A Review of the NBA 2K16*

I've been playing NBA Live on a desktop computer since 2007. Although the game has greatly improved since then, there are still areas for improvement. In this blog, I have outlined the strengths and weaknesses of the 2K16 version (compared to the 2K14 version) as used on an Apple iPad Air.

Pros:

1. Better Graphics. In general, players looked better and more human compared to their 2K14 versions.

The app developers have perfected Manu Ginobili's most distinct features: his nose and hair!

One downside though is that Dirk Nowitzki looks weirder in 2K16 than in 2K14.

2K16 Dirk is Perpetually Squinting Dirk 

I noticed when my Mavs went up against the Lakers that Jordan Clarkson looked...sunburnt. The color of his head doesn't match with his body. I guess, not all players can be perfect.

2. Gameplan Option. 2K14 gives users less options in terms of controlling how a team plays offense and defense. The app greatly improved in this aspect in its newest version. 2K16 now gives its users the option to rank their top 3 players on offense, and to choose which defensive style (more man-to-man or more zone) will their team use.

This option is a blessing for control freak users like me. Ha.

3. My Player Option. The 2K14 for iPad version does not have a "My Player" option, unlike the Playstation version. Aside from having this feature, the 2K16 went further by allowing the customized player to participate in team games and measuring his development with every shot, steal, rebound and errors he commits in the "My Career" tab. I find this the most difficult part of the App because I don't know how the Cavs players play.

In case you want to know, my customized player moves like Dirk Nowitzki, defends like 2004 Rich Alvarez, looks like Gabe Norwood (or at least I tried) and is named after the Budapest singer.

Gabe Norwood or... Harvey Carey, I tried.

4. Blacktop Option. Aside from Quick Game and My Season (which is similar to the 2K14 version), 2K16 comes with a Blacktop Option. This allows the users to choose their own players for a streetball game. Imagine, FIBA 3x3 but with the option of going 1-on-1 up to 5-on-5. 

The "good" players are locked but if you have enough coins you can buy them. I only play 3-on-3 and after I purchased Steph Curry and Kawhi Leonard, I never lost since. Gotta love capitalism. 

4. THE TEAMS HAVE COACHES!!! When a team breaks for a timeout in 2K14, they just huddle together in the bench without any coaches shown but the 2K16 version has a coach and, barring any coaching changes after 8 October 2015, it's accurate. Take for example, coach Rick Carlisle of the Mavs. Seeing his animated version on the sidelines gives me chills (read: kilig). It makes the whole playing experience closer to the real thing.

So accurate.

They even have Pop!

Cons: 

1. New controls. I played NBA 2K14 for 2 years, and sort of memorized the controls. My familiarity with the controls contributed immensely to my Dallas Mavericks' 8 straight titles (last I played we're on the 2022 season) and Nowitzki's numerous season MVP and Finals MVP awards. It sucked that the 2K16 edition had a completely different set of controls that I have to be familiar with. Again. 

Time and again I have clicked the "Shoot" button right after my team gets the rebound, which results to a shot attempt from the opponent's side of the court which almost always results in a turnover. It's verrrry frustrating.

In the "Options" menu there's an option to use the 2K15 controls but it's still very different from the 2K14 ones. It was, I guess, 2K Sports' way of promoting its own kind of planned obsolescence. Now, I can't play both versions (one of which I paid for!) alternately because my fingers (and brain!) get confused as to which set of controls I'm using. As I play the 2K16 version more, I realize I have to eventually let go of my beloved 2K14. The hashtag #walangforever couldn't be truer.

2. No Multiplayer Option. I'm not sure if it's only in my version (downloaded free through AppCola) that is lacking the multiplayer option. If all versions (including the paid one from the Apple App Store) doesn't have one, then this is a big disadvantage for 2K16. No more real-life trash talking.

3. "Earn Coins" System. 2K14 did not have an in-app purchase option. Now, 2K16 users can buy anything from Boosts, Shoes, Courts...and even Players! I hate this option only because it promotes the idea that money can buy everything. (Wow, seryoso bigla.) 

I also find the point system weird because 2K16 gives more coins if one wins in Blacktop (first to score 21) compared to when one wins a regular season game (which, for me, is harder because I have to control a whole team for four 4-min quarters).

When I won a Blacktop 3-on-3 game using Curry and Kawhi, I got around 1300 coins. When I beat the Spurs in a regular season game using my Mavericks, which was verrrrry difficult, I only got 490 coins. Life is unfair.)

4. The Music. I know I shouldn't expect to hear Chvrches or even more lively songs from Walk The Moon because people didn't download the app for its music but the whole rap music thing is so stereotypical, it can be irritating. I hope 2K17 would have better, more diversified music. Hearing Major Lazer's Lean On is definitely a step in the right direction.

The Verdict: Despite all its faults, I still recommend getting NBA 2K16 as this might be the last NBA 2K app with Kobe Bryant in it. 

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*I got my NBA 2K16 app through AppCola. I don't know if that affects the players' performances or game options. If you got your app through the Apple App Store and noticed any difference with my experience, please let me know in the comments section.