NBA 2K23: PS5 Review

Developed by Visual Concepts
Released by 2K Games / Take Two
Platform: PS5

The annual basketball simulator from 2K arrives on court, and with the weight of heavy expectation behind it as well.

Leaning more deeply into its sport's history, NBA 2K23 feels like a larger package, albeit one that is probably more suited to the annual player than the casual gamer looking to find their way into a sports sim.

With an option to just pick up and play, NBA 2K23 knows what it wants you to do - and in truth, its on court execution is impressive on the next gen console. Players' animation is smooth, slick and stylish and not once do you never feel you're not in control of a top rostered player. Opposition AI is also tougher, and even on lower level skill settings, the game renders you a challenge with defeat only ever a mistimed pass away.

It's in the little moments that NBA 2K23's improvements feel more concise and precise.

Watching opposition players dunk the ball causes the ring to shake and with it, the whole structure holding it in place - a minor touch admittedly, and one which should be there anyway, but the extra level of detail adds to the game's authenticity throughout.

MyNBAEras gives you a chance to delve into the game's past, settling on three specific periods and engaging the game in its retro look and feel. Old school games are played with a degree of old school graphics that make you feel like you're in the 80s on an old sim, but it's a good touch.

Sadly microtransactions exist still quite heavily in the game, rendering the idea of grinding and skill somewhat frustratingly pointless. It helps little these exist in the career mode of the game, which players will either see as a challenge or an insurmountable wall. Either way, it's still rough they continue to punish others.

There's lots to dive into on NBA 2K23 and while the sim feels refreshed for another year, with trips to memory lane ensuring the court action is worth another investment.