WWE 2K26 - PlayStation 5 Review

WWE 2K26 by developer Visual Concepts and publisher 2K Games—Sony PlayStation 5 review written by Nick with a copy provided by the publisher.

#WWE #WWE2K26

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes 

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NBA 2K26 – PlayStation 5 Review

NBA 2K26 by developer Visual Concepts and publisher 2K Games—Sony PlayStation 5 preview written by Nick with a copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes

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WWE 2K25 – Xbox Series X Review

WWE 2K25 by developer Visual Concepts and publisher 2K Games—Microsoft Xbox Series X review written by Nick with a copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

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To be frank: this is what you hope to see in an annually released game. More features and improvements across the board combine to make it better than ever. WWE 2K25 is exactly that – bigger and better than ever.

Bigger really stands out right off of the bat. There’s numerous modes to choose from – including a new one called The Island. Much more to talk about there in a bit, but it’s also worth calling out that the roster is absolutely massive with wrestlers both past and present in the mix. There’s so much variety in the different types of wrestlers that the roster alone could keep someone busy just figuring out what styles appeal to them the most. 

Then we move into the menu’s many modes of mayhem (try saying that ten times fast). There’s the traditional quick play where you just go in and fire up a quick match with the wrestlers and rules of your choice. It’s a great way to try some different types of wrestlers out before sinking time into creating your own wrestlers. You’ll eventually be doing just that though, as you create a wrestler for the MyRise and The Island modes. MyRise is what it has been for years now, a story-driven mode with some RPG elements like progression and choices to make through either a male or female wrestler’s story as you seek to become the face of a new era in WWE. All of the usual hijinks and betrayals are here and it’s brought together quite well between the overall presentation, especially the audio.

Now, the Island is another thing altogether – and frankly one that is likely to be a bit controversial. Years ago, I remarked that I was surprised WWE hadn’t yet created the kind of experience NBA 2K had, where they blended a story line with online play. Why? Well, my thinking was twofold. First, MyCareer in NBA 2K is by far the game’s most popular mode. It boasts a new story each year where players can compete with one another or stick to just single player content while incrementally improving their custom player. The second reason I figured a mode like this would eventually come along comes down to VC (Virtual Currency). It’s the microtransaction currency used by 2K, and it presumably makes the company a ton of money over and above the base game sales. In the past, WWE only had one use for VC – buying packs of cards in MyFaction. MyFaction is a mode that combines elements of card collecting and improving your roster through these wrestlers you collect.

To be honest? This is probably my least favorite WWE mode. It is an okay diversion, but I enjoy this mode far more in the NBA 2K games. Still, it’s a long-running mode that will likely stick around in the WWE series indefinitely because I’m sure they make money off of the VC bought and used in it. Now there’s a use for it in The Island. Like NBA 2K, in WWE 2K25 you can use VC to level up your character’s abilities. You can earn more VC by playing the game in this mode as well, so it doesn’t all have to be purchased. Time will tell what the grind / improvement curve looks like. Being a new mode, there’s likely to be some imbalance there.

So, what is The Island actually like to play? Well, if you can get past the slightly grimy-feeling microtransaction part of it? I had fun with it. There’s a new story separate of MyArise that basically puts you and everyone on this Island of Relevancy to try and earn the good graces of Roman Reigns. It’s a silly premise, but does the job and sets the stage. The things that work? The Island is pretty vibrant-looking, I appreciate a second story – even if it doesn’t feel as fleshed out as MyArise. There’s lots of quest-like objectives, and many of them are actually quite fun to try and complete. The progression elements like improving stats and badges are an effective carrot to dangle.

What maybe doesn’t work quite as well? Well, the first is how expensive VC is, especially when buying cosmetics for your wrestler. There’s no map, which feels like a bit of an oversight as I got so used to using it in NBA 2K. Luckily The Island is not too large and unwieldy, the layout is logical and it isn’t too hard to get the hang of where thigs are. One guardrail missing that’s in NBA 2K is that you can dump all the VC you want into your character right out of the gates. I saw several people running around at a 100 overall on day one. In NBA 2K, there’s a system that unlocks the next stage in a rising cap as you play. That limits how fast you can upgrade your player that’s lacking here in WWE 2K25. 

I spent a lot of time in both The Island and MyArise modes, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they somehow became blended together in the future the way MyCareer has in NBA 2K. Universe mode is basically a giant sandbox mode. It’s fun to fool around with, but the lack of structured objectives doesn’t make it where I tend to spend my time. I will say that MyGM mode is looking better than it has in over a decade. It took some time off, came back a few years ago, and of all the returning modes, MyGM has received the most love it seems. It’s a season long campaign broken up over a couple of dozen weeks where you take a brand and create a stable of wrestlers to compete against one another. At its core, it’s a simulation mode that you can go hands-on with during matches if you’d like. Add to it that your created superstars can participate too, and there’s a lot of fun to be had here.

Lastly, there’s the Showcase mode. Usually this mode follows a specific wrestler through some of the biggest fights of their career, interspersed with interviews and live footage from their actual matches. In WWE 2K25, the focus is spread out a bit and follows The Bloodline, which is in-line with all of the Roman Reigns in the presentation. It feels a little less forced / scripted in trying to make you authentically recreate the matches of old (and there’s a sort of ‘what if this happened?’ mode as well that’s made up of imaginary scenarios), which is appreciated. I always liked this mode, but often felt like the objectives were a bit too restrictive at times. They made sense, but still had me frustrated. There was less of that this time around. The mode does feel a bit more accessible, though a few of the imposed time limits do seem a little harsh. Completing these scenarios however, is a lot of fun. You get some cool looks at WWE’s past and generally some good unlockable rewards too.

None of this would matter much if the in-ring action didn’t hold up its end of the bargain, but the good news is that WWE 2K25 delivers here as well. I mentioned earlier that the presentation was fantastic, and it really is. Authentic commentary, fluid animations and a variety of distinctive playstyles depending on your wrestler of choice and opponent make every match feel like an event. Thankfully the combat aspect has been solid for years and this year’s is more minor polish and tweaks. Controls are responsive, you can tweak numerous single-player settings to make the gameplay a bit more attuned to your preferences. I really appreciated how much different a massive, hulking tank of a wrestler played versus a quick, agile high-flying sort. One tweak is the return of ‘chain wrestling’, which is like a minigame within the match that just adds a layer to the already existing action.

Simply put, WWE 2K25 is the best wrestling game on the market. The developers manage to make smart improvements to existing modes, roll out an entirely new mode and continue to make the action in the ring look and feel authentic. While the whiff of increased microtransactions is going to bother some, I do appreciate that the series isn’t resting on its laurels and gave us a game that continues to justify its annual release.

 

Score: 8.5 / 10

 

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Roman Reigns Named WWE® 2K25 Cover Star in Bloodline Showcase

New York, NY – January 28, 2025 | Today, 2K announced WWE® 2K25, the newest installment of the flagship WWE video game franchise developed by Visual Concepts, will be coming in March for PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. Among the most decorated WWE Superstars of all-time, “The Original Tribal Chief,” Roman Reigns strikes a heroic pose on the Standard Edition cover as his “Wiseman,” Paul Heyman looks on. Celebrating the 35th anniversary of one of the most feared and iconic Superstars in WWE history, The Undertaker, cuts an imposing profile on the Deadman Edition cover, while The Bloodline Edition cover features members of both Roman Reigns’ and Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline factions, including Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Paul Heyman, Sami Zayn, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa, interwoven into the roots and branches of the iconic Bloodline family tree.

New updates and gameplay advancements include 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty, the first retelling of the Bloodline saga and an interactive celebration of the legacy of the extended Anoa’i wrestling family, new match types and stipulations, such as the Underground Match, Bloodline Rules Match and Intergender matchups, the return of Chain Wrestling, a new MyRISE experience, and much more. The largest-ever WWE 2K roster of more than 300 Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers includes John Cena, Rhea Ripley, The Rock, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, CM Punk, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Jade Cargill, Diamond Dallas Page, Booker T, Ultimate Warrior, Trish Stratus, and many more. Third-person camera support in online matches and the ability for each player to control their own camera have been added, as well as new brawl environments such as the WWE Archives and NXT Parking Lot. WWE 2K25 Deadman Edition and The Bloodline Edition are scheduled for worldwide release on Friday, March 7, 2025, seven days prior to the Standard Edition, which will be available Friday, March 14, 2025.

“I am personally and professionally excited that the Original and Only Tribal Chief and the extended Anoa’i family are the focus of WWE 2K25,” said Roman Reigns. “We’ve been building toward this moment for generations and I challenge players everywhere to show me and my Wiseman, Paul Heyman, what they’ve got, and prove they’re worthy of the attention of their Tribal Chief.”

WWE 2K25 also features an ambitious addition to the franchise for players on PS5® and Xbox Series X|S - The Island - an interactive, online WWE-themed world that provides an immersive experience allowing players the option of focusing on a single-player experience, with the ultimate goal of earning a position in The Bloodline, or interacting and competing with other players they encounter.

“WWE 2K25 expands on our winning formula in nearly every aspect of the player experience,” said Greg Thomas, President at Visual Concepts. “Our new approach to 2K Showcase and MyRISE storylines really tap into the creativity of the development team, and we’re excited to see our community enjoy these updated features.”

WWE 2K25 features several updates and improvements to existing features throughout the game:

• 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty: The all-new 2K Showcase, hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most iconic wrestling family dynasties - The Bloodline and the extended Anoa’i family. Featuring Roman Reigns, The Rock, Yokozuna, Jacob Fatu, and more, players can relive historic showdowns or flip the script and change the outcome of select match-ups. Dream matches between members of The Bloodline and WWE Superstars and Legends offer a “what if?’ fantasy element to settle fan debates and start fresh feuds, in addition to some surprises in store;
• The Island: An interactive world made up of a series of areas built around different WWE themes, The Island offers players the opportunity to explore and challenge other players, while vying to earn a WWE contract by impressing “The Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns. By completing quests, taking on challenges, competing in live events, earning unlockables, and upgrading and customizing MySUPERSTARS through multiple storyline chapters, The Island allows players to step outside the ropes and “Rule Beyond the Ring.” Available only on PS5® and Xbox Series X|S;
• A Roster for the Ages: WWE 2K25 brings an unparalleled lineup of current Superstars from RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, plus Legends and WWE Hall of Famers. The stacked roster of over 300 playable characters, spanning multiple generations, features Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, Rey Mysterio, Bret “Hitman” Hart, Jacob Fatu, Rob Van Dam, Lita, LA Knight, Chyna, Batista, Nia Jax, Becky Lynch, and more;
• New Match Types and Improvements on Gameplay: Intergender wrestling makes its long-awaited debut in the WWE 2K franchise! WWE or player-created Superstars from the men’s and women’s divisions can now compete against each other to set up limitless matchups across all game modes. Additional features include the return of Chain Wrestling, Bloodline Rules Match, Underground Match, and new barricade diving! More details on each new match type will be shared soon;
• MyGM Online Multiplayer: Intrepid GMs can take their show on the road and challenge general managers worldwide in the enhanced MyGM for WWE 2K25, now with online multiplayer for up to four players. Players draft WWE Superstars and Legends to their weekly show’s roster and lead their brand through multiple-week seasons with a bigger selection of General Managers, cross-brand Premium Live Events, and more;
• MyFACTION: The collectible, card-battle mode is back with updated features, new content, and more ways to play. Faction Wars now features new node types, and 50 new stages. World Tour replaces Proving Grounds, enabling players to travel to different locations in a non-linear approach, while additional match-type support for live events and online matches, and new community events offer enhanced replayability. New themed card packs and goals will continue to roll out regularly throughout the year with seasonal content refreshes*;
• MyRISE: Players guide their MySUPERSTAR from the women’s or men’s division in a singular, multi-gender MyRISE storyline where Bayley, Kevin Owens, and other Superstars infiltrate NXT in an attempt to take control of the entire WWE. Featuring new personality choices that lead to specific storylines, as well as brawl environments, unlockable arenas, characters, useable objects, and more, plus new ally storylines involving Jey Uso, Bianca Belair, Seth Rollins, and other WWE Superstars;
• Universe: WWE 2K’s sandbox mode receives new upgrades to give players greater control over their Universe experience, including the long-awaited return of Promos! The new system includes multiple promo types and outcomes with new cutscenes and branching choices;
• Creation Suite: The hallmark of the WWE 2K franchise, the best-in-class, most detailed and robust creation suite remains one of the driving forces behind players’ self-expression as they design their own custom Superstars, GMs, referees, arenas, entrances, move sets, championships, crowd signs, and more.

WWE 2K25 Editions

WWE 2K25 features three editions of the game: Standard Edition, Deadman Edition, and The Bloodline Edition:The Standard Edition will offer Dual-Gen entitlement, available for $69.99 on both Gen 9 consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S) and Gen 8 consoles (PS4, Xbox One consoles) and PC;

Pre-Order Bonus Offers**: Players who pre-order the WWE 2K25 Standard Edition will receive the Wyatt Sicks Pack, a bonus pack of content including five playable Superstars - Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan - plus for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, Uncle Howdy and Nikki Cross mask cosmetic items for The Island. Players who pre-order the Standard Edition (digital) will also receive the WWE 2K24 Cross-Gen base game (digital);***

The Deadman Edition will be available for $99.99 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. The Deadman Edition includes the Standard Edition and Wyatt Sicks Pack, plus the Deadman Edition Bonus Pack which includes Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker**** and Original Undertaker (‘90) Persona Cards and playable Superstars, a useable Urn object, Undertaker ‘95 Mask cosmetic item for The Island on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, and Brother Love Manager, plus a Season Pass to all five post-launch DLC character packs and 15,000 VC. The Deadman Edition will be available from March 7, 2025 – seven days ahead of Standard Edition. Players who pre-order Deadman Edition will also receive the WWE 2K24 Cross-Gen base game (digital);

The Bloodline Edition will be available for $129.99 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. In addition to the Standard Edition and all bonus content included in the Deadman Edition, The Bloodline Edition includes the Ringside Pass (Season Pass plus Superstar Mega-Boost), The Rock Nation of Domination Pack, which features a Rock Nation of Domination Persona card and playable Superstar, and will only be available as part of The Bloodline Edition, plus The Bloodline Edition Bonus Pack, which features Mattel Elite Series 114 Jey Uso and Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Roman Reigns Persona cards and playable Superstars. For Xbox Series X|S and PS5® only, this pack includes a Family Above All Hoodie, OTC Shirt, Yeet tank Top and Yeet Sunglasses cosmetic items for The Island, while for Steam only, it includes an additional 32,500 VC. Also included is the WrestleMania 41 Pack which features the WrestleMania 41 Arena, two WrestleMania 41 Main Event Superstars Persona cards and playable Superstars, and a new Superstar Persona Card (TBA), which will all be available Summer 2025.

***** The Bloodline Edition will be available from March 7, 2025 – seven days ahead of Standard Edition. Players who pre-order The Bloodline Edition will also receive the WWE 2K24 Cross-Gen base game (digital);

For more information on WWE 2K25, visit the game’s official website, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on TikTok, X, Instagram, and subscribe on Twitch and YouTube. Official campaign hashtags #WWE2K25 and #RuleBeyondTheRing.

Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*WWE 2K25 and internet access required to play MyFACTION content. Online Account (13+) required to access online features. See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details.

**Pre-order bonus offer available through March 13, 2025. The Wyatt Sicks Pack is included with Deadman and The Bloodline editions. For digital pre-orders, items will be automatically entitled in-game. For physical pre-orders, items will be redeemed in game via code provided in-box. Terms apply.

***Pre-order offer available through March 13, 2025. Digital copy of WWE 2K24 Standard Edition will be automatically entitled to the platform account used to pre-order WWE 2K25 and available to download within 24 hours following pre-order. Offer is non-transferable and not available to platform accounts that already own WWE 2K24 on the same platform. Canceled pre-orders will result in removal of digital copy of WWE 2K24 from platform account. Terms apply.

****Exact release date of the Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker to be announced post-launch and subject to change.

*****Exact release date of the WrestleMania 41 Pack content to be announced post-launch and subject to change. For digital orders, post-launch WrestleMania 41 Pack content and DLC will be automatically delivered on release for PC users, available for download in the PlayStation store/Library tile for PS4 and PS5 users, and available for download in Microsoft Store for Xbox users. DLC will also be available for purchase separately.

About 2K

Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices, with product availability including physical retail and digital download. The Company is home to many talented development studios, including 31st Union, Cat Daddy Games, Cloud Chamber, Firaxis Games, Gearbox Software, Hangar 13, HB Studios, and Visual Concepts. 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports, and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA® 2K; renowned BioShock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization® and XCOM® brands; popular WWE® 2K and WWE® SuperCard franchises, TopSpin® as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR® 2K. Additional information about 2K and its products may be found at 2K.com and on the Company’s official social media channels.

2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. We develop and publish products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, and Zynga. Our products are designed for console gaming systems, PC, and mobile, including smartphones and tablets. We deliver our products through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at http://www.take2games.com.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Article by: Susan N.

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NBA 2K25 - Xbox Review

NBA 2K25 by developer Visual Concepts and publisher 2K Games—Xbox Series X review written by Nick with a copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

I can almost hear the naysayers with this latest release of NBA 2K25: “Another year, another sports title update, another roster update with nothing substantial added”. Well guess what? They’re very, very wrong. NBA 2K25 is the best annual update the series has seen in some time. I’d go so far as to say NBA 2K25 is the best sports video game release we have seen in years.

I wouldn’t want the unenviable job of trying to develop new features, while trying to figure out what worked from last year’s game and keep it going, while balancing that against wanting to freshen things up, all on a limited timeframe because of the yearly cycle of major sports leagues. It’s a tightrope act that can often earn more jeers than cheers from fans who lament the cycle as a roster update cash grab.

NBA 2K25 doesn’t completely reinvent the wheel here, but it doesn’t have to. This is a franchise that didn’t get exclusive NBA rights like Madden did with the NFL; they simply put out the best basketball game year after year until the would-be competition picked its ball up and went home. Since then the series has been good, but seldom great. Last season was a bit of a bust in my opinion, so I was unsure what to expect from this year’s release. And right off of the bat? I had a somewhat odd feeling because things felt off. Different. Uneven. Loose. There were a lot of descriptors going through my head as I figured up a quick match and just wanted to get a feel for the game itself without working through the tutorial. 

The thing is, what started off feeling sloppy actually grew on me as I realized it was simply more fluid. The feeling of loose controls was flexibility in movement and control options. The more I ran up and down the court, the more I began to appreciate that this game I knew so well and had been playing for well over a decade now finally felt like it had shaken some of its on-rails stiffness. There have always been exciting, flashy plays in NBA 2K, but many times things felt scripted. A specific set of animations triggered to go off in a very specific way. That may still well be the case behind the scenes, but the engine used in this year’s game feels like it has hit a new level.

Shots don’t just swish or bank in, they roll around the rim, ricocheting off of the backboard in unexpected ways. An errant pass doesn’t just sail out of bounds, but sometimes bounces off of a foot or a hand. One time it bounced off of the back of a player’s head, only to be snatched out of the air by a nearby defender who put the ball on the floor to advance, making contact with a teammate, nearly losing their balance before pressing on up the court. Such a simple set of events, but this is by far the most realistic representation of player movement I’ve seen yet.

Sure, this engine looks great in general. Well-known players look like themselves. The really great ones don’t just look like themselves, but are animated to move like themselves. Little nuances from free throw form, to how they handle a crossover to how they chew on their mouth guard. There’s a level of authenticity here that NBA diehards are bound to eat up, and all of it translates to the best basketball playing experience I’ve had yet. 

The presentation doesn’t stop there, as there’s an excellent soundtrack of music that plays in the background, tons of voiced dialogue in the MyCAREER mode, tons of authentic filters and commentary both for the modern game and some of the older eras for those throwback games. There’s still times where I recognize bits of audio commentary that’s been used in the last game or two, but the repetition’s down this year, with more audio than ever it seems like. There’s still room to expand – maybe have some more commentators or something, similar to Madden introducing more teams this year, but I know that’s likely a lot of work and a few bucks to bring those crews in – but it’s an area that could be improved.

Speaking of improvement, there’s aspects of the UI that I don’t love. Maybe I’m just being an old fuddy, but I preferred the last couple of shot meters to the ones presented here. It was a bit of a surprise to see what it looked like this year when I pulled up for my first shot. It bricked. There’s something about navigating the MyTEAM mode that took more time to get used to than usual as well. Just something about the menu UI didn’t click with me for a while.

Last but not least, since I’m airing grievances? I might as well bring up how much I have Virtual Currency. The microtransactions are strong with this series, and they have been for many years. They want too much of the VC (virtual currency) for the packs in MyTEAM, which is a sort of fantasy sports meets card collection mode that wants you to open your wallet. Still, you can choose to spend or not, and outside of the VC I start with for the version of the game I reviewed, I never buy any more. I’m just not a big microtransaction person in any game, so I tend to grind in games to avoid paying more. The good news is, compared to last year’s NBA 2K24? This year’s MyCAREER didn’t feel nearly as grindy. In fact I was earning VC at a good rate and enjoying my time doing so far better. 

That being said – I do have a request 2K: Could we stop with the pop-up windows when the game starts? Instead of defaulting to having them open, maybe have a banner with a button to be pressed to bring them up.  It’s annoying to fire up the game (which takes a bit to load in the first place), then see a menu and attempt to pick your game mode only to have a window pop up trying to get you to upgrade your purchase. And sometimes if you close that, a second window with a different offer pops up. It’s annoying, and it keeps me from getting right into the action.

There’s plenty of other modes to be had here outside of MyCAREER and MyTEAM as well. MyNBA is all about running a franchise. I love that there are different eras represented here (including the new ‘Curry Era’. I went back to the 80s to live out the early and later stages of my Detroit Pistons Bad Boys era in two different franchise files. There’s a ton to sink your teeth into here, and I lost a lot of hours to it. There’s also a MyGM mode that’s more of an RPG-lite management experience set with the current era as you also take the reigns of a franchise, but with a bit more story behind it. The story’s writing feels a bit stilted at times, but it’s still a lot of fun.

I was really happy to see The W get more love this year as well. Whether you follow the WNBA or not, it’s impossible to be more aware of the league with the arrival of some of this year’s top rookies, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. But it’s more about these new faces to the league. There’s more of an effort to make this mode more fully fleshed out than years past, including some storyline elements that don’t quite make it equal with MyCAREER, but a worthwhile endeavor all the same. And it’s worth noting that you get a set amount of VC for completing games in these other modes. I’ve seen some people grumbling that the requirement for ‘always connected’ could one day render these offline modes unplayable, but in reality I like that I’m getting VC for playing games, regardless of where (though MyTEAM does have a second currency in there. Frankly I think they should do away with that and just unify everything through VC. 

Even with all of these modes? The vast majority of my time is spent with MyCAREER mode. I went with a different build than recent years for my first one, and I’m having a blast with it. The actual storyline’s not as interesting as a some of the prior years have been, but the voice acting is solid and the progression elements have been a lot of fun. I’ve been up entirely too late at night since installing NBA 2K25, and it’s usually because of this roleplay-lite mode.

Simply put, NBA 2K25 is the best release this series has seen in years, and it’s probably my favorite sports game right now. This series has a knack for being my guilty pleasure, in that I play it more than almost anything else each year, and that’s very likely to be the case here once again. The package isn’t a flawless one, but there’s undeniable progress throughout NBA 2K25, and fans of the NBA owe it to themselves to play it.

 

Score: 8.75 / 10

 

 

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Fate of the universe is in your hands.

Ananki Game Studio reveals the new cinematic trailer for The Fate of Baldr.

Out of Oslo Norway - The Norwegian Indie game studio Ananki Game Studio is thrilled to reveal the brand new The Fate of Baldr cinematic trailer. Defend your ship against mythical bosses while mining resources and upgrading skills. Battle solo or team up with friends in online co-op for a journey of strategy, conquest, and victory.

A group of Viking warriors dock their spaceship on an alien world but are soon attacked by hostile inhabitants. They courageously fight off their attackers, using their advanced firearms and defensive towers. As the battle hardens, the Vikings know that the fate of the entire universe hangs in the balance.

"We are very excited to show off the cinematic trailer for The Fate of Baldr which we hope the fans will like" stated Ananki Game Studio

Watch the amazing new cinematic trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL1GJlOkWJo&ab

Your journey starts here, wishlist The Fate of Baldr now on Steam.

Join Ananki Game Studio on Discord and follow on social media: Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.

More news!

“The promising Norwegian Ananki Game Studio just revealed some really cool Work-in-progress artwork from our upcoming game "The Fate of Baldr", an action tower defense game blending Norse mythology and Scifi.

Take control of a Viking space warrior on a mission to save the great god Baldr and prevent the doom of Ragnarök!”

Alvheim: "Alvheim: A mesmerizing yet perilous jungle planet. Explore its enchanting beauty, but beware the hidden dangers. Don't be lured by the alluring scents of its flowers."

Vanaheim: "Vanaheim: Deep in its mystical forest, a shaman goddess performs ancient rituals. Be cautious of the sentient trees!"

Svartalvheim: "Svartalvheim: Once the proud home of dark elves, now a barren wasteland of sharp rocks and toxic pits. A tormented demigod toils below, crafting cruel weaponry."

Thurs: "Thurs: Fierce creatures dwelling beneath the surface of Midgardmun, fiercely protecting their lunar realm. Not the brightest, but their loyalty is unwavering."

Dragur: "Draugr: Undead Viking warriors, resurrected by the ruthless goddess of death, Hel. Relentless and unyielding, they fight to the bitter end."

Stone Guardian: "Sunstone Guardian: A one-eyed troll slumbers beneath the surface of Midgard's moon, guarding the ancient Sunstone with his life. Dare to challenge him, and he'll crush you without hesitation."

About Ananki Game Studio

Ananki Game Studio is an indie game development studio with 3 full time employees based in Oslo, Norway. The team consists of André (CEO/programmer), Asia (2d artist) and Anders (3d artist/programmer). Each of them have 10+ years of prior experience with programming, 2D art and 3D modeling. They've been developing games full time since 2020.

 

Article by: Susan N.

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NBA 2K24 Review

NBA 2K24 by developer Visual Concepts and publisher 2K Games—Microsoft Xbox Series X review written by Nick with a copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated reading time: 11  minutes

NBA 2K24 in many ways represents the best of sports video gaming. However, NBA 2K24 also represents some of the worst aspects of the video game industry as well. It is a shame, because NBA 2K24 is a fantastic game when you take into account its presentation and the fun to be had in playing the title itself. However, the gaming industry’s need to squeeze as much money out of its customers as possible rears its head here in a way that is impossible to completely ignore as well, which is unfortunate.

As a lifelong fan of the NBA who has been playing the 2K basketball franchise since it first released on the Dreamcast just before the turn of the century, I am the target audience for this release. I love basketball. I have been playing it since I was a kid, I grew up watching the Detroit Bad Boys era and have numerous collectibles spanning decades of fandom. I’ve experienced the growth and change in the 2K series over its 25 years, from a more fast-paced, arcade style of play to the more deliberate, simulation style of play that the series has become known for over the last several years.

I say all of this to explain why I love this series, and was able to enjoy so much of what NBA 2K24 brings to the table this year. The presentation is better than it has ever been. This is in some part simply due to the evolution of technology and time as developers continue to improve upon their craft and find new ways to leverage hardware. One of the most notable aspects of this is in the new PROPlay technology that Visual Concepts has rolled out. For quite some time now, this series used motion capture on a handful of specific players to help create authentic gameplay movements. NBA 2K24 is now leveraging this new technology to incorporate actual game footage instead, opening up a wealth of shots, dribble moves and realistic collisions to make the on-court gameplay look and feel more authentic than ever.

That is no small accomplishment. Unlike hockey or football where players have a lot of bulky equipment to sort of mask their body physics, the NBA has players out there in shirts and shorts jockeying for post position, colliding into one another mid-air and diving across the floor for loose balls. The types of tangled interactions are virtually endless and the 2K series has done a remarkable job capturing the athleticism and physicality found in the NBA. If the gameplay is the most important part of most video games (and I believe it is), then updates like this help to make the experience better. This title looks and sounds the part.

This translates into a thoroughly entertaining representation of basketball through a variety of modes such as MyCareer (create a player and put them through this hybrid single-player / online experience), MyTeam (think fantasy basketball mixed with card collecting), MyNBA (basically, a franchise mode where you run a team, not just a single player), MyWNBA (basically a stripped down version of MyCareer, but with a focus on the WNBA). Last year also saw the reintroduction of Jordan Challenges, and this year swapped in Mamba Moments. This is focused on highlights of Kobe Bryant’s career, where you try to emulate them through some targeted challenges. All in all, it’s a nice celebration of Kobe’s career for the 25^th anniversary of the NBA 2K series.

There are some notable changes in other areas as well. The interface is easier to get around, with more information in it than previous years. I like that the Seasons that occur every so many weeks are now shared across the MyTEAM and MyCAREER modes as opposed to being separate and making me feel like I have to budget how I spend my time between those two most popular modes of play. The AI has seen improvements as well, especially on the defensive side of the ball. I loved playing the three-on-three mode in MyTEAM and no longer seeing the opposing team abuse backdoor cuts on almost every other possession. I didn’t realize how twitchy that part of the gameplay had made me until I caught myself needlessly shading my defender that way out of habit from last year’s release, but instead found myself pleasantly surprised to see my defenders preventing that and some other relatively cheap tactics / angles taken to the hoop.

Of the aforementioned modes, the MyWNBA has received a few small tweaks to the formula they have been using the last couple of years, but nothing substantial. It makes sense that this is not where the devs would put most of their time as it’s been a nice inclusion for fans of the game, but I’m sure there’s data somewhere that shows that this mode is not as heavily played as some of the other ones. I appreciate that the MyNBA mode has received a ‘Lite’ mode that strips out some of the more complicated systems for those who want to run a franchise, but desire more time on the court and less in the menus micromanaging things between games. I for one really enjoy the depth of this franchise mode and don’t feel like I get much out of the ‘Lite’ option – but at the same time, I think it’s a nice design choice for those who don’t feel the same way. In addition to this streamlined functionality, we see the return of the ‘Eras’ option we saw last year, with an additional one representing Lebron’s time in the league. These five eras are fun to play with, though I’d like to see even older ones get represented at some point, and create a fun alternative to simply rolling out a franchise set in the current time.

However, the two modes fans are most likely to spend their time with are the MyTEAM and MyCAREER ones, and that is where the business practices of 2K Games starts to get in the way of the fun. MyTEAM is the best version of this ‘pack of cards’ collection modes we see in other sports titles like Madden, WWE, The Show and more. Additional options such as a more restrictive but rewarding Salary Cap Mode to help keep games a bit more balanced between players, or the addition of an option to buy specific cards you are looking for to complete collections are welcome. The core gameplay loop of complete tasks, gain cards and currency, then add to your collection and build out new teams to tackle new challenges is actually pretty fun most of the time, and largely unchanged from prior years.

That being said, the gameplay loop can be pretty grindy, with the rewards for completing tasks and playing games being fairly incremental. That is fine in and of itself I suppose, if it was a level playing field for all and this was just sort of ‘padding’ to keep people playing longer to reach their goals as opposed to feeling like they have nothing more to do. The issue is that you can spend real money on VC (Virtual Currency) that allows players to buy more packs or specific players. This gives those who purchase these funds an obvious advantage over those who spend time grinding for these same rewards. If that pace of progression wasn’t disconcerting enough, the new ‘buy whomever you want’ shop feels like a grab at getting players to spend more currency as well. On top of that, there is now a battle pass in the mix. That’s right, if you spend more money during the ‘seasons’, you can get more virtual rewards for the time you put in.

This same problem rears its head in the primary mode, MyCAREER. For the record, none of this is new. This has been standard operating procedure for the NBA 2K24 series for years now, and it’s often been viewed as a sort of gross set of microtransactions. However, something about it seems every more pronounced this year than the last few. Progress in MyCAREER just feels very slow. With my review copy, I got a 100,000 VC head start that got my player into… the mid 70’s in terms of their overall score. A dozen hours or so later, I was in the low 80’s. Again, I get wanting to set a pace that is somewhat slow, so players are still enjoying the game weeks or even months from now, but for those willing to spend potentially hundreds of dollars to skip the grin and suddenly have the best stats? Well, the actual experience is likely to be far less frustrating.

There is certainly an element of ‘get good’ here, as an incredibly skilled player can likely make up the difference between a character who is a 75 overall and a 90 overall. However, the vast majority of people will simply be doomed to lose against those higher-rated opponents. Of course, no one makes you play the multiplayer component, but MyCAREER certainly wants you to do so, as well as explore the new beachfront city it has established this year. The setting is more enjoyable than last year’s more cluttered, less visually appealing city, but with shops around every corner and numerous reminders that your character could be more competitive if only they had a better rating, there’s a stronger sense that NBA 2K24 is more reliant on VC than ever before.

It’s a shame really, because the actual career mode is still the strongest part of the overall experience for me. Admittedly, I miss the slightly more structured narrative focused on some sort of a plucky underdog or resilient comeback story like we’ve seen in prior games. Here you are seen as the next great player, perhaps even capable of becoming the GOAT (Greatest of all Time). There is still a story here, but it feels heavily stripped down in favor of getting the player into the game and not the ‘extra stuff’. That’s going to be hit and miss depending on the audience. I have a couple of friends who just like to roll out and play, and NBA 2K24 makes it easier to do that than years prior. However, I’ve generally enjoyed these narratives and missed some of that storytelling found in years past.

I will say that I thought one particularly cool new idea is in how NBA 2K24 approaches your career arc. Instead of feeling like you have to play each and every game in a season to get your stats up and instead gives you the option to play ‘key games’. This can be your first game as a pro, or against a key all-star at your position, or a pivotal matchup with another great team also vying for the championship. These games ‘mean’ more in terms of developing your character, and you can simulate the game in-between, and the system does a really nice job of keeping those simulated results in-line with how you played during actual games. The idea is to get you deeper into your career, more seasons into the career arc, so you can experience more of that rise to greatness.

Frankly, I think the above is a great idea. I’m someone who probably spends dozens (if not 100+) hours a year with every installment of the NBA 2K series and almost never make it more than one or two seasons into my career. By skipping the more mundane or ‘filler’ games along the way, I got to delve deeper into my created character’s career than ever before. This is especially cool, as I tend to make two or three different kinds of characters each year, just to try out the different playstyles available. There is still plenty to do between games, with numerous quests and objectives that give this beachfront city a sort of MMO-type vibe that works nicely with the RPG elements in character progression.

So where do I stand on NBA 2K24? This is one of the hardest reviews I’ve had to write in some time. I love the game itself, and have spent a ton of time with it so far and have no doubt that I will continue to this year. It’s still the best sports game out there. However, there is an ever-present grindy-ness to this year’s iteration that gave me the feeling I was swatting 2K’s hand away from my wallet as well. Will I still be playing in a couple of months, like I usually do, because I want to reach great heights with my characters? Or will the microtransaction-heavy nature of 2K’s business practices wear me down and cause me to move onto something else sooner than normal? It’s tough to say right now, but that’s the mixed nature of this year’s release in a nutshell.

Score: 6.5 / 10

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NBA 2K24 Introduces New Updates to MyNBA and The W for PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S

2K today unveiled the details and changes coming to MyNBA* and The W* in NBA 2K24 for PlayStation® 5 (PS5™) and Xbox Series X|S. MyNBA welcomes fans to the new LeBron MyNBA Era and introduces a streamlined option to get in the game faster with MyNBA Lite. In addition, new updates in The W allow players even more control as they pick their path to WNBA greatness.

MyNBA Welcomes a New Era

Last year, MyNBA debuted Eras, allowing players to experience some of the most iconic eras in basketball history. This year, players can rewrite history and step onto the court in the LeBron Era, where they can play through the 2010s and join forces with the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, LeBron James.

“We’re excited for fans of MyNBA to play the all-new experiences this game has to offer this year,” said Erick Boenisch, VP of NBA Development at 2K and Visual Concepts. “MyNBA Eras continues to put players in control of the NBA’s future and past, now including a vital part of NBA history with the LeBron Era. We also made the mode more accessible with MyNBA Lite, making it quicker and easier to jump into MyNBA than ever before.”

• MyNBA Lite: Empowering new players to get in the game faster, MyNBA Lite delivers a pick-up-and-play approach to the beloved franchise mode. Casual players will find the streamlined experience more approachable and intuitive, providing the perfect entry point for those looking to explore MyNBA. MyNBA Lite gives players the freedom and flexibility to quickly make the moves they need to win a title, such as making trades without CBA restrictions, extending contracts, having visibility on upcoming draft classes and more.
• The LeBron Era: Players can relive or rewrite the 2010s basketball era that saw LeBron James join forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to create the ‘Heatles’ superteam. As fans progress from the 2010s into the Modern Era, select players will undergo an automatic aging transformation, a new feature that is present in all of the historic Eras.
• 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement: To account for the new CBA that the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association agreed on this past year, NBA 2K24 is implementing new features like a luxury tax brackets scale with the salary cap, cap smoothing, increased value from the Mid-Level Exceptions (MLEs) and more.

MyLEAGUE returns in NBA 2K24 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Players can make executive decisions as a General Manager and lead their franchise to championship glory or elevate the league’s status as the Commissioner of the NBA.

Pursue Greatness in The W

The W also comes back in NBA 2K24 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. This year, The W introduces new ways for players to control how their WNBA unfolds, compete in casual 3v3 street games, chase new prizes and more.

“Elevating The W in NBA 2K is always an exciting part of our work every year,” said Felicia Steenhouse, Senior Producer at Visual Concepts. “We look forward to seeing how players choose to unfold their career in The W while pursuing greatness on the court.”

The W will also add a variety of new features for the women’s game, including:

• Choose Your Path: Players can choose their path towards WNBA stardom with two options: to enter the league as a college hoops sensation or an up-and-coming player with valuable international experience. It’s up to the player to decide how their WNBA career unfolds;
• In Pursuit of Greatness: An all-new feature - “In Pursuit of Greatness” - will be added to The W this year, where players can be pitted against some of the WNBA’s most gifted stars to see how they compare to their rival;
• Pick-Up Games: Instead of last year's Contact Challenges, this year, players can earn exciting badge perks by competing against a veteran from their own team, a star player they’re in a position battle with, and historic legends;
• The W Rewards: New rewards and content will be available in The W and The W Online, earned by winning games and completing challenges to unlock updated 2K Breakthrough Skins, MyTEAM Jersey Cards, and player-enhancing MyTEAM Shoe Cards and more exciting rewards.

All twelve WNBA teams return to PLAY NOW in NBA 2K24 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

For full details on the new updates coming to NBA 2K24 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles, check out the latest MyNBA and The W Courtside Reports. Stay tuned for additional information in the coming weeks to reveal even more of what’s new in NBA 2K24.

NBA 2K24 is currently scheduled for release on September 8 for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. For more information, please visit the NBA 2K24 official website.

Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K24 is rated E for Everyone from the ESRB. 

Follow NBA 2K24 on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook for the latest news.

Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*The W and MyNBA are only available on the new-generation version of NBA 2K24 for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S.

 

Article by: Susan N.

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