The NBA 2K series seems to take the basketball world by storm every year, with fans all over the world flocking to it. Similar to how FIFA dominated the world of football, NBA 2K is the undisputed king of all basketball games. Lineup updates, gameplay improvements, and infinite game modes make this team the best way for NBA fans to fantasize about professional basketball.
NBA 2K22 was released recently and has been recognized by a large number of fans. The next generation is really here, and itās really exciting to see this yearās graphics and gameplay tweaks. But where does NBA 2K22 rank among the best 2K games of all time? Hereās a ranking of all 2K games, from the first game to the new release on September 10, 2021.
22. NBA 2K8
NBA 2K8 underperformed in some areas, including numerous misrepresentations of player movements. Large centers can lock-up defenses on the perimeter, and finishing at the rim is a little annoying due to the slowness and lag. Had 2K corrected these flaws, 2K8 might have been a more reliable game, but overall it paled in comparison to other games that were released.
21. NBA 2K6
With Shaquille OāNeal on the cover two years in a row, 2K6 isnāt a bad game by any means. As NBA 2K begins to differentiate itself from every other basketball game, the game has been praised for its presentation, soundtrack, and gameplay. The main problem is the lack of improvements in NBA 2K5, which frustrates some basketball fans.
20. NBA 2K19
There are some strong aspects to NBA 2K19, including guest commentators and very solid player faces, but 2K made the game even better. 2K19 barely changes from 2K18, which makes it look like a game with a roster update and slight changes to player movement. As most fans would agree, the game is still years ahead of NBA Live.
19. NBA 2K18
NBA 2K18 promised a lot when Kyrie Irving was on the cover, and to a certain extent it delivered. Gameplay is solid, as expected from a 2K franchise, but the main addition is āTeams of History,ā which features the best players in every NBA franchiseās history.The gameplay has improved slightly since 2K17, although there are some frustrations with the gameās AI
18. NBA 2K20
NBA 2K20 received mixed reviews at launch, but is ultimately a solid game for NBA fans. After all, no other game comes close to NBA Live when it comes to simulated gameplay and tons of features. 2K20 is also fun for fans to play online, and nurturing a created player in āMyCareerā is probably the best part.
17. NBA 2K4
ESPN NBA BASKETBALL is essentially NBA 2K4, although the ā2Kā part of it is missing. As has been the case for years past, Allen Iverson is a respected cover athlete. ESPN NBA BASKETBALL introduces some revolutionary systems, including enhanced passing, presentation, graphics and streetball-style features. At the time, this game was really special.
16. NBA 2K17
Featuring Paul George on the cover, NBA 2K17 promises a ton of new gameplay features. The practice facility is fun for new players in the series, and the ability to migrate and expand the NBA in Player Mode is very welcome. Gameplay has also shifted to a heavier three-point play, suggesting that simulated basketball is the focus of the game.
15. NBA 2K21
NBA 2K21 brings some nice features to the next-gen system, including various vibrations in the controller and gameplay representative of the modern NBA. The only problem was the poor shot meter, which frustrated a lot of fans at launch. But the graphics, presentation, and plethora of game modes make 2K21 a great game, albeit with poor shooter animations.
14. NBA 2K3
NBA 2K3 features 2K legend Allen Iverson on the cover, suggesting itās going to be a great game. it is. With 2Kās first partnership with ESPN, the game takes on a completely different look, as the presentation is rock solid. The gameplay is similar to 2K2, but the graphics and player movements are also jumped.
13. ESPN NBA 2K5
Itās the first NBA 2K game without Allen Iverson on the cover, because this time Ben Wallace, who is black, is the cover athlete. Wallace is arguably the most dominant defender in the league and a fan favorite, so heās a solid option. Still, 2K5 was very playable and, at launch, very affordable for fans of the time.
12. NBA 2K1
Looking back, while the game didnāt have graphics or infinite game modes, it changed the quality of basketball games when it came out. NBA 2K1 takes the original version and completely enhances the gameplay, while adding real-life landmarks like Rucker Park. Of course, 2K1 brought online multiplayer to the basketball franchise.
11. NBA 2K7
For NBA fans who still love Playstation 2 and even Playstation 3, NBA 2K7 is a lot of fun. As always, its gameplay is very solid, and each playerās style is well integrated into the video game. Game modes like āAssociationā and āStreet Modeā are also popular with fans, and itās hard to get bored playing one of the better video games of the 2000s.
10. NBA 2K10
NBA 2K10 is a good game, but a big part of the gameās success is having Kobe on the cover. There were some technical issues at launch, but thanks to the introduction of āMyPlayerā, the game eventually received positive reviews from players. 2K10 is in the top 10 because of this mode alone, as this game mode remains a fan favorite until now.
9. NBA 2K14
Just like 2K11 3 years ago, NBA 2K14 gives players the opportunity to relive the career of one of the greatest players in history: LeBron James. The āRoad to Greatnessā mode is a lot of fun to play, reminding NBA fans of LeBronās path to becoming a special talent and arguably the greatest player of his generation. Beyond LeBronās mode, the stunning soundtrack and Euroleague team are a huge addition to NBA fans around the world.
8. NBA 2K15
NBA 2K14 was a fun experience in āLeBron: Path to Greatnessā mode, but 2K15 builds on even more success. 2K15 improves player movement, facial and gameplay fluidity while keeping most game modes the same. 2K15 is just a solid game that you can enjoy every day, and hardly ever get boring.
7. NBA 2K9
NBA 2K9 is fun to play, as the improved graphics are evident on the latest consoles, including the Playstation 3. Defending is fun, whether itās pulling the ball or using the right stick to guide players. 2K9 is also fun to play due to its authenticity, and the halftime show is a great addition. Having ābig ticketā Kevin Garnett on the cover is also a huge plus for NBA fans.
6. NBA 2K13
NBA 2K13 is an interesting game because it has a lot of new features, including having Jay-Z as a producer. Aside from the bumpy soundtrack, 2K13 includes some solid features like āShoe Creatorā with some well-known brands, and an all-star weekend. Classic teams are also interesting, such as the āDream Teamā and the 2012 Team USA. Having Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose as cover athletes also makes it a modern attraction.
5. NBA 2K22
While it may seem premature to put 2K22 at the top of this list, the game is really good. The graphics are truly next-gen, and there are tons of offline and online modes for players of all ages to enjoy. 2K22 is very inclusive, which means that die-hard basketball fans and casual gamers alike can enjoy the game in the same way that most 2K games of the past have not. Building on 2K21, 2K22 adds an improved shooter to match real-life gameplay.
4. NBA 2K12
NBA 2K12 is a great game that showcases improved graphics and gives players more freedom by adding more legends to the team. With Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson as the cover athletes for this game, 2Kās willingness to strive for perfection is shown. The gameplay is very close to NBA basketball and definitely one of the top five basketball games of all time.
3. NBA 2K2
Whether it was the catchy intro music, or seeing league MVP Allen Iverson on the cover, 2K2 was a special game for gamers of its day. 2K2 is available on Playstation 2, XBOX and Gamecube, giving NBA fans around the world instant access to one of the best basketball games of all time. The game also introduced real-life basketball elements, such as defense and shot selection, and shed the arcade feel of most basketball games at the time.
2. NBA 2K16
Most fans will marvel that NBA 2K16 is the game most closely related to sim basketball, as it blends the proliferation offense and better defensive control common in the modern NBA. Not to mention, 2K16 includes the revival of MyCareer, giving players the opportunity to reposition their team and experience basketball the way they want to.
1. NBA 2K11
Itās fitting that the cover of NBA 2K11 is Michael Jordan, since itās the goat of NBA 2K. The game reached a major turning point, including the Chicago Bulls legend landing on the cover after a few years of his absence as a playable character. From the āJordan Challengeā mode to the smooth gameplay, this is the best 2K game from start to finish.
Image credit: HoopsHype
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