NBA 2K17: Summarizing And Analyzing Each Of The New Features
Jun 16, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; The game is broadcast on the video board during a watch party for game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
With NBA 2K17 set to release later this month, we summarize and analyze each of the new features coming to the franchise
If the NBA 2K17 #FRICTION video doesn’t get you hype, then there may be something wrong with you. (I kid, I kid…. but seriously).
Yes, I know. Another sports video game. Do they ever stop making them?
Well, the short answer is no, but 2K at the very least has something going for them, and I for one am very excited for their soon to be next installment in the storied franchise.
NBA 2K recently released a series of blogs written by some of their lead developers explaining some of the new features in this year’s game, and while lengthy posts, were well worth the read.
In case you’re lazy or simply didn’t bother to read them in their entirety, I’m going to do you a favor and summarize some of the new features and why you should be excited about NBA 2K17.
Next: New MyCAREER Features
The New MyCAREER Features
Size Matters
Right off the bat, 2K has made it clear that size matters when you are creating your player in MyCAREER.
In previous installments you could be a ‘tall’ PG (6’4″, 6’5″) and still be as quick as John Wall. It just didn’t make sense. In this year’s game, you can still create that MCW type and gain attribute bonuses in dunking and athleticism, but you won’t be as quick. A realistic video game? You betcha.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
Relationships Actually Mean Something
This may be countercultural, but 2K is also making it clear (without giving away too many details of course) that how you interact with someone in the present can affect you and your career in the long run.
Last year, 2K tried to showcase that by bringing in Spike Lee to direct the MyCAREER storyline, but if I’m being honest (and this is just my personal take), it was way too dramatic and too serious. Before you go labeling me as contradictory, get this: your childhood “best friend” threatens to expose the fact that you accidentally killed someone unless you pay him off.
2K seems like they’re going to try to scale it back with having “Orange Juice” who is supposed to your partner in crime on the court, an undrafted foreign free agent trying to make the team, and other players like that. In other words, realistic storylines that help show the more human side of basketball and professional sports.
Text Messaging
Yes, ACTUAL text messaging. Not the archaic version 2K tried to get going in 2K16 for you longtime players, but actual dynamic and interactive text messaging with NBA players and execs. I for one am looking forward to seeing how that system works and not being able to respond on my Blackberry-like phone from 2K16.
Gameplay
New Shooting Meters
In semi-recent installments of the 2K series (and correct me in the comment section if I’m wrong), a shot-release timer didn’t exist, it was just the shot clock.
Now in 2K17, there’s supposed to be various shot-meters for various types of shots (layups, 3-pointers, mid-range jumpers, etc.) and they vary in size depending on the player’s skill levels that you’re controlling; whether it be your MyCAREER player or Steph Curry.
Steals
According to the developer’s blog they posted on their Twitter account, the stealing system has been completely redone.
Instead of being dropped a letter grade in MyCAREER for trying to poke the ball away when the player you’re defending is about to run a pick-and-roll play, you have a much higher probability of successfully stealing the ball away for a fast break dunk the other way.
Another thing that I know I get frustrated with when I attempt for steals (which is a lot to be fair, but still) is that your player jumps on the other player’s back instead of you know, normally just making a quick swipe with your hands like any other basketball player.
This year, they’re promising that the above description won’t be happening (hopefully).
Physicality
Players actually may get worn down when they play 40+ minutes a night!!
(I’m looking at you James Harden, Jimmy Butler, LeBron James).
Look, I don’t care if you’re LeBron James or Tayshaun Prince, you should not be able to play the entire game and still be able to teleport to me when I blow past you after crossing you over. It just doesn’t happen.
Thankfully, 2K heard my many screams and answered my prayers for an even more realistic game, which I will in turn respond with more screaming and frustration for some other reason; but hey, where’s the fun in not wanting to throw your controller at the T.V. before/during/after the game?
New Coaching Style
This last feature won’t make as much sense if you’re looking to buy 2K for the first time or an occasional player, but for you more experienced players out there this may make you fist pump – you can draw up plays in-game! (Or at least, I think).
From my understanding, you can now override what the computer calls for a game-plan or individual for one of your own during a time out if something just isn’t clicking for your offense, or if you’re getting torched on defense…you know, like an actual coach would.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that these are really only teaser articles, NBA 2K has given its fans plenty to already get excited about – as it successfully does nearly every year.
Oh, and did I mention you can start your MyCAREER early and have it carry over to the game when it’s released for free?
2K may flop as hard as James Harden does on defense, but I have a feeling we’ll be letting out more screams like PG-13 is on the cover.
You can find all the early information on NBA 2K17 in their blogs here (Career Blog) and here featuring Mike Wang, a Gameplay Director for 2K.