect release practically ever go in. the computer makes every layup unless you block it. sometimes you wanna go for a driving layup and the player comes to a complete stop before they attempt the layup which results in a block. on the fly subs get glitchy after the 1st quarter.… Expand
  16. GabFire
    Aug 10, 2020
    6
    O jogo é até bem feito, mas não posso gostar de um jogo de basquete que é transformado num cassino de DLCs.
  17. ibeadog
    Aug 30, 2020
    7
    It’s the micro transactions but ignoring that it’s fun!!!!! What a fun game for PS4!!!
  18. dele3344
    Jun 12, 2020
    5
    I have a love/hate relationship with this game, but the gameplay has been really improved over previous years. I bought this game for $25 on a Black Friday sale, so the way I'll approach this review will be through that lens.

    Love: -The actual basketball part of this game is mostly smooth, the spacing that the AI maintains is refreshing and reflects actual basketball strategy. You    I have a love/hate relationship with this game, but the gameplay has been really improved over previous years. I bought this game for $25 on a Black Friday sale, so the way I'll approach this review will be through that lens.

    Love:
    -The actual basketball part of this game is mostly smooth, the spacing that the AI maintains is refreshing and reflects actual basketball strategy. You can play different styles (iso ball, just chuck up 3's, old school pound-it-inside) and execute any strategy if you're good enough.
    - The "MyLeague" mode is mostly unchanged, which is a good thing in my opinion. The salary cap rules are complex and difficult, but so are the salary cap rules in real life.
    - I've really enjoyed the "MyCareer" mode. It's fun, challenging, and rewarding. If you play through your first year, do every practice, and end up hot at the end of the year you can quickly level up your player and sign a new contract in order to get paid a ton of VC per game.
    - The neighborhood aspect of MyCareer is fun too. The easy matchmaking of it is well done.
    - I know badges aren't a new aspect of the game, but I moved from 2K14 to 2K20, The badges really bring out every player's unique skillset. I really enjoy them.

    Hate
    - The amount of cutscenes that you cannot skip, even if you turn all cutaways off in the options, is MADDENING especially in modes that aren't exhibition. I don't care what some random opponent player's stat line is. I don't care what my player's stat line is. I can look that up. Bringing the game to a screeching halt to tell me what my opponent's upcoming schedule is or what the standings are drives me nuts every single time. Having to watch blatant product placement (i.e. the "State Farm Assist of the Game") and not being able to skip it sucks. It really takes away from the great "on court" product.
    - On a similar note, any aspect of gameplay where the ball is not in play is super staggered and filled with unnecessary animations. Why does the referee need to take 10 seconds to tell everyone there's one free throw left? Why can't 2K ever fix the "make a basket, the ball bounces away, and the inbounder slowly walks after it, picks it up and slowly walks back to inbound it" glitch? It's literally been in the game since I started playing 2K in the 00's.
    - Having to "quit out to the main menu to update" during a game, only to get hit with a VC ad is super slimy. Like really underhanded stuff.
    - The game is riddled with microtransactions. As I stated above, I purchased the game for $25 dollars so I was cool with dropping another $30 into the game to start out with a better MyCareer player. If I bought the game for $60, I'd be pissed.

    Overall, the on court product is fun enough for me to give this a high rating. But man does 2K do a good job of making me hate this game at points.    … Expand
  19. HarryFernandes
    Aug 15, 2020
    6
    still havent liked an nba game sense 2k16 and although this one is better than 2k18 / i skipped 19 its still not great
  20. TsundereEater
    Jul 1, 2020
    7
    Well it' still a good game and it was still fun. Same gameplay with updated roster. I just hope they lessen the microtransactions in 2k21
  21. KubaRoman
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    The fact of the matter is, the game hasn't changed much in years. The borderline requirement of microtransactions in order to get the most out of its various game modes is unethical. It's unfortunate because the presentation is still very high quality. The controls are still fun. Playing with a buddy is still a good time. But besides updated rosters and ratings, this doesn't provide youThe fact of the matter is, the game hasn't changed much in years. The borderline requirement of microtransactions in order to get the most out of its various game modes is unethical. It's unfortunate because the presentation is still very high quality. The controls are still fun. Playing with a buddy is still a good time. But besides updated rosters and ratings, this doesn't provide you with anything that the last 4-5 installments havent.

    If you're looking for a basketball game, this is your only quality option in 2020, and that's probably why 2k just doesn't seem to care anymore.    … Expand
  22. Acrizz
    Mar 3, 2021
    5
    MyTEAM and MyPLAYER weren't appealing as in 2K19. Same old boring single-player, nothing really special. Launch was a mess-up. Not really good.
  23. WashedPotatoes
    Jul 21, 2022
    7
    actually a pretty solid installment, probably the best game since 17. overhated for sure, but i get why
  24. trinovatic
    May 23, 2023
    7
    Pues ta bien, lo mismo con los Fifas, son lo mismo cada año, este lo disfruté más pq fue mi primer nba. 6.7/10
  25. HuseynGaflanov
    Sep 6, 2022
    5
    This game is just about basketball, i think nobody buys it for story and shouldn't because story is too short and apsolutely not interesting. This is the only option if you wanna buy a game about basketball, so there is nothing to think abaout if you need a basketball simulator. But if we talk about other aspects of this game (graphics for example), this is a conveyor project that can't beThis game is just about basketball, i think nobody buys it for story and shouldn't because story is too short and apsolutely not interesting. This is the only option if you wanna buy a game about basketball, so there is nothing to think abaout if you need a basketball simulator. But if we talk about other aspects of this game (graphics for example), this is a conveyor project that can't be good, its just ok. But anyway this game is better than Fifa cause we have less ways to donate here, and it just looks better. If you need a basketball game, this is the only option, if not, this is not this game is nothing… Expand

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Best PS4 Game of 2019
12
#12 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. JeuxActu
    Dec 9, 2019
    85
    NBA 2K20 isn't the most groundbreaking opus in the IP, but it's still a must-have for all the basketball fans out there.
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  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Oct 22, 2019
    80
    Visual Concepts’ tireless scouting for new stuff hasn’t affected its immaculate eye for detail. [Issue#168, p.78]
  3. PLAY! Zine
    Oct 16, 2019
    75
    NBA 2K20 includes fewer innovations than a "copy/paste club", yet manages to still play and feel pretty great. Gambling and microtransactions involved are becoming more and more toxic with each year tho.
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