NBA 2K23

 PlayStation 5
User Score
4.6

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 92 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 92
  3. Negative: 46 out of 92
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  1. kabuikiteam3
    Sep 12, 2022
    6
    every year, the user reviews for 2k come down to "great game but the microtransactions are egregious" and every year i have to remind people that based on inflation, most video games should cost closer to $95-100 and that microtransactions make the game more affordable not less. i think the critique that this is the same old game as last year is more valid bc all the same exploits from theevery year, the user reviews for 2k come down to "great game but the microtransactions are egregious" and every year i have to remind people that based on inflation, most video games should cost closer to $95-100 and that microtransactions make the game more affordable not less. i think the critique that this is the same old game as last year is more valid bc all the same exploits from the 2000s still work and there's really been few upgrades to the core gameplay since 2k14.… Expand
  2. Jt0429
    Sep 16, 2022
    7
    Good-
    Decent improvements to gameplay mechanics; Iconic Jordan Challenge mode.
    Bad- Inconsistent performance; Grindy progression favoring microtransactions. Thoughts- From some neat new ideas to some much-needed upgrades, NBA 2K23 makes a solid effort to feel like a holistic basketball sim and probably will be more than enough to justify dumping dozens of hours into for long-time    Good-
    Decent improvements to gameplay mechanics; Iconic Jordan Challenge mode.

    Bad-
    Inconsistent performance; Grindy progression favoring microtransactions.

    Thoughts-
    From some neat new ideas to some much-needed upgrades, NBA 2K23 makes a solid effort to feel like a holistic basketball sim and probably will be more than enough to justify dumping dozens of hours into for long-time series fans. Better graphics, smarter opponents, as well as some notably cool ideas like the adrenaline boosts that make sudden movements easier and an addicting badge system do indeed add some much-needed depth. The other side of the coin is that aggressive microtransactions, inconsistent performance, and rigidly always-online functionality continue to bog the series down.    … Expand
  3. ehtaco
    Sep 12, 2022
    6
    The high scores are genuinely upsetting because those people are the reason we will never get a great, new basketball game again. Why make a good, new experience when we can recycle the same game virtually every year and mfs eat it up?

    Is it a good basketball game? Yes. Was NBA 2K21 a good basketball game? Yes. These games are virtually identical outside of rosters and pretty minor    The high scores are genuinely upsetting because those people are the reason we will never get a great, new basketball game again. Why make a good, new experience when we can recycle the same game virtually every year and mfs eat it up?

    Is it a good basketball game? Yes. Was NBA 2K21 a good basketball game? Yes. These games are virtually identical outside of rosters and pretty minor details in the gameplay. I'm not crazy far into MyCareer, but this may be the worst effort yet from 2K on that front. The only thing keeping this from slipping into 5/10 territory is the Jordan Challenges returning. And even then, I hate giving too much credit for that mode. It was done in 2K11 and was somehow better then... a decade ago.

    These devs are lazy and coasting at this point.    … Expand
  4. DanielOsterne
    Oct 20, 2022
    5
    First of all, I want to congratulate 2k for making an excellent basketball simulator. However, I have to say that this year it was not loyal to its consumers. NBA2k23 just isn't a dialed copy of last year's game because of Jordan's added content. In gameplay, they gave a very discreet slap. Otherwise, it's last year's version with only updated menus. I expected much more! Next year, IFirst of all, I want to congratulate 2k for making an excellent basketball simulator. However, I have to say that this year it was not loyal to its consumers. NBA2k23 just isn't a dialed copy of last year's game because of Jordan's added content. In gameplay, they gave a very discreet slap. Otherwise, it's last year's version with only updated menus. I expected much more! Next year, I don't know if I'll venture with pre-sales, because I'm tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.… Expand
  5. vikasgames94
    Feb 26, 2023
    5
    As a single player, it's really good. However, it's still not a simulation basketball game. When NBA 2K11 came out, I thought after 10 years, we'll get realistic basketball game. There are thousands of new animations and flashy graphics but it's still NBA 2K with 2K problems. People who've been playing the game since 2K11 will understand.

    Most of the problem stems from bad AI, help    As a single player, it's really good. However, it's still not a simulation basketball game. When NBA 2K11 came out, I thought after 10 years, we'll get realistic basketball game. There are thousands of new animations and flashy graphics but it's still NBA 2K with 2K problems. People who've been playing the game since 2K11 will understand.

    Most of the problem stems from bad AI, help defense and inside offense.

    As a multiplayer game, it's abysmal. If you've made a 99 overall player without spending real money, you might enjoy the game with your friends. This game gives you stress.

    As a game, it's actually good but we've been saying that for years now. It's improving but MyTeam and MyCareer are just ruining the game. They need a complete restructure of the modes.    … Expand
  6. svensenk86
    Oct 6, 2022
    7
    I like NBA 2k23, it is a great game of Basketball with some minor issues which decreases this rating. First of all the good, the Basketball feels real, I have created a PF like I play in real and I do actually the game I do in real, from movements and Defensive work, for sure the dunks are not so easy for me in real :D but besides that you really feel the player, that he is heavy and tall,I like NBA 2k23, it is a great game of Basketball with some minor issues which decreases this rating. First of all the good, the Basketball feels real, I have created a PF like I play in real and I do actually the game I do in real, from movements and Defensive work, for sure the dunks are not so easy for me in real :D but besides that you really feel the player, that he is heavy and tall, when you control a PG you really feel the difference. The opponents make great adjustments to the game, double team my Player when needed and when it makes sense. The graphic is as usual awesome, also small details in the crowd are awesome. Commentary best in the business! The story is also kind of what the world is like...tweets, followers, social media, the look, it catches all the actual "first world problems" which the kids have these days. Some minus points, but not really minus, I mean sure upgrading your player takes a lot of grind and time, but it is also realistic somehow. I would not like going the 60 OVR to a 90 OVR directly in 1 season. For sure you cannot compete online with people who invested extra. But my focus is on the PvE so it is realistic that it takes time to improve. I compete against All Star already, so all good. If LeBron is still better than me in my first season than that is correct ;) What I do not like is the presentation in myPlayer! It is awesome when you play normal but in myPlayer the commentary gets cut when Free Throws happen, the cuts are too quick. No intro sequences, no cool camera moves before Free Throws, this is actually for me really 3 points decrease as I like the presentation so much and that is all missing in myPlayer...in the college flashbacks you have that but not in the actually season you play.
    In the end, it is a great game, I really like it this year!    … Expand
  7. Jediknight0330
    Jan 24, 2023
    6
    Gameplay for NBA 2K23 is fantastic! As for MyCareer, the story is not that good. Very cheesy. Some of the people you have to do quests for are insufferable. But I still had some fun with it. The rapping they have you do is hilarious. I love that they have historic teams and filters for how the 80's NBA looked like back then. But this really should be bare minimum for most sports gamesGameplay for NBA 2K23 is fantastic! As for MyCareer, the story is not that good. Very cheesy. Some of the people you have to do quests for are insufferable. But I still had some fun with it. The rapping they have you do is hilarious. I love that they have historic teams and filters for how the 80's NBA looked like back then. But this really should be bare minimum for most sports games these days. (Looking at you, EA)… Expand
  8. happyartie
    Sep 15, 2022
    5
    Cool improvements, nice new features and Jordan Challenge. But more and more pay to win game.
  9. khlfd
    Sep 22, 2022
    6
    Wow people are right about the microtransactions so you have to spend a lot to get the complete game

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2022
37
#37 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 59
  3. Negative: 0 out of 59
  1. GRYOnline.pl
    Nov 16, 2022
    80
    I can safely recommend NBA 2K23 to every sports games fan, even though the microtransactions are extremely aggressive. The gameplay is too good, and I hope future updates won’t break it.
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  2. Merlin'in Kazanı (Turkey)
    Oct 23, 2022
    85
    NBA 2K23 offers fun content by adding new modes to the series. In addition to the 10+ hour Jordan Challenge mode, it is also a pleasure to play NBA seasons in different eras.
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  3. PLAY
    Oct 15, 2022
    80
    The same great core experience and slick presentation we’re used to, with a number of welcome changes. A superb basketball game. Alley-oops, they did it again. [Issue#20, p.70]
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