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NBA 2K25

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of NBA 2K25
Item: NBA 2K25
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresThird Person Perspective, Simulation, Sports, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableSep 6, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One

DeveloperVisual Concepts

Overview

Stack wins, raise banners, and make history in NBA 2K25. Command every court with authenticity and realism Powered by ProPLAY, giving you ultimate control over how you play in NBA 2K25. Define your legacy in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, and The W.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

NBA 2K25’s Story mode thrives on player-driven flexibility—branching choices, deep customization, and WNBA-focused legacy-building—but sacrifices cinematic depth and emotional resonance for gameplay mechanics, leaving critics divided between innovation and missed narrative potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The positives surrounding NBA 2K25’s Story mode are centered on its enhanced player agency and immersive customization. Critics like Digital Chumps praised the branching narrative in MyCareer, noting how players can shape their journey through quests and interactions, while Finger Guns highlighted the deep character creation and social media integration that adds layers to the experience. GamersRD celebrated the introduction of a WNBA-focused story mode, En busca de la grandeza, which offers legacy-building opportunities, and GamingBolt commended the steady pacing and natural character development in the NBA Finals campaign. Push Square emphasized the back-story progression from college to the FIBA World Cup, while GameCritics noted that meaningful decisions now impact character growth, enhancing narrative engagement. These elements collectively suggest a mode that prioritizes player-driven storytelling and flexibility. However, several critics expressed concerns about the diminished emphasis on traditional narratives. Gameblog.fr and Meristation criticized the shift away from strong storylines toward gameplay mechanics, with the latter noting players’ preference for mechanics over "clichéd stories." Vandal and ZTGD pointed to a lack of cinematic quality and off-court activities, respectively, while Generación Xbox and New Game Network lamented the reduced narrative depth, calling historical moments "optional" and less integrated. VideoGamer also noted that the GOAT competition lacks a detailed narrative, and GGRecon highlighted missed opportunities in character relationships compared to previous iterations. These critiques reflect a broader sentiment that NBA 2K25’s story mode feels more like a framework for gameplay than a cohesive, emotionally resonant experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging NBA 2K25’s evolution in MyCareer as a step forward in player customization and engagement, even if it sacrifices some narrative depth. While Digital Chumps and Finger Guns appreciate the mode’s flexibility and immersion, others like Vandal and Gameblog.fr feel it prioritizes mechanics over storytelling. The introduction of new modes like En busca de la grandeza and the emphasis on dynasty-building in Worth Playing’s review show a willingness to innovate, but the lack of cinematic polish and traditional narratives remains a sticking point. Ultimately, critics agree that NBA 2K25’s story mode is more about player agency than a compelling plot, reflecting a broader industry trend toward gameplay-centric experiences in sports games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

NBA 2K25 delivers polished, immersive basketball action with refined mechanics like ProPLAY and Rhythm Shooting, deep customization, and authentic dribbling/shooting feel—yet struggles with sluggish controls, repetitive gameplay, and microtransaction frustrations, falling short of revolutionary innovation despite strong polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of NBA 2K25 received widespread praise from critics, with many highlighting its refined mechanics and innovative features. Reviewers like GameGrin and GGRecon lauded the introduction of the ProPLAY system and Rhythm Shooting mechanic, which added fluidity and realism to on-court actions. Gameblog.fr and IGN Spain emphasized significant improvements in player movements and accessibility, while God is a Geek praised the enhanced dribbling systems and AI behavior. The game’s focus on customization, such as MyCAREER’s 74 Pro-Tuned Builds (But Why Tho?) and the revamped MyGM mode with a perk system, was also celebrated for deepening player engagement. Additionally, Digital Chumps noted that modes like MyCareer and MyTeam remained highly engaging despite minor flaws, and XboxEra highlighted the authentic feel of dribbling and shooting mechanics. These positives underscored the game’s evolution as a polished basketball simulation. However, several critics pointed out notable drawbacks. Nintendo Life criticized the sluggish controls and 30fps performance on Switch, while Digital Chumps and PlayStation Universe mentioned animation drag and inconsistent movement that detracted from immersion. Xbox Tavern and ZTGD voiced concerns about repetitive gameplay and issues like "sluggish ball handling" and unbalanced defensive mechanics. Movies Games and Tech and Push Square also noted frustrations with microtransactions and the grind for in-game currency, which they felt undermined the experience. While most platforms (like PS5 and Xbox Series X) saw improvements, some critics argued that the game lacked groundbreaking innovation, with Generación Xbox and GameCritics noting that while ProPLAY and other systems were refined, they didn’t revolutionize the series. These critiques revealed areas where NBA 2K25 fell short of perfection. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that NBA 2K25 delivered a strong gameplay experience. GameInformers and New Game Network praised its realistic animations and refined mechanics, while Vandal called it one of the best in the series. Even critics who pointed out flaws acknowledged the game’s improvements, such as GamingBolt’s praise for natural movement and Twinfinite’s emphasis on enhanced defensive systems. While some issues like AI inconsistencies and microtransactions lingered, the collective sentiment was that NBA 2K25 successfully elevated the basketball simulation genre, offering a balanced mix of accessibility, depth, and innovation that appealed to both casual and competitive players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

NBA 2K25 crushes expectations with next-gen visuals, hyperrealistic animations, and immersive details that redefine sports gaming. Critics rave over player movements, stadium authenticity, and lifelike character models, calling it the best-looking sports game ever. While some nitpick minor flaws and incremental updates, the overwhelming verdict is clear: this is a visual masterpiece that sets a new benchmark.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

82%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised NBA 2K25 for its striking visual upgrades and immersive design, highlighting its status as one of the most visually polished sports games to date. Reviewers like But Why Tho? and Digital Chumps celebrated the "next-gen visuals" and "gonzo-good" graphical fidelity, with Finger Guns calling it the "best-looking sports video game" due to details like player sweat and immersive stadium environments. The ProPLAY animation system was a standout feature, with Push Square noting its use of real-world NBA footage to enhance individuality in player movements, while IGN Italia and IGN Spain emphasized hyperrealistic animations and facial expressions that elevate immersion. GameGrin and Twinfinite lauded the "second to none" character models and attention to detail, with XboxEra praising the realistic faces, hair, and arenas that mimic real-life NBA broadcasts. These critiques collectively underscore a significant leap in visual authenticity and technical execution. However, some critics pointed out persistent issues and incremental improvements. Nintendo Life, reviewing on Nintendo Switch, criticized the "outdated" visuals, citing problems like hair clipping through headbands and disappearing eyes, while GameOver.gr noted that "clipping still persists" despite minor graphical upgrades. Vandal observed that the game showed "no significant leap from previous versions," with improvements focused more on animations than textures or lighting, and VideoGamer mentioned that "some face scans could be better." Additionally, Xbox Tavern described the experience as a "copy-and-paste" approach, suggesting a lack of innovation despite technical refinements. While these critiques highlight areas for improvement, they were overshadowed by the普遍 positive reception of the game’s overall visual design. The overwhelming consensus among critics was that NBA 2K25 delivers exceptional graphics and visual design, solidifying its position as a benchmark for sports simulations. Despite minor criticisms from outlets like Nintendo Life and Vandal, the majority—such as Gameblog.fr, GamingBolt, and Worth Playing—celebrated its "hyperrealistic visuals," "lifelike player movements," and "stunning presentation." While some noted that advancements felt more like seasonal updates than revolutionary changes (as per PLAY! Zine), the general sentiment was one of admiration for the game’s technical prowess. The combination of refined animations, detailed environments, and realistic character models created a visually immersive experience that resonated with both casual players and hardcore fans, reinforcing NBA 2K25’s reputation as a visual triumph in the sports gaming genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

NBA 2K25’s sound design dazzles with immersive stadium realism, lifelike commentary, and meticulous details like shoe squeaks, though recycled voice lines and repetitive modes slightly detract—overall a standout audio achievement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of reviewers praised NBA 2K25’s sound design and music for their immersive quality and technical excellence. Critics like Finger Guns highlighted the “superb soundtrack and excellent stadium sounds,” while GameGrin emphasized the attention to detail in sound effects, such as the iconic squeak of shoes, which enhances realism. GamingBolt commended the “lifelike commentary” and “holistic audio experience,” noting that the sound effects are “complete without being overwhelming.” IGN Spain and TheXboxHub both praised the game’s ability to create a “realistic atmosphere akin to an NBA stadium,” with Movies Games and Tech appreciating the “diverse soundtrack” and “top-notch crowd reactions.” Additionally, God is a Geek noted that customization options for sound effects and visual cues added variety, further enriching the gameplay experience. These reviews collectively underscore the game’s strong audio presentation, which effectively complements its visuals and mechanics. However, some critics pointed to notable flaws in the audio design. Meristation criticized the commentary for being “recycled from previous seasons,” lacking freshness, while Generación Xbox noted that the commentary felt “repetitive and lacked innovation,” with certain modes missing commentary entirely. Movies Games and Tech also mentioned that voice acting in career mode was “goofy,” detracting from the overall authenticity. PlayStation Country acknowledged that while the commentary was “insightful,” it could become “repetitive.” These critiques suggest that while the audio design is generally strong, there are areas where repetition and lack of originality undermined the experience, particularly in narrative-driven modes. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers leans heavily toward appreciation for NBA 2K25’s sound design. Most critics, including GameCritics and XboxEra, emphasized that the audio elements “enhance the immersive experience” of playing basketball, with Game Informer noting the “authentic basketball experience” provided by well-produced commentary and a halftime show. While some issues with repetition and voice acting were raised, they were often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise polished package. The balance between technical excellence, realism, and variety in sound design seems to have resonated strongly with critics, making NBA 2K25’s audio a standout feature for many.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Authentic, humorous commentary and immersive character work in NBA 2K25 earn praise, but recycled lines, stale dialogue, and inconsistent delivery undermine its potential, leaving a mixed legacy of standout moments and missed opportunities.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in NBA 2K25 receives mixed but generally favorable attention from reviewers, with several praising its authenticity and immersive qualities. Critics like Finger Guns highlight the commentary as a standout feature, noting its humor and helpful tips that elevate the gameplay experience. GamingBolt commends the exceptional voice work accompanying NPC character models in MyCareer, emphasizing how it enhances the realism of interactions. Similarly, GameCritics and New Game Network acknowledge the commentary’s contribution to an immersive atmosphere, while TheXboxHub applauds the dynamic commentary team for adding authenticity and even a "funny and engaging" halftime show. These positive remarks suggest that the voice acting, particularly in commentary and character-driven modes, is well-received for its liveliness and integration into the game’s world. However, several critics express concerns about the limitations and quality of the voice work. Meristation criticizes the "recycled commentary" as a drawback, arguing it detracts from the overall experience, while Generación Xbox notes that the commentary feels stale and lacks evolution, with some modes missing preferred language options. Movies Games and Tech describe the career mode’s voice acting as "goofy," which they claim undermines immersion, and PlayStation Country points to poorly delivered lines in MyPlayer story moments that fail to meet expectations. These critiques highlight a disconnect between the game’s ambition and execution in certain areas, particularly in narrative-driven content where voice work falls short of expectations. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced assessment, with praise for the commentary’s authenticity and humor offset by frustrations over repetition, lack of innovation, and inconsistent delivery. While Finger Guns and GamingBolt celebrate the voice acting as a key strength, others like Meristation and Generación Xbox emphasize its shortcomings. The mixed feedback suggests that NBA 2K25’s voice work is effective in some contexts but falls short in others, leaving room for improvement in future iterations. Despite these critiques, the game’s commentary remains a notable aspect of its appeal, reflecting both its strengths and areas needing refinement.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

PS5 shines with smoother multiplayer and stability, but plagued by online dependency and animations; Xbox offers solid base but stumbles on bugs; Switch lags with poor performance—NBA 2K25’s tech is uneven, favoring PS5 despite flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of NBA 2K25 varies across platforms, with notable positives emerging on PS5 and Xbox Series X. On PS5, GameOver.gr praised faster loading times and improved menu responsiveness, while Gaming Nexus highlighted reduced latency in multiplayer, enhancing online play. Meristation and Vandal noted overall stability and solid performance, respectively, with Vandal acknowledging the game’s graphical maturity despite a perceived ceiling. For Xbox Series X, GameCritics observed initial online traffic issues that resolved over time, and Generación Xbox emphasized strong stability despite minor translation glitches. These improvements suggest that both PS5 and Xbox Series X benefit from technical refinements compared to previous iterations. However, platform-specific challenges persist. On Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life criticized lengthy load times, a recurring issue for 2K games on the console. For PS5, Digital Chumps highlighted a critical flaw: requiring constant online connectivity for single-player modes, which can frustrate players with unstable connections. Gameblog.fr and GamingBolt also noted long load times and janky animations, while IGN Italia pointed to issues with player animations and CPU behavior. PlayStation Country and PlayStation Universe reported lower framerates in the City social space and input delays in menus, respectively. On Xbox Series X, Xbox Tavern criticized latency affecting shooting mechanics, and ZTGD highlighted bugs in MyGM and MyCareer modes, though these were less pervasive than on PS5. Overall, critics agree that NBA 2K25 is technically sound but not without flaws. The PS5 receives mixed reviews, with improvements in multiplayer infrastructure offset by persistent loading and animation issues. Xbox Series X shows promise, particularly in stability, but struggles with specific gameplay mechanics and bugs. Nintendo Switch remains a weaker platform due to performance limitations, as noted by Nintendo Life. While no single platform dominates, the consensus leans toward PS5 offering the most balanced experience despite its flaws, while Xbox Series X and Switch face more significant technical hurdles. The game’s core mechanics remain engaging, but technical polish varies widely depending on the platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

NBA 2K25 shines with endless modes, customization, and depth but stumbles on microtransactions, grindy monetization, and missing crossplay—offering solid replay value for fans despite flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics highlight NBA 2K25’s strong replay value through its diverse array of gameplay modes and features. Reviewers like Digital Chumps and Gameblog.fr emphasize the game’s extensive content, including MyCareer, MyTeam, MyGM, and MyNBA, which offer varied experiences for both casual and dedicated players. Twinfinite and IGN Spain note the inclusion of modes such as The W, MyPLAYER, and historical eras, providing flexibility and depth. Additionally, GameGrin and GamingBolt praise the customization options and challenges, while Push Square and XboxEra highlight the game’s ability to keep players engaged through its dense variety of activities. The revamped tutorial system and improved accessibility for newcomers, as mentioned by GameCritics, further enhance long-term appeal. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that limit replay value. Nintendo Life criticizes the lack of crossplay and features, calling the replayability “limited,” while Xbox Tavern and ZTGD argue that predatory monetization practices and an overemphasis on microtransactions make the game feel grindy or unfair. GameOver.gr mentions stagnation in certain areas, and PlayStation Country notes that MyTeam’s monetization could detract from enjoyment. IGN Italia and Gaming Nexus also highlight concerns about microtransactions affecting progression and long-term engagement, suggesting that these issues may deter players from returning repeatedly. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced assessment: while NBA 2K25 is praised for its robust variety of modes and content—endorsed by critics like GameCritics, GamingBolt, and XboxEra—the persistent issues with microtransactions and monetization remain a critical concern. Twinfinite and IGN Spain acknowledge the game’s ability to cater to different player preferences, but many agree that its replay value is somewhat undermined by these flaws. Despite this, most reviewers conclude that the game offers enough substance for basketball fans to justify repeated playthroughs, even if it falls short of revolutionary innovation.

TL;DR

replay value

NBA 2K25 shines with endless modes, customization, and depth but stumbles on microtransactions, grindy monetization, and missing crossplay—offering solid replay value for fans despite flaws.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment toward NBA 2K25 is largely positive, with many critics praising its refined gameplay mechanics, immersive visuals, and expansive content. Reviewers such as GameGrin and GamingBolt highlight the game as a standout basketball simulation, with GameGrin calling it “possibly the best basketball game ever produced” due to substantial gameplay changes and stunning graphics. IGN Italia and Twinfinite commend its strong gameplay and graphical fidelity, while Digital Chumps and Finger Guns note significant improvements over previous entries, even if they acknowledge some flaws. The game’s diverse modes, including MyCAREER and The W, are frequently praised for their depth, with God is a Geek emphasizing the “wealth of content to explore.” These positives suggest that NBA 2K25 delivers a polished, engaging experience that appeals to both newcomers and long-time fans. However, several critics point to persistent issues that detract from the experience. The most common complaints revolve around microtransactions, which are criticized as aggressive and disruptive to fairness in online modes. IGN Spain and Meristation note that monetization practices overshadow the game’s strengths, while Xbox Tavern delivers a scathing critique, calling it a “disappointment” and urging players to avoid it. Technical issues also surface, with Digital Chumps and Gameblog.fr mentioning glitches and gameplay mechanics that need refinement. Additionally, some reviewers, like GameOver.gr and Vandal, argue that the game lacks innovation, feeling “somewhat uninspired” despite its solid foundation. These negatives highlight a divide between the game’s technical execution and its business model, which many feel undermines its potential. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for NBA 2K25 as a strong entry in the series, even if it falls short of revolutionary. While GameCritics and XboxEra praise its realism, visuals, and variety of modes, they acknowledge ongoing issues with microtransactions. Conversely, Nintendo Life’s critique of the Switch version as “outdated” contrasts with the普遍 positive reception on PS5 and Xbox Series X. Despite polarizing opinions—such as Xbox Tavern’s harsh dismissal—the majority agree that NBA 2K25 is a worthwhile purchase for basketball fans, even if it requires overlooking its flaws. The game’s ability to balance incremental improvements with persistent controversies reflects its status as a flawed but compelling entry in the franchise.

TL;DR

NBA 2K25 dazzles with polished gameplay, jaw-dropping visuals, and deep modes like MyCAREER, hailed as a near-masterpiece by critics—but aggressive microtransactions, technical glitches, and a lack of innovation sour the experience, splitting opinions between praise for its polish and frustration over its flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

92 reviews found

Finger Guns

PlayStation 5

Oct 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA 2K25 is considered a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a rich basketball experience despite the presence of microtransactions.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Sep 30, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA 2K25 is an impressive sports game with improved gameplay, stunning visuals, and a wealth of options, despite the presence of microtransactions.

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GameCritics

Xbox Series X

Nov 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA 2K25 is a strong evolution of the series, justifying its price with enhanced realism, gameplay improvements, and a wealth of content, despite some ongoing issues with microtransactions.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Sep 10, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA 2K25 is a superb game with phenomenal gameplay, stunning visuals, and a wealth of content to explore, despite some modes like The W and MyCAREER feeling relatively unchanged.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Sep 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA 2K25 is praised as possibly the best basketball game ever produced, with substantial gameplay changes and stunning visuals, making it a must-play for fans.

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Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 5

Sep 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA 2K25 is seen as a solid upgrade over its predecessor, with incremental improvements in gameplay and user experience, despite some ongoing issues with microtransactions.

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But Why Tho?

PlayStation 5

Sep 9, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA 2K25 radically improves gameplay and presents the most authentic NBA experience to date. It builds on systems introduced in the previous version to provide a more complete package for players to enjoy.

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GamersRD

PlayStation 5

Sep 19, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA 2K25 is a polished game with improved modes, graphics, and gameplay, making it a good option for both new and returning players.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Sep 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA 2K25 is praised for its phenomenal on-court action, stunning graphics, diverse modes, and overall presentation. Despite the heavy focus on microtransactions, the game offers a great experience for both casual and dedicated players.

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Twinfinite

PlayStation 5

Sep 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA 2K25 offers a comprehensive basketball experience with significant improvements in gameplay, graphics, and replay value. Microtransactions are a concern for online play balance, but the game is praised for its visuals, customization options, and variety of game modes.

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