NBA 2K15
Cover art featuring Kevin Durant
Developer(s)Visual Concepts
Publisher(s)2K
SeriesNBA 2K
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
PlayStation 3
PlayStation 4
Xbox 360
Xbox One
Android
iOS
Release
  • NA: October 7, 2014
  • AU: October 9, 2014
  • EU: October 10, 2014
  • JP: November 27, 2014
Android, iOS
  • WW: October 16, 2014
Genre(s)Sports
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

NBA 2K15 is a 2014 basketball simulation video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K. It is the sixteenth installment in the NBA 2K franchise and the successor to NBA 2K14. It was released in October 2014 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the three cover athletes of NBA 2K13, is the solo cover athlete of NBA 2K15.[1] NBA 2K15 was succeeded by NBA 2K16.

New features

Scanning system

NBA 2K15 allows players to scan their faces into the game for created players, using the PlayStation Camera on PlayStation 4 or the Kinect on the Xbox One.[2] The 3D mapping process creates a realistic rendition of the gamer's face to make their gaming experience as real as possible. The process of scanning the face will take about 30 seconds. Players need to get very close (6-12 inches) to the camera and slowly turn their heads 30 degrees to the left and right during the scanning process.[3]

MyCareer mode and upgrading system

For 8th-Gen systems (PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One), MyCareer Mode has been revamped with new additions such as the mentor and upgrading system. The player's MyPlayer speaks to the leader of the team before and after games. 2K implemented their voices providing for a more in-depth user experience. These features have allowed for a greater "storyline" to be integrated into MyCareer mode. MyCareer also uses a new upgrading system which gets more virtual currency from endorsement deals, completing challenges, and badges (which come in bronze, silver, and gold). However, on 8th-Gen systems, players cannot view playoff stats or the playoff tree.[4]

Coaching advice

A new coach satisfaction system has been introduced that provides real-time feedback based on the MyPlayer's court performance. MyPlayer is mentored by former Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, who will either praise or admonish the player based on their gameplay.[5]

Development

The game included a pre-order bonus pack which includes 5,000 Virtual Currency (VC), 2 MyTEAM card packs, a choice of an International MyTEAM card or rookie Kevin Durant, and MyPLAYER jerseys inspired by Durant.[6] On August 6, 2014, it was announced that Crew will be back in the game for current-gen consoles, then on August 7, 2014 it was announced that the game would have a new mode called MyLeague, which is similar to NBA 2K14's GM mode, but with added customization and improvements. New RPG elements have also been introduced to the game, such as the conversation system and press conferences. On September 17, 2014 it was announced a face scanning system would be introduced into the game, allowing players to add their own likeness into the game.[7] There is a MyNBA2K15 mobile app that came out along with the game. It was also announced in August 2014 that the PC version would essentially be the same as the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions, making use of graphical enhancements first introduced in the eighth-generation versions of NBA 2K14.[8][9]

The soundtrack was curated by Pharrell Williams.[10]

Soundtrack

Critical response

NBA 2K15 received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator Metacritic.

Josiah Renaudin of GameSpot gave the game a 9/10, praising the control scheme, realistic presentation and animations, unparalleled level of customization and the helpful shot meter, but stated that the visual update is not as drastic as NBA 2K14.[16]

Mike Mitchell of IGN praised the great graphics, smooth control as well as the improved MyCareer mode, but criticized the severe server problems and occasionally broken Face Scan.[18] USA Today said the game featured the best commentary on any sports game.[20]

Andrew Fitch of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game a 6/10; he stated in his review that the game delivers a solid core basketball experience, particularly with MyCareer mode, which features real-life NBA player voices, but criticized that the online component and broken server, which can make the game unplayable, wrecks the overall experience.[15]

During the 18th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated NBA 2K15 for "Sports Game of the Year".[21]

Sales

NBA 2K15 shipped 5.5 million units by February 4, 2015.[22] As of August 2015, the game has shipped 7 million units.[23]

References

  1. ^ NBA 2K15 Official Box Art Cover Revealed
  2. ^ NBA 2K15 Face Scan Glitch Disaster Impossible
  3. ^ NBA 2K15 My Career Gameplay is Best Ever! 3D Face Scan Offers Lifelike Version of Gamer [Watch Trailer Here]
  4. ^ NBA 2K15's MyCareer Mode Features Real Players' Voices
  5. ^ "NBA 2K15 Defensive Tips". Archived from the original on 2014-12-13. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
  6. ^ NBA 2K15 Per Order Bonuses
  7. ^ Zdyrko, Dave. "NBA 2K15 MyGM To Distance Itself From VC, Be More Dynamic". Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  8. ^ Seeto, Damian (12 August 2014). "NBA 2K15 On PC Has Same Features And Graphics As Xbox One and PS4 Versions". Attack of the Fanboy. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  9. ^ Prescott, Shaun (26 August 2014). "NBA 2k15 system requirements released, will implement 'next-gen' technology". PC Gamer. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  10. ^ NBA 2K15 Official Game Soundtrack Revealed
  11. ^ "Nba 2K15". Metacritic.
  12. ^ "NBA 2K15 for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic. 2K Sports. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  13. ^ "Nba 2K15". Metacritic.
  14. ^ "Nba 2K15". Metacritic.
  15. ^ a b Andrew Fitch (10 October 2014). "EGM Review: NBA 2K15". Electronic Gaming Monthly. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  16. ^ a b Josiah Renaudin. "NBA 2K15 review: In it to win it". GameSpot. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  17. ^ Michael Huber. "NBA 2k15 - Review". GameTrailers. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  18. ^ a b Mike Mitchell (10 October 2014). "NBA 2K15 review: Technical foul". IGN. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  19. ^ Matt Whittaker (8 October 2014). "Review: NBA 2K15". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  20. ^ NBA 2K15 Review PS4 Xbox One
  21. ^ "2015 Awards Category Details Sports Game of the Year". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  22. ^ Eddie Makuch (2015-02-03). "GTA 5 Ships 45 Million Copies, Including 10 Million On Xbox One And PS4". GameSpot. Retrieved 2015-02-04.
  23. ^ Matulef, Jeffrey (21 August 2015). "Grand Theft Auto series has shipped over 220m copies". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved 22 August 2015.

External links

NBA 2K
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