The latest iteration of the flagship NBA 2K19 video game has been confirmed by 2K Games. 2K Sports and Visual Dynamics will be working together to launch the latest installment in the hugely successful 2K series for NBA video games. NBA 2K19 was heralded as the best version in the franchise thus far, so it will be interesting to see just what Visual Dynamics have been able to do to tweak things in the right way. If you’re keen to find out all there is to know at present about NBA 2K20, read on and fill your boots.
Not set for release on legacy games consoles
It has been confirmed that NBA 2K20 will be released on the Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. It’s also expected that the game will be unveiled on Google’s brand-new Stadia platform, which is due for release before Christmas. However, there appear to be no such plans to release NBA 2K20 on legacy consoles such as the PlayStation 3 or the Xbox 360. If you don’t have one of the newer consoles, keep a lookout for a bundle console deal, with NBA 2K20 thrown into the mix.
Anthony Davis to be the face of NBA 2K20
Anthony Davis has reached the big time since leaving the Pelicans for the Lakers (Photo by TonyTheTiger)
LA Lakers superstar, Anthony Davis appears front and center on the front cover of NBA 2K20’s standard edition and the so-called “Digital Deluxe” edition. Davis is a six-time NBA All-Star and has plenty left in the tank at the age of just 26. He is due to make his debut for the Lakers this summer, after being traded by New Orleans for a trio of Lakers stars and three first-round draft picks – such is the esteem in which Davis is held by the Lakers’ hierarchy. However, Dwayne Wade is featured on the front cover of the “Legend Edition”. Last year, the flavour of the month, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the poster boy of NBA 2K19 and is still just as popular this year, remaining a firm contender for this year’s MVP gong.
What does the Legend Edition include?
Although there were two editions of NBA 2K19, it looks like 2K Sports are looking to go one further with this year’s release. There will be three editions this time around – a “no-frills” basic edition, a “Digital Deluxe” edition (which incorporates some bonus content) and a “Legend Edition”. The latter includes the most bonus content, with Dwayne Wade also featuring on the front cover. The Legend Edition is targeted at the long-term “hardcore” fans of the 2K franchise, granting buyers 100,000 in Virtual Currency, 50,000 MyTEAM points, 20 MyTEAM League Packs and five MyTEAM Theme Packs to name but a few benefits.
WNBA to be included in NBA 2K20
There were escalating rumors in recent months that 2K Sports had been considering introducing the Women’s NBA into this year’s release. Those rumors appear to have been well-founded, with the initial NBA 2K20 trailer revealing some of the biggest WNBA stars on the court. All the WNBA teams have been accurately styled for player likenesses, including everything from facial recognition to hairstyles. Fans of the WNBA will also be able to get involved in a WNBA Season mode, taking control of any or all of the 12 WNBA teams during the course of the 2019 campaign.
Key gameplay enhancements to NBA 2K20
Last year, a lot of the gameplay attention was centered around the turbo button. However, it appears that Visual Dynamics have endeavored to ensure that it doesn’t become too easy to abuse. It appears that button-mashing the turbo button this time around will tire out your star men (or women) quicker than in last year’s edition. Another key change to NBA 2K20 gameplay is the need for off-the-ball movement. It’s fair to say that off-ball maneuvers are equally as important as speed and acceleration this year. Being able to exploit space and be a pest to opponents will be huge. Speaking of the WNBA, the play of the WNBA games has some subtle changes, with players moving slightly differently and the action flowing somewhat faster than their male counterparts.
Controversial Virtual Currency to continue in NBA 2K20
There has been significant controversy surrounding the inclusion of microtransactions in NBA 2K. 2K Games have been criticized for allowing players to use real money to buy Virtual Currency (VC) coins that can be spent on in-game enhancements. Nevertheless, Virtual Currency is once again included in NBA 2K20. It’s hoped that 2K Games will look to introduce more in-game activities and challenges that allow players to earn additional VC.
Introducing the new MyPlayer Builder
NBA 2K20 includes the brand-new MyPlayer Builder to help augment the hugely popular MyCareer mode. It is designed to give more options to NBA gamers when trying to create their own players. Though it’s easy to replicate yourself in the MyPlayer Builder, some people have found it difficult to recreate the physical attributes of stars such as Antetokounmpo, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. There’s no doubt MyPlayer Builder is a step in the right direction in terms of the creative boundaries afforded to gamers, but there’ll no doubt be tweaks needed over time.
Leveling up your MyPlayer has been made a little easier
In previous versions of NBA 2K, it has been nigh-on impossible to help train your MyPlayer up towards level 99. In fact, it’s taken hardcore NBA 2K fans several months to achieve this. Given the most recent reviews of the NBA 2K20 demo, it looks like it should be easier and quicker to level up MyPlayers to 95 and beyond within a matter of weeks, rather than months. Of course, it’s important to remember that you won’t simply be able to “grind” your MyPlayer up to the magic 99 figure. It will require you to perform with your MyPlayer to the best of their abilities.
NBA 2K20 is expected to be launched this month, well in advance of Black Friday and the festive shopping season. While you’ll be able to play NBA 2K20 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows PC and Nintendo Switch from September 6, you’ll have to wait until November to play on Google Stadia.
