NBA 2K18

 Xbox One
User Score
1.8

Overwhelming dislike- based on 191 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 191
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 191
  3. Negative: 155 out of 191
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  1. jay_caspian
    Nov 3, 2017
    4
    The game is flawed inside and out. The game hinders itself by making every little choice a micro transaction. They reduced how much virtual currency you earn in games significantly, and raised the cost of every attribute. Trying to play the game without spending $20 on virtual currency is impossible since they built it into the fundamentals of the game.

    Apart from this, they took away    The game is flawed inside and out. The game hinders itself by making every little choice a micro transaction. They reduced how much virtual currency you earn in games significantly, and raised the cost of every attribute. Trying to play the game without spending $20 on virtual currency is impossible since they built it into the fundamentals of the game.

    Apart from this, they took away features from las year. You can't play MyCareer without having Xbox Live Gold, MyGM does not have the league expansion feature we had last year, And MyCareer's story is not only embarrassingly pathetic, but you cannot exit out of cut scenes, most of which are 3-10 minutes long (note: there are cut scenes before/after almost every game your rookie year). I couldn't possibly be more disappointed.

    Also, beware of the other reviews out there marking it a 10/10. Some are obviously paid reviews from people who don't speak English and don't actually play the game.

    Edit from original review:

    The game is still terribly flawed from microtransactions with little being done from 2K’s position to indicate that they care at all about user complaints. The inability to skip the poorly-written storyline is another frustrating feature, however after your rookie year, most cut scenes seem to disappear. However bad the storyline is in MyCareer, it's fantastic in comparison to MyGM's storyline that is embarrassingly bad. (Spoiler: Your decisions don't matter because the boss and his son will do whatever they want anyway and overrule your decision). MyGM, something I usually replay every year at least two or three times, is unplayable.

    MyLeague is by far the best and most complete mode. The customizations for new teams and league option changes continue to solidify it as the best single mode of any sports game, period. The AI for other GMs is pretty interesting and nothing out of this world has over-taken any team, as was a problem in previous iterations.    … Expand
  2. Vstyle
    Sep 15, 2017
    0
    2K has ruined the series with VC (virtual currency) greed. Hey want you to buy more in-game currency so the lessened the amount you can earn and started charging for idiotic things, like unlocking hairstyles. Absolutely unacceptable to utilize a microtransaction model like this in a full-priced game. Make it free to play if that's the model you want to use.
  3. kingofgames
    Sep 15, 2017
    4
    I expecting a better sequel installment to NBA 2k16 and 17. Sure the shooting system is good, the overall graphic is bit better, the face scan feature is a huge imporvement and myGM mode is pretty good. However, the developer did not learn their mistake and not to improve the gameplay experience, yet somehow they make it even worse than previous games. The weighty character movement isI expecting a better sequel installment to NBA 2k16 and 17. Sure the shooting system is good, the overall graphic is bit better, the face scan feature is a huge imporvement and myGM mode is pretty good. However, the developer did not learn their mistake and not to improve the gameplay experience, yet somehow they make it even worse than previous games. The weighty character movement is completely slow the pace of the game down too much, the character customization are bad and the progression are just an another exhausting grinding task becasue 2K think it is good idea to ditch out the difficulty bonus. There are also many issues never addressed. For example,the screens is still broken, the AI is laughably bad, and the players animation are far worse than NBA 2k16/17 in comparision (how is this even possible!?) In the end, I cannot recommand this game for any long time fan of the series and I'll stay away from the is franchise for a while . But then again, If you are an newcomer or just a causal NBA fan. I recommend you to try it up. You probably might end up liking it.… Expand
  4. jrswifty23
    Sep 18, 2017
    0
    The game is broken. I bought the legend edition which comes with 100k vc and other in game items. After playing the mycareer for a little while they deleted my player and all of the vc was lost. This is in game currency in which I spent my money on, and now is wasted. It's bad enough that 2K is immensely greedy with these micro transactions, but now you cant even use what you paid forThe game is broken. I bought the legend edition which comes with 100k vc and other in game items. After playing the mycareer for a little while they deleted my player and all of the vc was lost. This is in game currency in which I spent my money on, and now is wasted. It's bad enough that 2K is immensely greedy with these micro transactions, but now you cant even use what you paid for without the servers causing issues. This is unacceptable and we should not let these companies get away with these terrible business practices.… Expand
  5. UltimateGuy
    Sep 16, 2017
    1
    2k has really messed up being greeding with VC. Not only that but I don't see very many improvements other than subsitutions being a lot easier. Too many microtransactions, too few improvements. Quite frankly, NBA live is a better game (never thought I would say that).
  6. JoshKennedy
    Sep 23, 2017
    0
    I might buy NBA LIVE twice if i decide to. Let me put it this way, this game is as dry as chalk. No, i don't work for EA. The injustice i'm seeing was strong enough to make me create a Metacritic account. Business practices like these are the death of AAA's. Or should i say, $$$'s.
  7. Fenir8
    Sep 23, 2017
    0
    I had to return this game. It has been rendered literally unplayable due to greed. While the graphics were good, I base my score on my personal experience with the gameplay. Do not support this behavior. Developers and publishers will continue if they think they can get away with it.
  8. Makaveli
    Sep 23, 2017
    1
    Those review sites that gave this game a good score have been paid off and have lost all credibility..

    How can you give a game a good score when it's clearly downgraded just to force people in spending more money... BTW the game should be rated M for mature because no kids have credit cards to buy VC.. This crap should be illegal, same with loot crates (gambling) and all micro    Those review sites that gave this game a good score have been paid off and have lost all credibility..

    How can you give a game a good score when it's clearly downgraded just to force people in spending more money...

    BTW the game should be rated M for mature because no kids have credit cards to buy VC..

    This crap should be illegal, same with loot crates (gambling) and all micro transactions in paid games. Dont give us that crap where games cost much more to make because the budgets for these games remain pretty much the same since 1997 not to mention games sell a lot more than they did back then too..

    I will never buy another 2k,activision,EA or any other game with loot crates,microtransactions etc... It's time to stop this garbage, gaming sucks now because it is no longer about passion and creativity but full of corporate a-holes .

    I remember when I was a kid and was excited for a new generation to come out, now I get worried because it seems like every new gen means a new way to screw us over... How about we all just link our bank accounts to 2ks, then that way they can just take money as they please, not enough money for 2k. Seems like every-time we buy a game these days we are getting raped, I dont like being touched that way 2k. You may foolin everyone else, but you aint foolin me, you may look like a sexy woman but we all know you're a fat hairy slob in disguise, so take your halloween costume off, you look ridiculous.. Just say " give us your money"
    People shouldn't have to take out a 2nd morgage to play games...

    Not really a review, more of a rant... but w.e.

    screw this game, screw 2k and screw any publisher/dev who accepts these practices...    … Expand
  9. jordyjuice
    Sep 19, 2017
    1
    A cash-grab. It's all about VC and micro-transactions and on top of that I think this is a much poorer game than 2k17 in terms of gameplay anyways. I have a feeling these 9 / 10 reviews that professional reviewers are giving it are because of the hype or because they're being paid. No attention is being given to the greed of the game producers.
    In terms of MyCareer it actually reminds me    A cash-grab. It's all about VC and micro-transactions and on top of that I think this is a much poorer game than 2k17 in terms of gameplay anyways. I have a feeling these 9 / 10 reviews that professional reviewers are giving it are because of the hype or because they're being paid. No attention is being given to the greed of the game producers.
    In terms of MyCareer it actually reminds me of Tony Hawks American Wasteland. It's laughable.    … Expand
  10. Salmon_Champion
    Sep 21, 2017
    3
    The gameplay is better, but still ultimately the same. Many of the weird plays, and animations frustrate and ruin the experience for some games. Wide open layups bounce out of the basket because of an invisible meter that matters A LOT, ten foot passes going into the fifth row, basketball bouncing off of your foot when anyone gets within three feet of you, these are things that have beenThe gameplay is better, but still ultimately the same. Many of the weird plays, and animations frustrate and ruin the experience for some games. Wide open layups bounce out of the basket because of an invisible meter that matters A LOT, ten foot passes going into the fifth row, basketball bouncing off of your foot when anyone gets within three feet of you, these are things that have been problems for years yet they aren't touched. Let us not forget that the entire game is based upon VC, and VC is a commodity that is more rare than gold. You need VC to pretty much do anything other than boot up the game (Probably being worked on for 2k19) and yet the payout for playing games is so minuscule compared to how much anything costs. The Virtual Currency, however, is available for purchase with real world money for those who do not have the time to spend playing the game 30 hours a week to be able to get to a competitive overall for your myplayer. You can easily spend an extra $50 and get your myplayer to an 85 automatically, and then if you do not you at a sever hindrance at playing online modes such as "Playground" or "ProAM" which is designed to beat people sensless with how horrible their non-bought MyPlayer is until they cave in and purchase a package of Virtual Currency, which seems like some sort of extortion. With a game designed to make the rich richer and the poor poorer it seems as if Take Two Interactive is leaning more towards micro-transactions and how to fit them into the game rather than improve the game or give the fans what they want instead.

    This game gets a 3 for the good in the gameplay, on every other aspect it gets a 0. Unless we added "extortion" and "greed" then Take Two definitely gets a 10 in both of those areas.    … Expand
  11. davedavidson
    Sep 27, 2017
    0
    To be honest the game is not as bad as what the score might make it out to be. But IMO it deserves a 1 out of 10 for these reasons. And if 2k keeps doing this stuff many people will jump on the NBA live bandwagon.

    -VC Greed -Deleted MyPlayers -VC vanishing after games played -Content not shared between multiple MyPlayers -Unable to use attribute boosts. -Shooting mechanics. Good    To be honest the game is not as bad as what the score might make it out to be. But IMO it deserves a 1 out of 10 for these reasons. And if 2k keeps doing this stuff many people will jump on the NBA live bandwagon.

    -VC Greed
    -Deleted MyPlayers
    -VC vanishing after games played
    -Content not shared between multiple MyPlayers
    -Unable to use attribute boosts.
    -Shooting mechanics. Good release jump shots go in maybe 1/10 times. Makes no sense.
    -Attributes where hidden initially until most recent patch. To late thought, the damage has been done.
    -No rookie mode for my career
    -No extra VC earned for playing on harder difficulty
    -Hair style changes use to be free, costs VC now
    -Shoe endorsements use to give you all the shoes for whatever brand you signed with. You only get three now. The rest COST VC

    Most of these issues are almost all directly related to 2k being greedy. This games does not cost $60. It costs 60 plus either an insane amount of time/patience or the willingness to dump more money into the game and unlock content with VC. And all of these issues are for just one game mode within the game.    … Expand
  12. Uozor
    Sep 24, 2017
    1
    This game is literally VC world. Not only is the game difficult to a fault, but everything costs VC. Everything. Even hair. Why does hair cost money? My pure 3-point shooter can't make an open shot in practice. Not in the game, but in practice. WTF? 2k18 is a disappointment and I can tell that they just want money. They won't be getting mine.
  13. BigTurd
    Sep 25, 2017
    1
    Just play the previous version. You'll enjoy it more and won't be stuck in VC hell! I'm willing to grind in a free to play game to earn currencies, but not in a full AAA title!!
  14. Jay008
    Sep 25, 2017
    1
    Greed kills. VC has ruined this game and in the process the developers haven't done anything but make the gameplay worse.
    Lots of broken aspects and modes, also there's a scripted rubber band effect in place that makes the losing team catch up even if it's human vs human. DO NOT BUY.
  15. rando24
    Sep 26, 2017
    4
    This game is really disappointing. It is riddled with the same bugs that have been in the previous games. Some of these bugs would be very simple to fix. The overall gameplay is pretty good, but the bugs are very annoying. It also just feels like they only put this game out to earn money of of microtransactions. They do everything they can to make you buy VC, which I refuse to do. YourThis game is really disappointing. It is riddled with the same bugs that have been in the previous games. Some of these bugs would be very simple to fix. The overall gameplay is pretty good, but the bugs are very annoying. It also just feels like they only put this game out to earn money of of microtransactions. They do everything they can to make you buy VC, which I refuse to do. Your player starts out terrible and its very hard to enjoy a game mode where you can't even make layups and open jumpers a lot of the time. Microtransactions have been a problem in the past but it is even worse this year. Honestly, this series could be so good if they just put in some effort, but when there is no real competition in the market, they clearly do not feel the need to do anything. I don't mind having to work hard to improve my player, but some of us can't spend 200 hours in a game just to get a player to a role player skill level. They also do not allow you to skip the cut scenes, which are incredible cliche and cringe worthy. These things go on forever and if you could skip them I probably could have gotten at least 5 more games in by now and I haven't even played that much yet.… Expand
  16. xtrmlylwky
    Sep 27, 2017
    0
    Gameplay is rock solid, best in the series, but you get 0/10 2K for being straight up criminals. If you think you can rip off your loyal fan base without any repercussion then you guys are crazy. COMPANY ENDING DECISION YOU GREEDY PIECES OF GARBAGE.
  17. duckferno
    Oct 6, 2017
    0
    A full priced game starting at $60 with a Free to Play/Pay to Win model. Everything is behind a VC pay wall that takes absurdly long to earn if you don't spend a lot of real money instead. Even badge grinding takes far too many hours, especially for centers. It's impossible to stay competitive or even enjoy the game without spending $50 on VC at the start to max your attributes.
  18. sunnysmooth
    Sep 22, 2017
    2
    I am an older gamer, had a Dreamcast including that first NBA2k game with Iverson on the cover. NBA2k has been the one game through out the years I had dedicated a ton of my time to (which I do not have a lot of due to kids, and a career). When the Legend edition was announced, there was no doubt that I was going to purchase that edition as I did the Kobe Legend edition for 2k17.

    Upon    I am an older gamer, had a Dreamcast including that first NBA2k game with Iverson on the cover. NBA2k has been the one game through out the years I had dedicated a ton of my time to (which I do not have a lot of due to kids, and a career). When the Legend edition was announced, there was no doubt that I was going to purchase that edition as I did the Kobe Legend edition for 2k17.

    Upon playing the MyCareer in 2018 it was devastating to me how much they changed the game. I did not want to play an RPG running around without a map or navigation trying to find where Mycloset was, and waiting and waiting on load times. I had to turn to YouTube just to figure out where My Court was. It was frustrating running around and not knowing where to go or what to do, and as such I have a bad condition of motion sickness. I was ecstatic of the improved face scan, however the hair cut did not match mine, so after watching YouTube videos, I figured out where the barber was. Then I was confused why getting a haircut required VC which 2k17 didn't require. I was like fine, it's only 1,500 and I only needed one haircut. A few hours later after my motion sickness went away, the network connection was disconnected, restarted my Xboxone, and I came to realize the my My Career file I had from Prelude was gone. So no problem I will just create another myplayer file, but now all the Legend edition Shaq digital items were gone also. I submitted a ticket with 2k technical support and awaiting their response. Another important aspect of playing this game is the difficulty levels. I do not play online with other players, and strictly just play mycareer and WOW this game is incredibly HARD. I understand I am only a 60 rated player but I would miss open shots and layups, and ridiculously cannot play any defense on the computer. The game ultimately is frustrating and just not FUN anymore. Literally a huge step backwards from an amazing NBA2k17 game.    … Expand
  19. Tjames23x
    Oct 5, 2017
    0
    Just terrible. The need to spend money to play is at an all time high. 2k has found a way to make MyTeam even worse this year then the last two installments! Pack and Playoffs are terrible. Not to mention plenty of glitches to go with it. Save yourself the $60 you'd have to pay to play this and want to rip your hair out after. Terrible product 2k, listen to your COMMUNITY!
  20. pedro117
    Sep 27, 2017
    0
    Este tipo de juegos no tienen vergüenza con el tipo de negocios que llevan, solo les importa el dinero que pueda generar, ni siquiera para darte las monedas del juego dejan de ser avariciosos
  21. AliasAndrew
    Sep 26, 2017
    0
    A fully-priced game with microtransactions from a free to play game. They have made my career mode an endless chore (unless you pay the full price you already paid 2 more times) by decreasing the VC points you earn every game and by forcing you to play other modes you don't want to. To be any good you have to play at least 400 games. Every year they find more ways to keep you from enjoyingA fully-priced game with microtransactions from a free to play game. They have made my career mode an endless chore (unless you pay the full price you already paid 2 more times) by decreasing the VC points you earn every game and by forcing you to play other modes you don't want to. To be any good you have to play at least 400 games. Every year they find more ways to keep you from enjoying it unless you pay even more money! I think I'll give NBA Live a chance this year… Expand
  22. MyCareerIsGarba
    Sep 23, 2017
    0
    I bought the early access version and played the Friday (release day), and I lost my file save that same day for MyCareer. Today, being 8 days later, I still have not gotten my file save back, after spending 26 dollars on VC. This game was a waste of my time and money, these developers and 2k support are nothing but scammers. They've done nothing to help me. I enjoyed Mass Effect AndromedaI bought the early access version and played the Friday (release day), and I lost my file save that same day for MyCareer. Today, being 8 days later, I still have not gotten my file save back, after spending 26 dollars on VC. This game was a waste of my time and money, these developers and 2k support are nothing but scammers. They've done nothing to help me. I enjoyed Mass Effect Andromeda 100 times more than this game..… Expand
  23. Nihelus
    Sep 26, 2017
    0
    Microtransactions ruin the career mode. The predatory way they were implemented is disgusting. Look up the review on Kotaku for a fairly complete list of how they try to force you to give them more money. Do not buy this game. 2K has lost my faith completely and unless they change I will not be giving this company another cent.
  24. Tenacidad963
    Oct 13, 2017
    0
    Es un abuso de las empresas poner micropagos para todo. Se fijan en los usuarios que no se informan por x motivos que aun son miles. El próximo juego vendrá con otra aberración más.

    In English:
    It is an abuse of companies to put micropayments for everything. They focus on users who are not informed by x reasons that are still thousands. The next game will come with another aberration.
  25. cinco1
    Oct 15, 2017
    0
    WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN...VC VC VC VIRTUAL CRAP! IT HAS RUINED THIS GAME MAN, LET'S DO THE MATH HERE - IT NOW COSTS ABOUT 200,000 VC POINTS TO UPGRADE YOUR PLAYER TO 85. YOU GET ABOUT 200-1000 VC FOR EVERY NBA GAME AND 100-300 FOR MYPARK LETS SAY YOUR PLAYER GRADE IS AN A+ AND THAT YOU ALSO WIN EVERY NBA GAME AND EARN 1000 VC - YOU WILL NEED TO PLAY 200 NBA GAMES JUST TO GET TO 85. BEST OFWHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN...VC VC VC VIRTUAL CRAP! IT HAS RUINED THIS GAME MAN, LET'S DO THE MATH HERE - IT NOW COSTS ABOUT 200,000 VC POINTS TO UPGRADE YOUR PLAYER TO 85. YOU GET ABOUT 200-1000 VC FOR EVERY NBA GAME AND 100-300 FOR MYPARK LETS SAY YOUR PLAYER GRADE IS AN A+ AND THAT YOU ALSO WIN EVERY NBA GAME AND EARN 1000 VC - YOU WILL NEED TO PLAY 200 NBA GAMES JUST TO GET TO 85. BEST OF LUCK WITH A 60 OVERALL PLAYER(DON'T FORGET THE CUT SCENES THAT YOU CAN'T SKIP) ANYWAY, THIS FORCES YOU TO BUY VC - A T-SHIRT IS 2000 VC OR MORE..SO YOU NEED TO WIN TWO NBA GAMES WITH AN A+ RATING WHILE EARNING 1000 VC JUST TO GET A T-SHIRT. THIS IS CRAZZY PEOPLE. IT WILL NOT STOP UNLESS WE STOP BUYING THIS VC OR THE GAME. I WILL NOT BE BUYING THIS GAME EVER AGAIN CAUSE I GUARANTEE THAT NEXT YEAR WILL BE EVEN WORSE!!… Expand
  26. TooFastFlash
    Nov 6, 2017
    0
    Better open up your wallet if you actually want to be competitive in this years 2k. This is the only game I've returned for a refund due to it being pure greedy garbage. Very unfortunate for the loyal fan base this franchise has, all this coming from an individual who has played religiously since 2k14.
  27. Tyv
    Nov 10, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After the smoke & mirrors, this game flat out sucks, seriously, the last 3 years I have debated getting NBA 2K as I am a BB fanatic and just get it even though the improvements each year don't outrun the fact it’s the same game, yes passing last year was improved in 2K17, yes, this year the way career points are done I prefer.... but, the career games suck, I'm actually bored, seriously, so I deleted the game, no joke, the passing is worse than last year, and as a slasher I often miss 90% open layups (90+ rating), I get blocked in street games at 6’7 and maxed out dunks/vertical by some 6’1 guard 65 rating, I can however in my career games drive and get fouled every time and have added 10-20 points via free throws a night and sink double the free-throws of James Harden in my rookie season BUT sometimes I pull up on a drive for a jumper at 2 feet when last year id dunk and most of the gym exercises suck, change them so they are less like watching paint dry, 2K19 no chance I'm not falling for it again… Expand
  28. ckmalak
    Nov 19, 2017
    0
    Of course you my say that 0 rating for decent game is not fair - and you might be right.
    But the rating is just a part of anty #pay2win policy done by 2K.
    I've spent 130h in the game in myCareer mode - just after All Start game in NBA leading my team in score and assists - and as well leading the MVP race (and of course rookie race as well)... however I am only overall 74!! Previous    Of course you my say that 0 rating for decent game is not fair - and you might be right.
    But the rating is just a part of anty #pay2win policy done by 2K.

    I've spent 130h in the game in myCareer mode - just after All Start game in NBA leading my team in score and assists - and as well leading the MVP race (and of course rookie race as well)... however I am only overall 74!!

    Previous iteration would already allow me to be 95. Why the big drop? A: #pay2win.
    Can i play in neighbourhood? sure... do I have any chance... very small.

    Is the game bug free? far from that. Just a single example from today: Even if I am leading the mvp race... I still came out of bench in raising starts game... how come?

    Even if the game have all the tools to be outstanding, the greed took over... and the level of frustration is way too high. This game should not be allowed to be played without extra VCs nor without anger management expert training.

    Stay away! (unless MyGM mode is the one you are looking for).    … Expand
  29. ThroneBender
    Sep 25, 2018
    0
    Microtransactions are a farce and for a fully priced game it doesn't belong. Stop buying these games with microtransactions.
  30. TimeOfTheChimps
    Dec 22, 2017
    2
    The on-court action has never been better, but with 2K's greed infecting everything but MyLeague, it's safe to go back to playing previous (better) games and skip this and future iterations of the franchise.
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best Xbox One Game of 2017
23
#23 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2017
25
#25 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. TheXboxHub
    Nov 9, 2017
    80
    NBA 2K18 succeeds in delivering truly addictive gameplay that is pretty easy to pick up for newcomers, while long-time players will enjoy mastering the advanced techniques.
    Read full review
  2. XboxAddict
    Oct 18, 2017
    82
    There is some hits and misses in NBA 2K18 with some amazing graphics, stellar controls and a decent online experience that holds the core of the game together. However, there needs to be some work done in the custom experiences along with some coaching for the sportscasters to sound a lot more realistic and sincere rather than reading from a script. In the end though the core gameplay experience is superb and I can see why this series has been the go-to basketball game for quite sometime. NBA 2K18 will no doubt entertain and delight basketball fans and sports fans alike.
    Read full review
  3. 4P.de
    Oct 18, 2017
    81
    Visual Concepts has to be very careful not to overdo it. And I am not talking about the almost flawless mechanics that haven’t changed over the last few years or the modes that have been only marginally tweaked. With all its mechanical brilliance it is a pity that this years’ prime basketball game is merely a vehicle for an abundance of microtransactions that are borderline pay-to-win.
    Read full review
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