Right now, it’s a real battle at the top of the NBA’s Eastern Conference, but the Boston Celtics are out on top overall, with the Milwaukee Bucks in hot pursuit. In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets are looking dominant. Their nearest challengers, the Memphis Grizzlies, are lagging behind with a need to win seven games to catch them up. If you want to bet on either of these teams or on any others to win this year’s NBA, you can check out the NBA playoff odds and bet online.
Of course, fans of NBA action might also like to get their own slice of action via the game NBA 2K23. The game offers a refreshing mix of nostalgia and new additions, which has helped to delight fans of the franchise immensely. But how close is NBA 2K23 to true-life NBA? One aspect of gaming which creators seek to achieve is a high level of reality. The closer a game is to the real thing, the better. Below is a look at the game and how well it emulates the actual NBA.
The Jordan Challenge
Michael Jordan is arguably the biggest star to ever come out of the NBA; so much so that the game has even created a Jordan Challenge, which came out in 2K11 and has been revamped in this latest version. The challenge gives fans the opportunity to relive 15 of the greatest moments of the former Chicago Bulls star.
This challenge is one of the standout moments of the game when it comes to reality. The visuals and the gameplay are as true to the real experience as can be. You’ll be able to play basketball just like it was in the 1980s and 1990s, days when the action was a little grittier and referees were slightly more lenient when there was contact.
Slower gameplay
One of the major changes the makers have applied to 2K23 is a slow-down of the gameplay, which has brought it more into line with real-life NBA action. In the past, the 2K series in some of its versions has been notorious for fast, glitchy speed in which chase-down animations blocked shots or swatted them away from seemingly out of nowhere. In 2K23, it takes more effort to reach the rim.
My NBA Eras
My NBA Eras is another nostalgic touch that gives fans a taste of real NBA as it was 40 years ago. Fans can start a franchise of any existing NBA team today from either 1983, 1991, 2002 or 2002 and develop it from there. The makers of the NBA 2K series have spent years adding classic teams, cities, courts and more, and have had battles getting buy-in from certain stakeholders. Another challenge has been getting the likeness of players right.
This mode is insightful and realistic for anyone who wants to see how the NBA has progressed. The rules have changed a lot over the decades. Zone defenses and hand checking are two elements on which the rules have varied on and off, and there was more contact in the game than there is now.
My Career
Ever wondered how players make it to the top? You might think the My Career story mode would give you a taste of this, but you might be disappointed. There’s no journey with this one. You get drafted straight into the pro league.
What is more realistic, however, is the level of doubt and scrutiny you’ll face. No one assumes you’re going to be a good player just because you’re in the NBA. You’ll have several main quests and side quests so that you can win over the doubting public. Commentors will be analyzing your development and won’t hold back in their criticism, no matter how well you might be playing in a particular season.
Another realistic feature of this mode is the fashion and music ratings. NBA stars don’t just make their money on the courts, but also from endorsements and other deals. The fashion and music ratings are all about improving your marketability, which is essential for endorsements and receiving perks to help you put together your build.
The W
Note that the NBA has a women’s NBA too. If you’re more a fan of the WNBA, you might prefer the W, which is the women’s My Career. You create one of ten builds and then choose a team to draft you. Championship winners the Las Vegas Aces could be a good starting point. Just like in the association, to dominate on the court and off it, you have to build your skills and your popularity.
When game developers create sports games such as 2K23, there’s a quest for the action to be close to that experienced on the court. This latest version of the franchise has gone for this, but in some respects still doesn’t’ quite achieve it. Maybe it may put that right when the next edition comes out.
