NBA 2K23

 Xbox Series X
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. IGN Spain
    Sep 15, 2022
    70
    There's no denying it: NBA 2K23 is once again a sports game of the highest level, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Jordan Challenge and the retro options. However, it's getting harder and harder to perceive the visual and gameplay improvements, along with the most aggressive micropayment system in the entire industry.
  2. Windows Central
    Sep 12, 2022
    70
    NBA 2K23 is a step up for the NBA 2K series as far as gameplay and in-game elements go, and the new additions to modes like MyNBA and MyTeam help the game modes feel less stale as a whole. However, the game's incredibly heavy reliance on microtransactions continues to hold back what is otherwise an incredible sports game.
  3. Xbox Tavern
    Sep 22, 2022
    65
    If you ask me, if you’re not willing to play MyCareer or even MyTeam, then save your money as NBA 2K23 is not worth it in the long run. You’ll just end up spending more money than you initially thought you would while potentially playing anything but basketball.
  5. Comicbook.com
    Sep 22, 2022
    60
    NBA 2K23 is bogged down in a lot of problems courtesy of predatory monetization and an overzealous RPG game taking priority over the actual basketball-ing, but it does have great qualities as well. There is plenty of content ensuring there's something for everyone to play and the game leans into its simulation aspects in a risky, but effective way. If the series can hone these good qualities and leave behind its outdated monetization schemes, 2K could garner another level of respect and become something that rises above the other sports games.
  6. IGN
    Sep 14, 2022
    60
    I am heavily conflicted about NBA 2K23. On one hand, the new retro game modes have reached out to my inner sports geek and given me a way to replay NBA history in a way that I’ve never done before. Especially paired with a handful of really strong gameplay changes, like improved spacing and AI, I foresee myself dumping dozens of hours into reliving and reconstructing NBA history. Conversely, I now feel completely and utterly isolated from the MyCareer experience. I have no interest in shelling out additional cash (even beyond the expensive Michael Jordan Edition) or grind for insane hours just to be able to compete on the online court, and the density of The City and its shopping opportunities is lost on me for the same reason. Instead, I’ll take my metaphorical basketball and go home, where I can enjoy the parts of NBA 2K23 that I can fully experience without the repugnant emphasis of its microtransactions.
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  1. Polygon
    Sep 16, 2022
    There is no question that NBA 2K23 is the most inspired work in the series, or any other in all of sports video gaming. The real question is how much of its staggering depth most players will ever see. [Polygon Recommends]

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best Xbox Series X Game of 2022
42
#42 Most Discussed Xbox Series X Game of 2022

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 32
  3. Negative: 17 out of 32
  1. aj587
    Sep 12, 2022
    0
    As an only Play-Now Online user, shooting is practically impossible online. There's a noticeable delay compared to 2KU, people are evenAs an only Play-Now Online user, shooting is practically impossible online. There's a noticeable delay compared to 2KU, people are even missing free throws most of the time like they are prime Ben Wallace. Layups are still bad if somebody dares breathes near you in the paint but that's always been the case in 2k.... last year was braindead easy to shoot, but this year you need a PERFECT release or you will miss 99% of the time. There is no real player % for online either now.

    While the shooting in park/rec could make sense, nobody is gonna remember every jumper for every player in Player Control/ Quick Match .... especially with input delays.

    This is coming from a guy that always reaches GOAT tier. Don't ruin the real basketball modes for the 2nd job grind park mode.    … Full Review »
  2. Mattyice
    Sep 13, 2022
    8
    NBA 2K23 continues to set the bar for sports titles, as it plays just as smooth and realistic as ever, which is not much of a surprise at thisNBA 2K23 continues to set the bar for sports titles, as it plays just as smooth and realistic as ever, which is not much of a surprise at this point, as well as retains its very in-depth modes and features, while adding a few new ones. The Jordan Challenge's return is a nice addition, but MyNBA Eras is truly an outstanding mode/feature that makes this game instantly worth buying for any fan of franchise mode. The amount of depth, realism, and love put into Eras is so great to see and allows any NBA fan to accurately recreate the league from various points in NBA history, although I wish we could get even more specific with the starting years. A common downside to 2K, as always, is the micro-transactions in other modes, which is nothing new at this point and while I don't pay a dime, I know others are forced to. A new con, though, is the new shooting meter, which definitely takes a lot of time to get used to, and I'm not quite sure why 2K changed it again. Otherwise, 2K23 definitely is another hit for easily the deepest and most polished sports game on the market today.… Full Review »
  3. Yaacgold24
    Sep 13, 2022
    2
    NBA 2K23 is not good, not improving graphics nor gameplay. But :

    How can it get worse ? if you don't do the perfect shot you ALWAYS miss    NBA 2K23 is not good, not improving graphics nor gameplay. But :

    How can it get worse ? if you don't do the perfect shot you ALWAYS miss it, not joking, you can have a 87 mid range shot rating, if you don't make the perfect green, it will break the rim or the board.

    Come on 2K please, last year it was already awful with the easiest shooting. Now it is the opposite ???

    And of course, in my career, you still have to walk in this laggy city with the laggy skateboard. IT IS HORRIBLE. HOW CAN YOU FIND ANY TYPE OF ENTERTAINMENT ???

    I'm mad because when i was younger i was amazed by the my career mode, when you appear in the NBA commercial ... "Where amazing happens", it was not too much. We were not trying to launch a ridiculous music career or clothes brand. We wanted to PLAY the sport we love.

    Now we have this ridiculous hard game keeping all the bad aspect of the previous ones.

    I won't talk about the VC, the game got doomed a long time ago

    I'm so disgusted.

    (ps : YEAH a jordan career "reminder" with the Last Dance intro music . . . . . . . not enough but +2 pts for the attempt)    … Full Review »
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