NBA 2K14 Expectations

There has been a lot of recent talk on what will be included in NBA 2K14. For the most part, I am not worried about NBA Live 14 being better than 2K14 (because there is just no way) but there are a few things that I would like to see improved or made with 2K14. I could probably write a 10 page paper on things that could be added, fixed, adjusted, altered, etc but let’s be realistic (ain’t nobody got time for that).

Information that has already been released about game looks awesome. The graphics are looking top-notch on the next-gen console. They have added some Euro League teams to the game which should offer a bit of variety on the teams you can choose. Rumors of the ability to block dunks and the resurfacing of crew mode (I'm expecting some type of crew mode) seem to have fans on the edge of their seat waiting to what will actually be unveiled next about the game. Here are some expectations I have about things that I am looking for in NBA 2k14.

Gameplay – First things first. Improvements on defense need to be made. Often, one-on-one defense renders you helpless no matter how good you are, even if you have max help defense up, players are tip toeing to the rim uncontested (if I have help defense maxed with a shot blocker around the rim there is no way anyone should have a free layup).  This brings me to the ability to block dunks. Dunks should be able to be blocked or altered by high rated shot blockers (not to say this should be cheesed in either direction, timing should be a factor). Other factors such as speed, steal, an emotion should have bigger impacts in the game (imagine if you could get technical for arguing plays or harder fouls). The 2K13 patches on this provided some hope but most times are inconsistent (seemed to work against you and unrealistic). Improvements on 3pt defense and zone effectiveness (1-3-1) should also be adjusted, this is obvious (2K players know what I'm talking about). At times it just feels like you are getting cheesed left and right which makes it less fun.

Features – I am not really excited about the “Path to Greatness” Mode. There hasn’t been much on it but if it as a style like Road to Glory in NCAA Football 14 (which would be a restructured My Career), I would be happy with that (I’ll get to My Career Mode later). More Legends and Teams should be added (04-05 Rockets, 99-00 Raptors, 95-96 Pacers just to name a few). Although, I am most interested in seeing what moves will be cheesed, how much cheese will happen in the game (and it will, so might as will get some crackers or make nachos) or if they did anything to limit the cheese.

My Team – Tournaments should be added to this mode. It will provide an additional challenge than just reaching the 1^st seed. Another thing is change in the contract structure (I feel like I’m wasting VC if I have a 600VC contracted team and only get 200VC if I win). I hoping there will also be some adjustments with the packs and that is harder to stack your team (buy your way to wins). I am not suggesting they follow an ultimate team structure but offering different packs and how teams are built (maybe make chemistry/play styles a factor) might limit the cheesing.

My Career – New Customization options. I'm taking, skin tones, hairstyles (Norris Cole flat-top), tattoos, importing game face, dunk packages, etc. This includes wardrobe options because it just seems like a limited selection (more options, adjust pricing by lowering it unless item has an attribute boost). As far as the mode in general, I am expecting something to be added other than just a rookie showcase. Some type of skills challenge or combine type games could help see the areas your player can improve on to raise or lower his draft stock (maybe have the showcase at that the end of this). Adding summer league games could offer a chance for position battles and prove your player can start early (getting drafted in the top 5 and spending most of type coming off the bench is annoying, especially if your role isn’t the 6^th man). Next thing is the endorsements. I hope they add a few more commercials at things other than shoes, as generic as they might be it will still be cool (maybe add the idea of choosing certain one and offer VC rewards by meeting certain challenges). Lastly, Twitter. This can be improved and can tie into the interview aspect (impacting number of fans and chemistry). I know I would enjoy taking trash and having to back it up on game day (makes the feature worth checking). Also maybe add a way invite legends to workout, one-on-one matches, or charity events with it would be awesome because the twitter feature in 2K13 wasn't worth checking after a while.

Overall, it looks like I won’t be disappointed when the game comes out. There is a lot of hype about its release in October. Be sure to check out a future post when it comes out and comment with your expectations.