Summary
With the recent release ofNBA 2K25, many fans of the franchise have bought their copy and are enjoying all the game has to offer. When it was announced, the game made its fair share of promises to illustrate the major improvements that players could expect to find in the newest installment of the franchise.
Developer Visual Concepts, and Publisher 2K Games, not only discussed major overhauls ingame mechanics thatNBA 2K24had already nailed, but also considerable improvements in player designs, lighting technologies, and the return of a few beloved elements of the franchise that had been removed from previous installments.
5Ray Tracing
A Welcome Addition, Even If It’s PC Exclusive
One of the most argued over aspects surrounding sports games and current-gen graphics development is how necessarya Ray Tracing featureis in them. Some players think that they make games look considerably better, while others find it completely unnecessary, as sports games are more about competition and fast-paced action than they are about modern lighting enhancements.
Whatever the case,NBA 2K25has introduced Ray Tracing into the franchise, which is a wonderful improvement in terms of graphics and lighting possibilities. This feature, however, isn’t available in every game mode, as it’s restricted to “The City.” While that might be a little disappointing to a few players, the addition of this lighting technology could foreshadow a more in depth implementation of it in future installments of the franchise.
4Return Of The Auction House
When it was first announced that The Auction House was not going to be inNBA 2K24, many players were, to say the least, displeased, as it was a feature that several people liked about the game. Luckily,NBA 2K25brings back the critically acclaimed feature, pleasing players and offering them the option to collect their cards once again.
In The Auction House, players can use their “MyTEAM Points,” or MTP, to increase the size of their collection and buy any player card that they want. It’s also possible to sell cards that players no longer find valuable.
3Dribble Engine Overhaul
A Considerable Improvement On An Existing Game Mechanic
AlthoughNBA 2K24had dribbling,NBA 2K25introduces what is arguably one of the biggest changes in the franchise’s game mechanics to date. The game’s new Dribble Engine brings a whole new level of control to basketball, allowing players to have great precision and a wide variety of dribble moves.
Some of the moves players can make with the new Dribble Engine are crossovers, quick changes of direction, and more. The engine also integrates with the game’s physics, making ball control fluid,realistic, and true to life.
2Improved Player Models And Animations
Players Now Look More Realistic
One of the most important features about a sports game is that players look like their real-life counterparts; otherwise, a lot of the immersion is lost, and the experience isn’t as enjoyable.NBA 2K25understands this, as it has new and improved player models and animations that infuse the title with a touch of realism that is most welcome.
With the introduction ofmotion capturing technologiesand facial expression tracking, developers can now take full advantage of real-life models to aid them in the production and development process behind a game such as this one. When comparing the graphics and game mechanics of, say,NBA 2K21to the newest installment of the franchise, many of the graphical improvements are clear to see.
1Smarter AI
AI Now Goes Harder On Both Offense And Defense
NBA 2K25’s AI takes the game one step further, as players will now have to be more strategic about their moves than ever. This title featuresAI player technology that excels in many aspects, such as Court Spacing, Coaching, Offense, and Defense, allowing for small margins of error and demanding players' full focus.
NBA 2K25’s new AI adapts to players' style, making every game feel different and challenging. On the offense, players can expect to see improved driving lanes and far superior defense logic from the AI. While this technology is far from being able to replicate playing against another human being (a fact true for this and other modern games), it does represent a considerable improvement over previous installments of the franchise.
