NBA 2K24

Introduction: Honoring the Past, Building the Future

NBA 2K24, developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports, is more than just another annual entry in the long-running basketball simulation franchise. Released in September 2023, it celebrates the legacy of Kobe Bryant, adds revolutionary tech like ProPLAY, and aims to deliver a more authentic basketball experience across modes like MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, and The City.

But while NBA 2K24 offers significant improvements, it also draws criticism for familiar flaws: monetization, grind-heavy gameplay, and online balance issues. In this deep-dive review, we’ll explore how the game evolves from its predecessors, whether it lives up to Kobe’s legacy, and if it truly deserves a spot in your gaming rotation.

1. The Kobe Factor: A Tribute to the Mamba

One of NBA 2K24’s biggest marketing features is the return of Kobe Bryant as the cover athlete, with the game paying tribute to his storied career.

Mamba Moments Mode

• Recreates seven iconic games from Kobe’s career (e.g., 81-point game vs Raptors, 2006 playoffs).

• Players relive Kobe’s signature moves, commentary, and challenges.

• Similar to Jordan Challenge in NBA 2K23, but more focused on tempo and shot-making.

 Presentation & Nostalgia

• Classic Lakers jerseys, broadcast overlays, and period-accurate visuals.

• Mamba Moments provide both emotional resonance and gameplay variety.

Kobe’s presence is felt throughout the game—an homage done with class and polish.

2. ProPLAY Technology: The Biggest Innovation Yet?

NBA 2K24 introduces ProPLAY, a feature exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, using real NBA broadcast footage to drive player animations.

Real-Life Movements in Real Time

• Replaces motion-capture with game film, translating dribbles, dunks, passes into in-game animations.

• Signature styles for stars like Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, and LeBron James feel noticeably smoother.

Next-Gen Only

• ProPLAY is not available on last-gen or PC, creating a generation gap.

• While subtle for casuals, competitive players will notice the fluidity and realism.

ProPLAY is the future of sports animation, and 2K24 is the first step toward that future.

3. Core Gameplay Mechanics: Better Balance, Still Flawed

NBA 2K24 continues refining its core on-court mechanics, offering more control, better spacing, and smarter AI.

Gameplay Enhancements

• Adrenaline boosts limit dribble spam and encourage efficient ball movement.

• Improved shot timing, contest system, and foot planting mechanics.

• Shot meter customization allows players to tailor visual feedback.

Persistent Issues

• Layups and post-play still feel slightly clunky.

• AI inconsistencies on defense (especially in MyCAREER).

• Online latency can affect timing, especially in The City.

Overall, NBA 2K24 offers a realistic and rewarding basketball experience but still struggles with consistency across modes.

4. MyCAREER Mode: Rise to Greatness or Pay-to-Win?

MyCAREER returns with a new narrative, refreshed quests, and enhanced RPG elements—but the VC grind remains a serious issue.

The Storyline and Progression

• Players step into the shoes of a rising rookie known as “MP.”

• Offers choices, agent management, and endorsement deals.

• Cutscenes are skippable, and storylines are less intrusive than in past years.

The VC Economy

• Attribute upgrades, clothing, animations—all tied to Virtual Currency (VC).

• Requires either a major time investment or real money to be competitive.

• Grinding feels disproportionate compared to progression.

While the storytelling is toned down, the monetization undermines the mode’s depth and fairness.

5. The City: Bigger, Brighter, and Busier

The City mode returns as a sprawling open-world hub for online play, but with streamlined travel and seasonal content to reduce previous fatigue.

 City Design Improvements

• Smaller, faster-to-navigate map.

• Events like The REC, Pro-Am, and Streetball courts are easier to find.

• Affiliations remain but with lesser impact on gameplay.

Activities and Rewards

• Seasonal objectives offer cosmetics, boosts, and rep increases.

• Quests now have less filler and more focus on gameplay-based progression.

Despite its cosmetic improvements, The City still heavily favors players who spend VC, creating an uneven online ecosystem.

6. MyTEAM: Fresh Format, Same Spending Trap

MyTEAM continues to evolve with structural updates and card collection innovations, but the core problem remains: monetization and RNG.

 Mode Changes

• Salary Cap mode introduces tier-based team building to prevent overpowered squads.

• Removal of Contracts allows players to use cards without restrictions.

• Crossplay in MyTEAM broadens matchmaking across next-gen platforms.

 Pack Odds and Paywalls

• Card pack odds are still low, pushing players toward microtransactions.

• Power creep makes old cards obsolete quickly.

• Limited-time events pressure players to engage constantly.

For collectors and casuals, MyTEAM is fun and flashy. For competitive players, it’s a pay-to-compete grind.

7. MyNBA and Eras Mode: A Love Letter to NBA History

For franchise mode purists, MyNBA Eras Mode continues to be a standout feature—letting players relive and rewrite NBA history.

Available Eras:

• Magic vs. Bird Era (1980s)

• Jordan Era (1990s)

• Kobe Era (2000s)

• Modern Era

• New in 2K24: LeBron Era, starting in 2010.

Franchise Simulation Enhancements

• Custom rules, team expansions, and historical drafts.

• Period-accurate filters, commentary, and logos.

• Players can override history—change trades, retirements, championships.

MyNBA remains the most detailed franchise sim in sports gaming, often overlooked due to online-focused marketing.

8. Visuals, Audio, and Atmosphere

NBA 2K24 looks and sounds better than ever, especially on next-gen.

Visual Enhancements

• Enhanced lighting, crowd reactions, and sweat textures.

• ProPLAY ensures player likenesses and movement are more lifelike.

• Detailed arenas with realistic jumbotron content and floor reflections.

Audio Realism

• Updated commentary from Kevin Harlan, Greg Anthony, and Doris Burke.

• New crowd chants and real-time dynamic audio.

• In-game soundtrack features Drake, Lil Wayne, J. Cole, and more.

The audiovisual presentation is top-tier and immersive, rivaling broadcast television in fidelity.

9. Crossplay, Accessibility, and Platform Gaps

NBA 2K24 finally introduces crossplay for next-gen consoles, a long-requested feature that enhances online connectivity.

 Supported Platforms

• Crossplay available between PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

• Not available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, or Nintendo Switch.

• PC players still use a last-gen port, missing out on ProPLAY and The City.

Accessibility Options

• Visual aids, controller remapping, and subtitles improved.

• Still lacks full custom difficulty scaling for disabled players.

While crossplay is a win, the split between last-gen and next-gen players continues to fragment the community.