NBA 2K25 Review Scores: Bouncing Back from All-Time Low

As a long-time basketball enthusiast and avid gamer, I’ve seen my fair share of NBA 2K games over the years. From the highs of NBA 2K18 to the lows of last year’s release, I must say that NBA 2K25 has managed to find a sweet spot that’s satisfying enough for me.


As someone who’s been playing less of NBA 2K recently, I’m curious to know how much of an improvement NBA 2K25 brings to the table. In this review roundup, we’ll delve into what critics and fellow gamers are saying about the game. By analyzing the collective opinions across various NBA 2K25 review scores found online, we aim to gauge whether this new edition is worth adding to our gaming library.

NBA 2K25 Review Scores: 82 on Metacritic

In simpler terms, NBA 2K25 received a score of 82 on the Xbox Series X, 79 on PS5, and 73 on PC, according to Metacritic. However, user reviews suggest that fans are less satisfied with the latest addition to the NBA 2K series on the Xbox Series X compared to the PC version.

This year’s review ratings are higher than they were last year, indicating significant progress. The key factor contributing to this advancement is the enhanced PC edition of the game, which now matches the performance of next-generation consoles. Critics have expressed concerns over the persistent and divisive VC (Virtual Currency) and other microtransactions. However, beneath these criticisms lies a highly praised sports simulation game.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to say that among the top-tier reviews for NBA 2K25 are coming from the Xbox Series X edition. One such glowing endorsement comes from MondoXbox, who gave the game a staggering 9.0 out of 10, praising it with words like:

Visual Concepts has skillfully combined tradition and innovation in NBA 2K25, enhancing classic elements while adding fresh features that increase its appeal. The exceptional Career mode, the most authentic gameplay experience yet, a technically superior department, and an impressively realistic simulation level make it a game worth buying for both seasoned players and newcomers, without a second thought.

The PS5 version of the game also got a score of 9/10 from IGN France, with a review that states:

Following our examination of the court and voicing concerns about Virtual Courts, it’s become apparent that NBA 2K25 continues to reign supreme as the uncontested leader in sports simulation.

This year’s edition of the game has received numerous accolades, particularly for its enhanced career mode and improved gameplay. Particularly noteworthy is the new dribbling mechanism, which many have hailed as the most significant improvement so far. However, there are still some technical issues that have been pointed out, such as occasional crashes and slowdowns, as reported by a few critics.

The review from Dot Esports sounds a bit negative, even with its 8/10 score for the game, as the writer summarized his thoughts:

Overcome the annoying crashes and dips in performance, and you’ll find an exceptional basketball simulation game that offers a wealth of exploration for fans of the NBA across various categories.

According to Dot Esports, one of the game’s strengths lies in its variety and richness of gameplay options and modes, which offer players an appealing selection to engage with, along with enhanced animations that contribute to a more engaging and lively gaming experience. On the flip side, they identified several areas for improvement: performance issues, a lack of depth in its RPG elements, and a steep learning curve for online play, which may prove challenging for some players.

A common issue pointed out about NBA 2K games, as well as other 2K titles, is their problematic online platform. The latest edition faced numerous problems last year, with cheaters, hackers, and automated bots being among them. To add to the woes, many gamers worldwide encountered significant online connection issues. Despite some users reporting improved online play, most negative reviews continue to highlight frequent disconnections.

It’s great that when you play the game online now, you rarely encounter bots and cheaters like you did last year. This has significantly improved the quality of online play. However, this might be because unscrupulous players are disinterested or it could still be early in the lifecycle of 2K25 for them to emerge.

Not surprisingly, it’s the critics who assessed NBA 2K25 on PC who seem less enthused. The game received its lowest rating from VG247, who awarded it just 3 stars out of 5. Their verdict was summarized as: “A decent effort, but not quite up to the mark.

In summary, NBA 2K25 continues to offer enjoyable experiences, and it manages to hold onto its position as a market leader, particularly with the inclusion of PC in the next-gen version. Nevertheless, there are some minor issues that prevent it from being a clear advancement, although it’s not simply a repetition of last year’s game.

2K25, despite varying opinions from critics and fans, remains unchallenged as the dominant force on the basketball court. Considering the limited competition Visual Concepts and 2K face annually, this is hardly surprising. However, the game consistently introduces new elements, even if they seem minimal in certain versions. This year’s addition, though, was substantial enough to make a noticeable impact.

2K and Visual Concepts seemed determined not to repeat last year’s missteps, understanding well that another blunder could tarnish their reputation beyond repair among dedicated gamers like myself. It’s reassuring to see they’ve stepped up their game this year, ensuring we won’t have to consider withholding our support due to a subpar release. Luckily, the quality of this year’s game has spared us from that disappointment.

In our NBA 2K25 evaluation, we awarded the game a 9 out of 10, one point less than the 9.5 out of 10 it received in the previous version. Here’s our take on it:

As an ardent fan, I can confidently say that NBA 2K25 is a must-have, whether you’re a newcomer or a returning enthusiast of the series. The developers have truly outdone themselves this year, with their dedicated focus on feedback and innovative gameplay enhancements, making it an absolute delight to play. NBA 2K25 is another resounding SLAM DUNK for the franchise!

NBA 2K25 is out now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

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2024-09-13 19:38