NBA 2K14

 Xbox 360
User Score
5.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 160 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 160
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 160
  3. Negative: 71 out of 160
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  1. PJTheFadangler
    Oct 3, 2013
    6
    I have mixed feelings about this year's release in the NBA 2k series. On the one hand, I'm always happy to have the updated rosters and rookies. On the other, I don't feel like I've gotten the value of a new game that cost $60 tax and feels like NBA 2k13+ rather than NBA 2k14.

    I specifically play the 2k series for the My Player/Career experience. I am not a fan of Lebron, and I will    I have mixed feelings about this year's release in the NBA 2k series. On the one hand, I'm always happy to have the updated rosters and rookies. On the other, I don't feel like I've gotten the value of a new game that cost $60 tax and feels like NBA 2k13+ rather than NBA 2k14.

    I specifically play the 2k series for the My Player/Career experience. I am not a fan of Lebron, and I will not be playing this year's new Lebron-centric mode. I do not consider the unique modes to be the best or most compelling aspects of the 2k series. I played through the Jordan challenges in 2k11, but put far more time into My Player than it took for me to complete Jordan's games. This review focuses on the aspect I play.

    We'll start with the positives first. Some of the updates to the in-game mechanics are good. Player movement seems more fluid and smoother. I've found contact is called for a foul more realistically, i.e. if I go for a bad block attempt and land on top of my assigned man, I'm going to get called for it rather than sliding in next to him. It also seems like passes thrown are not as easily picked off by the AI (as opposed to previous years where any opponent within 10 feet had a good chance of getting the steal or deflection). Another good change is the quick play ability by holding left-bumper. I've never been much of a play caller, but this change makes it quick and easy.

    The added diversity of special attributes available is also a welcome addition. More have been added, and there's even more of a strategic balance now between offensive, defensive and general abilities. Want to become the ultimate defensive stopper? You can load up on abilities that negate offensive abilities, increase your abilities to strip the ball during dribble moves, shots, and passes, and make you more difficult to get caught on a screen. The downside is you won't have much, if any, room for offensive abilities.

    To shift into things I view as negatives, I'll start with something I'm ambivalent about: the new control scheme using the right-stick and other buttons. On the one hand, it's pretty easy to reliably do specific moves, like behind the backs, spins, etc. On the flipside, doing a hopstep, which in 2k13 was executed by pressing the B button, is now done either by double-tapping X, or in the context of a layup by holding right trigger and holding the right stick to the left or right. The main issue is that double-tapping X is not reliable at all. More often than not, My Player simply pulls up and pump-fakes. I much prefer using the B button. If I had to choose, I would still opt for the 2k13 control scheme, and it's getting a little tiring relearning the controls every year.

    Now for the negatives.

    The game development comes off as being somewhat lazy. The graphics don't appear to be upgraded at all. I played 2k13 and then 2k14 in front of someone else who plays 2k, and neither of us could tell the difference. Many of the audio files and commentary are carried over from the previous year. The post-game press conference questions and answers for My Player are literally identical from the previous year; same with the graphics (except for maybe the sponsor logo in the background). After listening to the 2k13 commentary for at least a couple hundred hours, it would have been nice to have totally fresh audio for the new game.

    General player AI continues to be passable at best. If anything, they now step out of bounds more than before. They are also prone to shooting from behind the backboard when on the baseline, especially when close to the basket. And if I cut off the passing lane to my man, sometimes the AI will dribble the shotclock down to 0 with their center out at the 3pt line, and proceed to have said center hoist a 3 pointer he has no chance of making. These are all carryover issues from past games, but stepping out of bounds seems to have worsened. And just like in 2k13, the AI refuses to cover me at the 3pt line even with a rating of 85 from that range. You can literally sit outside and rain all day.

    Mechanics that are not good:
    - Blocking is ridiculously unbalanced in this game. I have a rating of 35 block with a 6'7" PG/SG and average 4 per game. I can come from behind like Lebron on fast breaks and destroy lay up attempts. I also routinely block centers and PFs. This also leads to a large amount of goal-tending.
    - Driving the lane isn't worth the risk since you lose the ball very easily. The defense doesn't have to actively try to steal the ball so much as run into you.
    - The coaching is broken. I start at SG (with PG as my actual position) for OKC, and then at the end of games Russell Westbrook rides the bench while I play PG opting to put in a player (Jeremy Lamb) rated 20 pts lower.

    All in all, NBA 2k14 is a very incremental upgrade over NBA 2k13 in the My Player/Career department. If you really want updated rosters and rookies, I'd recommend waiting until prices drop/picking up a used copy. Otherwise, pass.    … Expand
  2. skyluxx
    Nov 2, 2013
    7
    So well i see a lot of you are dissapionted of this game because it does not have any improvment...you are right about that but still it is a good game.In my view of things it is better than 2013 it fills a little bit more alive,and i know there is nothing new here but stil you can give it a shot.For me it is a little bit better than nba 2k13 and i loved that game.i was dissapionted butSo well i see a lot of you are dissapionted of this game because it does not have any improvment...you are right about that but still it is a good game.In my view of things it is better than 2013 it fills a little bit more alive,and i know there is nothing new here but stil you can give it a shot.For me it is a little bit better than nba 2k13 and i loved that game.i was dissapionted but not at the point to give it a 0 or a 2...The game is going to look better on next gen...be patient and buy it for the new consoles for me it is a 7 i am not so dissapointed but in the same time not so fullfiled....i love it but it could be better so i give it a 7/10 as my final verdict..… Expand
  3. Brendon25
    Dec 20, 2013
    7
    this is a great game i just don't understand why when i got traded to the clippers in my career the whole stadium is black and i cant see the hoop so its really hard to play like that.
  4. vacant
    Dec 18, 2013
    5
    Still plays a great game of basketball, but it really is a rehash this year. Same bugs, same Megadrive quality Chandler Parsons face. Myplayer totally unchanged.
  5. CCkAzE
    Oct 2, 2013
    7
    Almost exactly the same game as 2k13, but not quite as polished (yet). There are better animations and better physics for player collisions, but other than that, the "additions" feel pretty much worthless. I don't care about the euroleague teams and the Lebron mode isn't even as good as the Jordan mode from 2k12.

    Also, the gameplay has a number of annoying issues that I find rather    Almost exactly the same game as 2k13, but not quite as polished (yet). There are better animations and better physics for player collisions, but other than that, the "additions" feel pretty much worthless. I don't care about the euroleague teams and the Lebron mode isn't even as good as the Jordan mode from 2k12.

    Also, the gameplay has a number of annoying issues that I find rather frustrating:
    1. Your players will occasionally throw a routine pass way off target for a turnover.
    2. Even the slightest collisions will sometimes cause your player to lose control of the ball.
    3. Stripping the ball on defense during a shot animation is WAY too easy now.
    4. AI players will step out of bounds with the ball ALL THE TIME. In fact, sometimes, they will step out of bounds while you passing it to them, charging you with a turnover.
    5. Blocking shots is WAY too easy. I realize it's "more fun," but it's just not realistic when Stephen Curry has 6 blocks and it's not even halftime. Also, shorter players will get their shots blocked way more often than in real life. I'm playing MyCareer on the Cavs, and Kyrie Irving, probably the best guard in the NBA at finishing around taller players, gets his shot blocked at least 3-5 times a game.
    6. This isn't an issue with the game, but I'm really annoyed that they totally changed the controls AGAIN. Last year, you needed to hold L Trigger to pull off a layup or dunk, and now if you hold that and hit X, it's an alley-oop pass. So instead of throwing down easy dunks sometimes, my muscle memory causes me to throw a wild pass in a random direction (usually for a turnover). STOP MESSING WITH THE CONTROLS.

    Until this year, I would say the NBA 2K series has improved dramatically each year, but I'm just not feeling like they gave it much effort this year. I'm sure they will fix some of these annoying problems, but overall, I'm a bit disappointed. They really didn't add much to the game at all from last year.

    Honestly, 2k13 is a better, more polished game right now. I'd maybe wait until they address some of these issues before buying 2k14.    … Expand
  6. yupre7676
    Oct 11, 2013
    6
    I play the game for the online play for the most part, and to represent my home town team. I thought lebron with his advertisements would have led this series into a new direction but it seems that all the players skins are all the same and only a few things have been changed. The shooting system is questionable and layups are almost unstoppable at some times. I still enjoy the game andI play the game for the online play for the most part, and to represent my home town team. I thought lebron with his advertisements would have led this series into a new direction but it seems that all the players skins are all the same and only a few things have been changed. The shooting system is questionable and layups are almost unstoppable at some times. I still enjoy the game and I'm glad I redboxed it lol if things don't get changed.… Expand
  7. Funsticks
    Nov 2, 2013
    7
    Its a decent game but it doesnt deserve a 9 or an 8!Its just the same game as 2k13 and 2k13 was pretty fun.Lets see what the next-gen 2k will be like.
  8. JOHNROCKZ10
    Nov 16, 2013
    6
    This is the exact same game as 2k13, but with improved gameplay. Both good and bad. The gameplay changes add a lot of fun and realism, but that's it. Nothing else has changed except for the rosters and a couple of new lame modes. The new Lebron mode, for example, feels unfinished and forced. The next-gen version looks like 2k16, better in every way. I have to say, this game was aThis is the exact same game as 2k13, but with improved gameplay. Both good and bad. The gameplay changes add a lot of fun and realism, but that's it. Nothing else has changed except for the rosters and a couple of new lame modes. The new Lebron mode, for example, feels unfinished and forced. The next-gen version looks like 2k16, better in every way. I have to say, this game was a disappointment, but still well put together and fun for a bit.… Expand
  9. RealGameReviews
    Dec 30, 2013
    6
    I couldnt work out how to throw a ball into the circle so its very hard but the people are pretty good at defending you so it hard to win but yeah i dont know how to play
  10. EclipticSpartan
    Jan 28, 2014
    6
    This game could use a little more maintenance on the AI and its gameplay. I do understand why this game is practically the same as NBA 2k13 just with an updated rosters. But just because you release the same game on current and next generation consoles, does not me you make the current game crappier than the next-gen game.
  11. cooleyhd2
    Sep 14, 2014
    5
    I like this game. It has amazing graphics and dunks. The variety of gameplays including association etc. I don't like the gameplay against he computer at all. The computer begins controlling your player. It doesn't allow you to play good defense. If the computer is going to the basket, several things happen. Your big man WILL foul, your big man will not jump to his capabilities, or yourI like this game. It has amazing graphics and dunks. The variety of gameplays including association etc. I don't like the gameplay against he computer at all. The computer begins controlling your player. It doesn't allow you to play good defense. If the computer is going to the basket, several things happen. Your big man WILL foul, your big man will not jump to his capabilities, or your player, you are controlling, will literally be prevented from playing defense. The computer will not allow you to approach the ball handler, therefore leaving an open lane to score, or your player will be slowed down tremendously, leaving the ball handler room for an easy bucket. I was upset just now, because I was having a good game and it happened again so I quit playing. Yes when I am playing defense and I go for a block the reaction time is we to slow. Its programmed to be too late. Real basketball players know how much defense wins games, if video game cannot play offense as well as I can defend then maybe new programmers is a must. Sorry to say that. I really don't like a computer controlled ball handler gets by my defender and attacks the basket, I react by switching players and I manage to get the next defender closest to the basket and I cant control him no matter what I do until the ball handler is too close to stop the play. The players I pick have high awareness for both offense and defense. When I pick him he continues to try boxing out the guy like hes making room for the ball handler. Ive had my own player literally block me from defending the basket. Imagine that. Programmers make the game, and the plays are really REALLY good. But I play really REALLY R.E.A.L.L.Y.! good defense. But I cant display my defense because of the way the game is programmed. Just try to concentrate on getting those things and the BUYER (who are most important people) can have something good to say about next years game.… Expand
  12. PvM_Purcy
    Apr 3, 2014
    7
    By no means is NBA 2K14 perfect. Heck, by no means is NBA 2K14 great. But the game does improve slightly upon 2K13 in minor ways. Despite all the complaints about the Pro Stick, it isn't all that bad, certainly the previous 2K13 shooting and dribble move system was vastly better, but once you get the hang of it you get slightly adjusted.

    The game does advance in the department of    By no means is NBA 2K14 perfect. Heck, by no means is NBA 2K14 great. But the game does improve slightly upon 2K13 in minor ways. Despite all the complaints about the Pro Stick, it isn't all that bad, certainly the previous 2K13 shooting and dribble move system was vastly better, but once you get the hang of it you get slightly adjusted.

    The game does advance in the department of mycareer, yet is still lacking the essence of perfection as each iteration has; the essence that would cater to any scenario, and the ability to truly affect the design of your character from the beginning.

    The shooting is where the game goes downhill; 2K admirably tried to tweak the overpowered 3 point shooting of 2K13, but have taken it to the point where even in training, a player ranked 99 in three point shooting will only make a third of his shots, regardless of timing. Also, 2 point shooting has become a mess, and I've discovered the only way I can 'consistently' score is to take the ball into the paint, despite fear of the new collision system knocking the ball away or fear of the redesigned shot blocking creating easy opportunities for opposing players to swat the ball out of my hands.

    As previously noted the shot stick has left me fearing for the safety of the ball, and also instilling the question of the #$!@ 2K removed the brilliant previous system.

    Next item on the agenda; Presentation. The visuals are virtually identical to 2K13, with minor enhancements. Yet it's the music that gets me, this is the kind of soundtrack that JayZ and his accompanying 2K13 team of Puff Daddy, Notorious BIG and assorted others would laugh at, the sort of soundtrack Kurtis Blow and the 2K12 soundtrack team would beat up in the playground. You see, these are Lebron James' favourite songs. So they aren't basketball related songs, and really, don't cater to a wide audience either. The whole idolisation of this game reminds of the personality cults communist leaders such as Mao Zedong or Joseph Stalin set up in the 20th Century, with the order of the day being complete and utter praise to the target of the cult.

    Honestly if I could go back to 2K13 I would, but the minor improvements that 13 was lacking that are in 14 keep me playing. 7/10    … Expand
  13. speargames
    Apr 16, 2014
    7
    Ante la nulidad por parte de EA de sacar un juego de baloncesto al menos decente, 2K Sport ha ido desmejorando su propio saga que alcanzó su punto álgido en la entrega de 2010, NBA 2K11. Y es que desde entonces y concretando con la de esta temporada, a los fallos históricos de la franquicia tales como la mala optimización en la versión de PC sin soporte para el cursor del ratón obligando aAnte la nulidad por parte de EA de sacar un juego de baloncesto al menos decente, 2K Sport ha ido desmejorando su propio saga que alcanzó su punto álgido en la entrega de 2010, NBA 2K11. Y es que desde entonces y concretando con la de esta temporada, a los fallos históricos de la franquicia tales como la mala optimización en la versión de PC sin soporte para el cursor del ratón obligando a jugar con mando, malos emparejamientos entre jugadores quedando ligados un base con un pívot con demasiada frecuencia, la mala personalización de los rookies en cada temporada que pasa y la nulidad de jugar con guiris al saberse estos todas las jugadas “chetadas”, se les suman las malas aportaciones de las últimas entregas: como la desaparición de la web para configurar ligas online obligando a jugar partidas contra equipos dirigidos por la máquina, que el juego ya no guarde todas las canastas de un partido para poder guardar las mejores jugadas, que cualquier jugador puede taponar a otro por detrás aunque le saque 20 centímetros o que los pívots se siguen cansando de una forma desproporcionada.
    Algunas cosas buenas hay, claro que sí. Pero hay que buscarlas en profundidad para encontrarlas, en vez de mostrarse por sí solas, , como una mayor importancia al contacto físico y a la habilidad de cada jugador.    … Expand
  14. BetterOffDead_
    Jun 3, 2014
    6
    Buying any of the nba2k games between 2010-2014 it's basically buying the same game, yes they make some miner changes, hardly anything really maybe "upgrade the graphics" the only think that really changes is the menu haha, with the previous 2k games by making a difference they took out black top, and re added it to the next game, just WOW money hungry and just don't care. they havnt madeBuying any of the nba2k games between 2010-2014 it's basically buying the same game, yes they make some miner changes, hardly anything really maybe "upgrade the graphics" the only think that really changes is the menu haha, with the previous 2k games by making a difference they took out black top, and re added it to the next game, just WOW money hungry and just don't care. they havnt made any changes with 2k13 or 14. It's embarrassing... Maybe if they took the time to add different game modes in and change the layout. Even the achievements are the same through the years. But the game play is great, from the players stats to the commentaries when playing a game. If you havnt 2k13 or 12 I do recommend getting this. is it a good game just comparing the games.. Nothing much as changed. The online servers aren't the best either, they need to add in more then 3 online game types... :/ the lebron path to greatness is alright, hardly any effort into making that, that was the only new game type they added in. Well as I said this is a good game if you don't compare it... But if you do it's just an excuse to make more money. If you don't own a previous nba2k game get it :)… Expand

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2013
29
#29 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2013
47
#47 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Worth Playing
    Jan 28, 2014
    85
    Much like in previous years, NBA 2K14 is a good basketball game.
    Read full review
  2. The Digital Fix
    Dec 2, 2013
    90
    Online play is smooth and seamless, with your rival being picked from a pool of roughly statistically equivalent players, whether playing with real NBA or FIBA teams or your own custom fantasy myTeam.
    Read full review
  3. CD-Action
    Nov 14, 2013
    85
    No surprise here – another remarkably enjoyable title from the series that’s been a definition of a perfect sports game for years. [12/2013, p.66]
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