While playing basketball video games is fun, sometimes you want something a little less real and a lot more fast paced. Sabar Interactive has you covered with NBA 2K Playgrounds 2. Published by 2K, this basketball game is filled with outrageous looking players and a fast mode of play. How does it stack up to the other NBA 2K franchise?
If you have picked up this game looking for a realistic version of the NBA, you are in the wrong place. Playgrounds consists of three minute games in which you pick a team from your favorite conference. After beating the others, you go into a championship playoff. The reward is an epic card from the team you picked. Trying to get unlockables is sometimes frustrating, but the clear method of getting them in this game makes it worth while. Almost everyone is here, from modern day to classic players.
The art style of the game really sells it. When of the best modes in NBA Jam was the big head code, everyone in this game is portrayed in an almost cartoon fashion. They are still recognizable, but there face and proportions are out of sync. The locations range from a playground in suburbia to the middle of a busy street.
The game controls fine, no complex buttons to remember in the middle of the game. If there is any complaint, is that sometimes the controls are too simple. Push the Steal button enough times and quickly and you will get the ball back. There is now a shot meter, which was desperately needed. The AI of the opponents is really high, don’t start a game if you think you can just grab shots they miss. Rebounding is also difficult, you have to be in exactly the right spot. Fill up the Lottery Meter and you can change the outcome of the game quickly.
Playgrounds also introduces they ability to play someone on line. This is a common feature now in sports games, but this is a first for this series. There are also a Championship mode where you compete to move higher and higher in the ranking. One of the main areas of complaints in the first game is that there was not much to do. The developers listened and put things to hold the players’ interests.
This game is fun, a throwback to the arcade style sports games. Playgrounds might not have a complex story or mechanics, but it pulls you in for a quick fast paced match with your friends. If a few tweaks are added to the next game, it might reach it’s full potential.
7/10
Available on PS4, Xbox, Switch and PC
