NBA 2K23

 PlayStation 5
User Score
4.0

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 121 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 121
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 121
  3. Negative: 70 out of 121
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  1. Maxxgold
    Sep 13, 2022
    10
    People giving zeros are the biggest losers ever. The game is amazing on the PS5. If you are butt hurt over the PC version then let your review on Steam speak for itself.
  2. FPrsn
    Sep 12, 2022
    10
    I've been playing NB2K since 2010 and never before have I experienced such immersive gameplay. The game is a tribute to basketball. It's a treat for anyone who is passionate about the NBA.

    It's not only the best game in the franchise, but also the best sports game of all time.
  3. uncharted4
    Sep 10, 2022
    10
    Gameplay is fantastic especially defense.. Fouls is finally working against cpu in MyNBA mode. dribbling, shooting are damn fun.. CPU playing so smarter
  4. YoBenson
    Sep 13, 2022
    10
    Best nba 2k game. Jumpshot creator is very good, skills are better then last editons
  5. MinePlay512
    Sep 10, 2022
    10
    Of course what was coming for NBA 2K23 on next gen, like adding eras, bringing the Jordan Challenge back to make it better, as well as improvement the gameplay and keeping it stable. A lot of things might be worth but it's safe to say NBA 2K23 on next gen is one of the best basketball.
  6. Jew69
    Sep 10, 2022
    10
    Best 2k game in years. Everything about it is better. Its safe to buy it boys.
  7. Imanova
    Sep 11, 2022
    10
    Great AI, Stamina bar and better animations, with better shooting experience.
  8. Xand65157rgdsgf
    Sep 11, 2022
    10
    This is a very good game the physics is good, the graphics look great and the new modes are awesome.
  9. YinNYK
    Sep 11, 2022
    10
    Don’t let these generic “same game every year” reviews fool you, although 2K has had some rough years in the past and being skeptical of any sports games is 100% justified NBA 2K23 is a genuine love letter to basketball.

    The addition of MyNBA Eras / the Jordan Challenge alone is worth the price of admission. The detail and presentation of both modes are second to none, from the era    Don’t let these generic “same game every year” reviews fool you, although 2K has had some rough years in the past and being skeptical of any sports games is 100% justified NBA 2K23 is a genuine love letter to basketball.

    The addition of MyNBA Eras / the Jordan Challenge alone is worth the price of admission.

    The detail and presentation of both modes are second to none, from the era specific filters, courts, rules, how the CPU plays, commentary ect 2K took no shortcuts.

    The 15 Jordan challenges with its documentary style presentation is clean and it’s in game cutscenes of re creations of some of Jordan’s greatest moments look amazing in 4K MyNBA Eras and it’s 3 new timelines (Bird Vs Jordan) (Jordan Era) (Kobe Era) include 100s of new historic players from well known players to even the most obscure players that even some of the biggest basketball nerds may not know. It’s authentic and leagues above any other sports games franchise mode.

    The gameplay has improved ten fold from 2K22, no more over dribbling no more cheese / exploits, no more stiffness in the movement and canned animations. if you play online this year it requires skill from shooting to dribbling no game really feels the same and it’s a big learning curve.

    MyCareers storyline is cheesy as every year though there is heaps of content and cutscenes most of the time it’s not related to actual ball, what’s important to know is none of it is compulsory if you wish to just play in NBA with your own player without worrying about a music career on the side you can, it’s completely optional. (Side not entering the Arena is one of the coolest features added into a sports game, going from the team bus to the court with the Next Gen graphics is just epic)

    Making a player though is going to cost you money or hours of grinding to even get enough VC for a decent rating of about 80 it’s the worse thing about 2K and personally hinders me from making more then one player.

    The City layout is a lot smaller making it much easier to traverse although that doesn’t mean it doesn’t look awesome, the 4 affiliation parks are some of the best looking parks we’ve had in 2K history.

    MyTeam although yes you are expected to open you’re wallet to obtain some of the best players in the game, the amount of single player content and cards you can earn rather then pay for is in my opinion fair.

    2K23 is a fantastic game, Mike Wang and the rest of the developers deserve a lot of credit for it, it’s early but I can see this going down as one of the greatest 2Ks ever.    … Expand
  10. RichieSeven
    Sep 11, 2022
    10
    You can see how this game evolves year after year. The thought that's put into, how the developers at Visual Concepts try and make the game more fun. Some years they might miss, but this isn't one of them. Great gameplay, great theming, I'm psyched to get deeper.
  11. Sabini
    Sep 13, 2022
    10
    NBA 2K23 is the game that will be remembered for years to come, the measuring stick for what is expected from a triple A sports game. It's the NFL 2K5 of basketball video-gaming. So many things to do and everything is done in ultra high quality. From the gorgeous graphics, to the amazing animations, and the countless signature styles from shooting to replicating a players runningNBA 2K23 is the game that will be remembered for years to come, the measuring stick for what is expected from a triple A sports game. It's the NFL 2K5 of basketball video-gaming. So many things to do and everything is done in ultra high quality. From the gorgeous graphics, to the amazing animations, and the countless signature styles from shooting to replicating a players running animations this game will continue to astonish you each time you power up your console. If you haven't already done it and you're even the slightest fan of basketball do yourself a favor and buy NBA 2K23! It will be the best decision you made all year guaranteed.… Expand
  12. Cannonsmith
    Sep 14, 2022
    10
    Game is finally fun again. Park is actually fun since there arent any glitchy moves.
  13. Treetown1256
    Sep 17, 2022
    10
    Best 2k since 2k17, the game is very clean and the gameplay feels more realistic. I enjoy playing with friends and going on win streaks!!
  14. althebeast
    Apr 8, 2023
    10
    I recently changed from ps4 to ps5 and I truly Can say that NBA 2k23 is definitely different and much better than the ps4 version. It feels like I’m playing complete a new game after that lame ps4 version of the game. Different menus, fast loads and the game play is actually different and don’t have a lot of errors like the one in ps4 version of the game. Little changes like when you makeI recently changed from ps4 to ps5 and I truly Can say that NBA 2k23 is definitely different and much better than the ps4 version. It feels like I’m playing complete a new game after that lame ps4 version of the game. Different menus, fast loads and the game play is actually different and don’t have a lot of errors like the one in ps4 version of the game. Little changes like when you make a three point the camera angle changes for the shot and it follow the ball and everything. I love it!… Expand
  15. newsambo
    Sep 10, 2022
    9
    I dont play Myteam, or myplayer. I only played play now and honestly, the small changes are well done. The atmosphere is like a true NBA game and the shooting mechanics have improved. Great game so far!
  16. NonAtmospheric
    Sep 14, 2022
    9
    Roster customization has reached a franchise high and will reach even greater heights once you actually port this version to PC. Got a nice MJ era aesthetic with the scoreboards as well as adding onto the PAs from last year.

    Direct that same zero energy towards Roger Goodell and the 32 NFL owners for letting EA's "Madden 23" hit the shelves once again. Actually, this isn't a 10 either    Roster customization has reached a franchise high and will reach even greater heights once you actually port this version to PC. Got a nice MJ era aesthetic with the scoreboards as well as adding onto the PAs from last year.

    Direct that same zero energy towards Roger Goodell and the 32 NFL owners for letting EA's "Madden 23" hit the shelves once again. Actually, this isn't a 10 either because beloved popular game mode All-Star Team Up during the COVID-19 pandemic on both consoles was removed for CURRENT gen. Play Now Online matchmaking is region locked so West will not connect to East servers where 10 of 10 games will actually start. And this game is still not supporting cross platform play.    … Expand
  17. Easy_mode123
    Oct 9, 2022
    9
    I have only played 4 nba 2ks so i dont have alot of experience but this one is the BEST
  18. Kannibal
    Sep 17, 2022
    8
    I normally only ever review things when they are bad but against all odds this is actually pretty good. Disclaimer I don't use Myplayer so I am entirely unaffected by the microtransactions. I think we really will look back at this as a very excellent game once things are balanced.

    The good The animations seem a little bit smoother and varied. The more relaxed shot timing makes the game    I normally only ever review things when they are bad but against all odds this is actually pretty good. Disclaimer I don't use Myplayer so I am entirely unaffected by the microtransactions. I think we really will look back at this as a very excellent game once things are balanced.

    The good

    The animations seem a little bit smoother and varied.

    The more relaxed shot timing makes the game more fun if a bit less realistic.

    The presentation is fantastic.

    Several new modes added.

    2k has absolutely zero reason to iterate or improve, as stupid people plow billions of dollars into microtransactions but they did anyway, this should be rewarded.

    The bad

    Defense at The rim is absurdly unimpactful, like ridiculously pointless.

    The player ratings are awful and almost irrelevant given the dependence on badges and animations. Poor or average 3-point shooters in reality or sometimes much easier to use than the league's best shooters.

    The the more accessible shot timer although overall a positive can undermine the entire experience, making everything feel like a timing minigame.

    Final thoughts

    The belief that a company would simply voluntarily give up more money than the GDP of a small nation is moronic and is only going to lead to disappointment. Don't buy VC and for goodness sake don't let your children have your credit cards. 2K literally released a roster update and made billions but they didn't. Good for them, review bombing a better product is not going to accomplish anything. If you buy and positively review better games you will get better games if you don't buy micro transactions you won't see them.    … Expand
  19. JeepDaddyMac46
    Sep 13, 2022
    8
    Lots of game modes, Eras is a great addition! Player movement is improved, less log jams in the paint, crisper graphics and improved player detail. My only is the shot meter. We need a little green to allow for more accurate shooting %s. The hit spot for shots is abysmally small and if you are guarded at all, forget it.
  20. JayhawkerZoomer
    Sep 13, 2022
    8
    It's a significant improvement over 2K22, and easily the best 2K since 2K16. In a world of sports titles that don't make any real improvements year over year, it's refreshing that 2K has finally added some real changes to MyLeague with Eras (a feature sports gamers in football, basketball, hockey etc have been wanting for years), and some improvements to MyCareer. The game isn't the bestIt's a significant improvement over 2K22, and easily the best 2K since 2K16. In a world of sports titles that don't make any real improvements year over year, it's refreshing that 2K has finally added some real changes to MyLeague with Eras (a feature sports gamers in football, basketball, hockey etc have been wanting for years), and some improvements to MyCareer. The game isn't the best sports title ever, however, and it's not even the best basketball title ever.... but it's in the conversation for best basketball sports sim at least, if not just because of the gameplay changes that prevent over-dribbling and actually setting up plays and the Eras mode, that lets you start your franchise mode in the 80s, 90s, 2000s, or modern era, complete with period accurate television filters, scorebugs, commentary, rule changes, rosters, arenas, and even making the State Farm advertisements around the arena look different depending on the era you start in.

    The reason I only give it an 8 out of 10 is because even with the improvements to MyCareer, the story is still annoying as hell, and the characters and situations they create for you are at times laughably bad. If you can ignore the cutscenes and fake drama they create and ball, the on-court gameplay is fun.... but I don't want this fake rivalry with a fake NBA player... I just want to play a basketball sim. I don't want the "friends" they set you up with in game, because they're not the type of people I'd be friends with in real life. I don't want to listen to Ronnie2K ramble on and on in a cutscene. In fact, I wish they'd just disassociate from Ronnie2K completely. Easily the most annoying part of 2K.
    The City is too big, and baits you into microtransactions for transportation and accessories... don't fall for it, just grind... it's a cool idea in concept, but it doesn't work as advertised. The REC is balanced and fun, and the new gameplay changes, for the time being, prevent too much cheesing.

    Overall, it's the best sports title out right now, and it's the best in the past 6 years. A few improvements and building on this base (DO NOT REMOVE ANY FEATURES) and 2K24 could be a 10/10 game. Could be.    … Expand
  21. art1373
    Feb 19, 2023
    8
    Generally like the gameplay, the 3pts and lay ups are more realistic and it feel's like true simulator of the NBA.
  22. VitaminJ19
    Sep 12, 2022
    8
    I am primarily an offline player who does not play with MyTeam at all. The gameplay is better than last years, along with some of the AI issues from last year improved somewhat. The graphics for next-gen are great and the gameplay is much smoother. I can't speak for MyCareer, as I avoid that and MyTeam due to predatory practices from 2K that pretty much requires to buy VC in order to haveI am primarily an offline player who does not play with MyTeam at all. The gameplay is better than last years, along with some of the AI issues from last year improved somewhat. The graphics for next-gen are great and the gameplay is much smoother. I can't speak for MyCareer, as I avoid that and MyTeam due to predatory practices from 2K that pretty much requires to buy VC in order to have a decent character without endless grinding. Game still has a few things to improve upon, but this is a much better entry than 2K22… Expand
  23. Jt0429
    Sep 16, 2022
    7
    Good-
    Decent improvements to gameplay mechanics; Iconic Jordan Challenge mode.
    Bad- Inconsistent performance; Grindy progression favoring microtransactions. Thoughts- From some neat new ideas to some much-needed upgrades, NBA 2K23 makes a solid effort to feel like a holistic basketball sim and probably will be more than enough to justify dumping dozens of hours into for long-time    Good-
    Decent improvements to gameplay mechanics; Iconic Jordan Challenge mode.

    Bad-
    Inconsistent performance; Grindy progression favoring microtransactions.

    Thoughts-
    From some neat new ideas to some much-needed upgrades, NBA 2K23 makes a solid effort to feel like a holistic basketball sim and probably will be more than enough to justify dumping dozens of hours into for long-time series fans. Better graphics, smarter opponents, as well as some notably cool ideas like the adrenaline boosts that make sudden movements easier and an addicting badge system do indeed add some much-needed depth. The other side of the coin is that aggressive microtransactions, inconsistent performance, and rigidly always-online functionality continue to bog the series down.    … Expand
  24. svensenk86
    Oct 6, 2022
    7
    I like NBA 2k23, it is a great game of Basketball with some minor issues which decreases this rating. First of all the good, the Basketball feels real, I have created a PF like I play in real and I do actually the game I do in real, from movements and Defensive work, for sure the dunks are not so easy for me in real :D but besides that you really feel the player, that he is heavy and tall,I like NBA 2k23, it is a great game of Basketball with some minor issues which decreases this rating. First of all the good, the Basketball feels real, I have created a PF like I play in real and I do actually the game I do in real, from movements and Defensive work, for sure the dunks are not so easy for me in real :D but besides that you really feel the player, that he is heavy and tall, when you control a PG you really feel the difference. The opponents make great adjustments to the game, double team my Player when needed and when it makes sense. The graphic is as usual awesome, also small details in the crowd are awesome. Commentary best in the business! The story is also kind of what the world is like...tweets, followers, social media, the look, it catches all the actual "first world problems" which the kids have these days. Some minus points, but not really minus, I mean sure upgrading your player takes a lot of grind and time, but it is also realistic somehow. I would not like going the 60 OVR to a 90 OVR directly in 1 season. For sure you cannot compete online with people who invested extra. But my focus is on the PvE so it is realistic that it takes time to improve. I compete against All Star already, so all good. If LeBron is still better than me in my first season than that is correct ;) What I do not like is the presentation in myPlayer! It is awesome when you play normal but in myPlayer the commentary gets cut when Free Throws happen, the cuts are too quick. No intro sequences, no cool camera moves before Free Throws, this is actually for me really 3 points decrease as I like the presentation so much and that is all missing in myPlayer...in the college flashbacks you have that but not in the actually season you play.
    In the end, it is a great game, I really like it this year!    … Expand
  25. Bones98
    May 2, 2023
    7
    VC microtransactions have made MyCareer mode pretty much unplayable, the Jordan mode is great but for a full priced game to charge even more and more to play a mode I’ve already essentially paid for is just crazy greed on 2Ks part and shows no sign of slowing down with it getting worse each year.
  26. ehtaco
    Sep 12, 2022
    6
    The high scores are genuinely upsetting because those people are the reason we will never get a great, new basketball game again. Why make a good, new experience when we can recycle the same game virtually every year and mfs eat it up?

    Is it a good basketball game? Yes. Was NBA 2K21 a good basketball game? Yes. These games are virtually identical outside of rosters and pretty minor    The high scores are genuinely upsetting because those people are the reason we will never get a great, new basketball game again. Why make a good, new experience when we can recycle the same game virtually every year and mfs eat it up?

    Is it a good basketball game? Yes. Was NBA 2K21 a good basketball game? Yes. These games are virtually identical outside of rosters and pretty minor details in the gameplay. I'm not crazy far into MyCareer, but this may be the worst effort yet from 2K on that front. The only thing keeping this from slipping into 5/10 territory is the Jordan Challenges returning. And even then, I hate giving too much credit for that mode. It was done in 2K11 and was somehow better then... a decade ago.

    These devs are lazy and coasting at this point.    … Expand
  27. Jediknight0330
    Jan 24, 2023
    6
    Gameplay for NBA 2K23 is fantastic! As for MyCareer, the story is not that good. Very cheesy. Some of the people you have to do quests for are insufferable. But I still had some fun with it. The rapping they have you do is hilarious. I love that they have historic teams and filters for how the 80's NBA looked like back then. But this really should be bare minimum for most sports gamesGameplay for NBA 2K23 is fantastic! As for MyCareer, the story is not that good. Very cheesy. Some of the people you have to do quests for are insufferable. But I still had some fun with it. The rapping they have you do is hilarious. I love that they have historic teams and filters for how the 80's NBA looked like back then. But this really should be bare minimum for most sports games these days. (Looking at you, EA)… Expand
  28. kabuikiteam3
    Sep 12, 2022
    6
    every year, the user reviews for 2k come down to "great game but the microtransactions are egregious" and every year i have to remind people that based on inflation, most video games should cost closer to $95-100 and that microtransactions make the game more affordable not less. i think the critique that this is the same old game as last year is more valid bc all the same exploits from theevery year, the user reviews for 2k come down to "great game but the microtransactions are egregious" and every year i have to remind people that based on inflation, most video games should cost closer to $95-100 and that microtransactions make the game more affordable not less. i think the critique that this is the same old game as last year is more valid bc all the same exploits from the 2000s still work and there's really been few upgrades to the core gameplay since 2k14.… Expand
  29. khlfd
    Sep 22, 2022
    6
    Wow people are right about the microtransactions so you have to spend a lot to get the complete game
  30. vikasgames94
    Feb 26, 2023
    5
    As a single player, it's really good. However, it's still not a simulation basketball game. When NBA 2K11 came out, I thought after 10 years, we'll get realistic basketball game. There are thousands of new animations and flashy graphics but it's still NBA 2K with 2K problems. People who've been playing the game since 2K11 will understand.

    Most of the problem stems from bad AI, help    As a single player, it's really good. However, it's still not a simulation basketball game. When NBA 2K11 came out, I thought after 10 years, we'll get realistic basketball game. There are thousands of new animations and flashy graphics but it's still NBA 2K with 2K problems. People who've been playing the game since 2K11 will understand.

    Most of the problem stems from bad AI, help defense and inside offense.

    As a multiplayer game, it's abysmal. If you've made a 99 overall player without spending real money, you might enjoy the game with your friends. This game gives you stress.

    As a game, it's actually good but we've been saying that for years now. It's improving but MyTeam and MyCareer are just ruining the game. They need a complete restructure of the modes.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2022
34
#34 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 59
  3. Negative: 0 out of 59
  1. Cubed3
    Apr 10, 2023
    70
    The problem that plagues all triple-A sports titles can be found in here as well. There's not much to say concerning the differences between NBA 2K23 and the previous entry. In other words, maybe only super-fans of the series or major basketball aficionados should care. If you have the patience to wait for a discount, what you'll find here is a great NBA game, with some cool modes that transport you to the past of the organization, with chief among them a meaty tribute to Michael Jordan.
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  2. GRYOnline.pl
    Nov 16, 2022
    80
    I can safely recommend NBA 2K23 to every sports games fan, even though the microtransactions are extremely aggressive. The gameplay is too good, and I hope future updates won’t break it.
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  3. Merlin'in Kazanı (Turkey)
    Oct 23, 2022
    85
    NBA 2K23 offers fun content by adding new modes to the series. In addition to the 10+ hour Jordan Challenge mode, it is also a pleasure to play NBA seasons in different eras.
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