While the jump in visual fidelity can’t compare to last year’s generational leap, this is a cleaner, crisper looking game with presentation (around the court in particular) appearing vastly improved to 2K15. Court side interviews and MyCareer based agent discussions can still feel a little awkward and, while the pre-game introduction with Ernie Johnson and Shaq is certainly true to TV, seeing Shaq’s dead eyes as he waits for his turn to speak can be a little creepy (honestly, It’s like watching somebody flick the power on and off as he talks). Still, while the game still has issues with its on-going efforts to completely recreate the TV experience, this year’s release certainly hits more than it misses with slicker presentation across the board and a generally improved structure.

 

I take issue with the friendly AI as well. Opponents will run clever sets, adapt to plays gone awry and knock down open shots. My Raptors, however, have been a team of diabolical screw-ups, especially on defence. Defending in this year's game is tricky enough thanks to a weightier feel to things and sluggish lateral movement (guarding superstars is a nightmare. although that's probably comparable to real life I suppose) without having to deal with clueless compatriots who dither about, clog the paint, and fail to stick with their men. That all being said, the more I play, the more I progress, and the more I'm enjoying myself and things are starting to make sense. But I can't help but feel that last year's on-court gameplay was a bit more fluid. The badge system is confusing as well -- instead of being able to spend virtual currency on the signature skills that you want -- everything is now unlocked dynamically, though you can upgrade certain skills using VC.

 

It moves things away from the VC grind to a certain extent, but it also shrouds top level customization and lessens the feeling of reward. I used to always save up for the Highlight Reel, knowing that the payoff would be worth it. Now, however, I can't tell when my player is going to suddenly sprout the ability to jam like a boss. My most anticipated feature of NBA 2K16 was the in-studio show with Ernie Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal from the commentary show Inside the NBA, and it was everything I could have hoped for in terms of content and execution. Unfortunately, this brilliance is limited to only the pre-game loading screen. I wish the show would have had a halftime, or at least postgame component, so maybe that’s something Visual Concepts can improve on for next year. It might also be of benefit to them to get Charles Barkley and Kenny “The Jet” Smith involved, since the overwhelming success and longevity of the show is the relationship they all have with each other and their banter.

 

Off the court, you experience the highs and lows of an NBA player. Visual Concepts added more endorsement deals to the mix, included some interactions with celebrities, and amped up the locker room drama around your ability to enter free agency after your first year. You can create the image of a villain or a hero along the way based on how you respond during press conferences and post-game interviews. You can even call out or try to recruit players via social media. The star mode of NBA 2K, MyCareer, once again puts you in the shoes of an up-and-coming player trying to make his mark on the Association. Instead of playing your way into being a lottery pick, this year you have a giant chip on your shoulder as an undrafted free agent. To crack an NBA roster, you need to perform well in a scrimmage for a team of your choosing and earn a 10-day contract. From there, your fate is in your hands.

 

But where are you going to use all of these new additions to the gameplay? Oh, right–the modes! This year's edition takes a lot of the previous ideas and fully fleshes them out; giving gamers an almost scary amount of replay value and time to waste mastering everything the game has to offer. The MyCareer mode now allows for players to scan their faces into 2K16 using the Kinect and the game's Facial Mapping technology, letting each of us live out our greatest NBA fantasies with a character that looks almost exactly like us (or a horrifying basketball-playing monster if you choose to move while scanning yourself). The MyPark mode is far deeper this season, MyTeam returns with a new Challenges mode, and the MyLeague and MyGM modes allow for a near-insane level of customization and depth. They've even added 11 more Euroleague teams into the mix, bringing the total to 25. Fantasy draft with no salary cap, 20 percent easier simulation results, and a league that's cool with any trade I propose? Don't mind if I do.