NBA2K27: PS5 Review

Developed by 2K Games
Published by 2K Games
Platform: PS5

Get ready to hustle on court, because the basketball sim is back for another year's action, with some improvements and sadly some of the same issues.

The annual iteration of these games (EA FC Sports also) makes the release schedule feel like it's beholden to a date, rather than a necessary update. And given the last few years have seen criticism of microtransactions and little change for regular fans, the pressure's somewhat on 2K to deliver a new title that's worthy of the annual release date.

While graphically the game still looks impressive and continues to maintain the 60fps visual leap that previous releases have pioneered, it's mainly the gameplay which people want to focus on - and which will attract newcomers to the franchise as well.

Improved defense and dribbling means that on-court action is smoother than it's ever been, meaning games feel like realistic battles with players trying to one up each other from the tip-off. Adding in realistic touches that mean both dunks and layups are not guaranteed to slide into the net means that the game's added a level of chance to proceedings that makes gameplay feel a little more like it could go either way.

Improved AI also means that defence is a bit tougher to crack this time around, with the emphasis being more on passing than just racing through the teams and delivering a lay-up. It's a welcome touch to ensure previous players don't feel like they can just phone it in.

Granted, those mechanics are using meters to help you achieve the desired result, but by creating a possibility that things could go wrong, NBA2K27 gives the basketball sim a gameplay realism that's matched by its graphics.

Thankfully a more refined MyCareer narrative and the Eras game mode also help ensure the game's got something new to offer for its 2027 season as well. Coupled with the fact it lets you play during certain eras of the sport (from the Stephen Curry era to the Lebron James times), there's a real sense of place and timing throughout and it's more than enough to keep regular players and newcomers equally engaged.

Once again though microtransactions raise their ugly head, with progression being locked behind certain pathways - it's once again a sign that 2K Games isn't really listening to its community and preferring to pay attention to its wallets.

Overall though, NBA2K27 shows good progress and a solid reason for existing in the annual release cycle - it's got solid on-court action and an impressive array of content for anyone who's looking for a good basketball sim.