'NBA 2K15' (iOS) Review: The best, around - New York NY Video Game
Big, bad and in charge, "NBA 2K15" is like Dennis Rodman on the boards, awkward at first, but ultimately a new standard in the game you love.
2K Sports When you think of a huge sports series the likes of "NBA 2K" on a mobile platform, you immediately think of a smaller, scaled back game that lacks the punch of its home console brothers.
"NBA 2K15" on the iOS however is easily the most polished mobile basketball game of all-time. It's easy to see the game was a labor of love and small hiccups aside, it feels as close to the home console versions as it possibly can. Add in a competent MyCareer mode and you have a game that can kill off hours at a time if you let it. Make no mistake- "NBA 2K15" on the iOS is a game that would have been top-notch on the PlayStation 2 and even stomachable as a bargain-bin DLC on the PlayStation 3.
The biggest reason that the game is able to even be considered home console worthy are the visuals. From player tattoos to hair, everything is there and authentic. Although there are some graphical hiccups at times, from frame rate issues in between baskets while the camera zooms in, the end result is a beautiful basketball game that immediately gives the game credibility. Another thing that lends to the game's aura is the A.I. From pick and rolls the post game, there's a level of strategy in "NBA 2K15" that no other non-2K round all game on the mobile market can claim. From the visuals to the artificial intelligence, the game reeks of polish. One thing that gets the job done, but could have been better are the controls. Although they get the job done after some initial getting used to, the touch-screen analog and button placement hurt an otherwise solid game. You'll often forget when your left thumb is and as a result will get destroyed on defense, the same way you'll accidentally clip the shoot button when you were looking to pass after a defensive rebound, resulting in a disaster that ends with a turnover. While these problems stop the more you play, they can be annoying enough early on for you to stop playing all together. Regardless of the control issues at times, "NBA 2K15" is a downright sexy b-ball game that any roundball fan with an iPad should own. From the top-notch visuals to the assortment of modes, it's a perfect companion for any gamer looking to shoot some there's or throw down a few dunks on the go. The Good:
Surprisingly Solid Visuals: Tattoos, hair and facial expressions are all solid. Although there are some graphical hiccups here and there, "NBA 2K15" on the iOS is easily the best looking mobile basketball game ever.
Slimmer, But Accessible MyCareer: It's naturally nowhere near as good as the console version, but
it's here, playable and enjoyable. Scary to think, there may even be more create options in the mobile game. Commentary: Again, it's not on the same level as the PlayStation 4, but hearing the crew chime in on a good shot or a player, on a game played on your phone or tablet, certainly sets the bar high for future tablet basketball games. Simplified Control: With only one analog stick, control is simplified, but it doesn't take away from the fun. Although the touch controls take some getting used to, they ultimately work well. Court Savvy A.I.: Seeing teams run pick and rolls and intentionally foul you late in a game are too cool to fathom. Far from a dumb title, "NBA 2K15" on iOS and Amazon fire is uber competent. The Bad: Frame Rate Issues: At times, the clunky and choppy screens are an eyesore, especially at the start of games and during cutscenes. Control Takes Time to Master: Although there's support for controllers, there's no list of supported device and touch controls take a while to master.
A lack of spacing of on-screen buttons also creates situations where you press the wrong buttons.
Final Thoughts: You're simply not going to find a better, cleaner playing and authentic basketball game on a mobile device. Control issues aside, it's a beefy title with plenty to do and one that will change the way you play mobile games and what you expect from them moving forward.