![]() ![]() ![]() There's also a tutorial mode to walk you through the basics, but it's just not interactive enough. Again, something that could've easily been remedied with one simple price change. And again, we're reminded that there's an option to unlock a much more loaded roster for a higher price. You do earn star players this way, but it can be a bit of a grind to get there. Maybe some fantasy players or something like that. Granted, it's Playgrounds 2 so it wasn't really necessary, but it would've been nice to have something to push the stakes a bit. But it's lacking the storytelling arc of other modes. Some of these players can be vicious.Įxhibition mode aside, there's also a Season mode, in which you can take on various challenges as you make your way to a championship round. ![]() Just try to go with an easier setting at first before you become accustomed to the game. It's got more potential than the first anyway, and you can actually win here if you've got skill to back it up. Slight AI issues aside, the gameplay is responsive and enjoyable in spots, even if some shots and steals occasionally flub. We definitely recommend taking this route, as it's sure to evoke some NBA Jam-laden memories (if the original game isn't doing that already). As an arcade endeavor, it can be a lot of fun against opponents, especially in local contests where you can let the trash talk fly. This brings up the idea of playing against others, and here's where Playgrounds 2 truly benefits. Even on an easier setting, we've seen this happen. This doesn't happen too often, but when it does, it's teeth-gnashingly frustrating. For instance, you could easily come away with a steal but then someone from the other team miraculously snags it and then makes it to the dunk without penalty. This makes a world of difference, even if the AI is still slightly unbalanced in some spots. (The meter will change in color from green to red, depending on their skill set.) This time around, there's a shot meter that can determine your success, and it's fairly balanced so that bigger players have to shoot for the hoop, while three-pointers can be drained by those that have mastered them. Shot timing was a huge problem in the first Playgrounds, with thunderous dunks turning into blunderous doinks (see what I did there?) and causing the AI-laden team to score. Okay, that issue aside, let's talk about the game itself, which is a notable improvement over the first. Fortunately, they're optional and you can still get along just fine with the default street gear your players get. They're mostly of the cosmetic variety, including some tremendously awful business suits. Instead, that player's skills will build up via XP and make them a better star player on your roster.Īnd there are outfits to buy if you're feeling savvy. While I'm not a fan of this structure, I do like the fact that if you manage to get duplicate cards in Playgrounds 2, you're not punished. ![]() Slight Issues, But the Gameplay Is Better (And keep in mind, even if you do take the "I can just earn more coins and play for free" route, it can take quite a while to get to that goal.) Instead, this just seems like an unnecessary option that will slow the game's momentum for some. I think Saber and 2K would've been better off just pricing the core game $10 more and giving us everything at once. This notion seems kind of bullying, honestly. If they're not, you'll either have to grind with other players to attain them, or purchase a whole pack set for an additional $9.99 on top of the game's core price. Only a couple of players from the team will be available, depending on if they're in your packs or not. It's just a matter of dealing with the limitations you're dealt at first.įor example, let's say you want to play with your favorite hometeam. Fortunately, you can get started on the right foot with a few packs, and earn more over the course of the game. Pretty much the entire NBA league is locked unless you acquire cards and add them to your collection. Right off the bat, you're hammered over the head with this notion, as you have to open up card packs to begin building up your roster. But then there's also the bad - a stark reminder that 2K sure does enjoy its microtransactions. With this sequel, backed by 2K Sports and its NBA 2K franchise, there are notable improvements made that push it ahead of the original, which is the good news. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |