2K Sports makes the best basketball game on consoles, and they have had a few attempts on iOS. We have given 2K a lot of grief with their previous mobile efforts, but they’re back at it in anticipation of the new NBA season with NBA 2K16 for iOS. From experiencing the previous efforts, as well as the console editions, we have a unique perspective for NBA 2K16. At first glance, you can tell there’s a huge improvement in the graphics engine. 2K claims vastly improved graphics, all new player animations, and realistic gameplay, and they’re not lying. Watching each and every pre-match introduction and basket celebration and interview feels as if you are watching the whole thing on TV, it is that good.

 

On the court is the meat and potatoes of NBA 2K16 though and the first thing you will notice is the fantastic graphic quality. Players look photorealistic and move exactly as they do in real life. The transitions between animations are smooth and each match has a great flow even if your on the back burner. The courts are also superbly detailed with managers, cheerleaders and the spectators each seen rooting for their team but the best feature in NBA 2K16 is its excellent, first rate presentation. Player or manager interviews inbetween quarters and half time reports, cheerleader dance routines during breaks and time-outs and even 2KTV broadcasts with Shaquille O’Neil and Ernie Johnson provide a great distraction for the long and frequent loading times. The entire game is gorgeous.

 

Over the past couple of years The game has visually got bet and better, but totally let down by the UI, finally they have addressed this in 2K16, the first thing you’ll notice is that they have set up a TV show for you to watch, the first one had the host sit with the Cover star, Kevin Durant to discuss the game, it’s worth checking out if you are interested in the behind the scenes action. In general they have made lots for improvements to the UI so it’s no longer an issue with me. All the same games modes are back from last year, if you are here to play the online modes you are going to find yourself disappointed though, I’ve tried my best to take on other players thorough MyPark but frankly the experience has been pretty awful, if I’m lucky enough to get a game it’s crippled with lag making it almost impossible to play, which is a shame.

 

While the shot meter is a win, the new face scan option for your created player is a big loss. Even after a patch, it's incredibly difficult and taxing to attempt to get a good representation of one's own face into the game using the PlayStation Camera or Kinect. Mine didn't look like a monster, but even a "Good" scan resulted in Bizarro Scott. This needs dramatic improvement in the next edition, or it might as well be scrapped. The grade for "NBA 2K16" admittedly is harsh mostly because this game can be so much better, even if it's good already. Hopefully, competition will continue to push the series to its limits in the future. Unfortunately my experience of MyTeam isn’t much better; there is plenty of more content as well this year with a whole host of new challenges for the single players.

 

I really, really like NBA 2K16. It’s one of the first sports games I’ve played where the players felt like they had life and personality which mattered more than their overall ratings. NBA 2K16 has personalities built into it, it has heart where most sports games are little more than numbers. The game is definitely rough around the edges in spots; MyCareer can be a struggle without paying money or spending time in myPARK, and the game definitely has technical issues. But the heart of the NBA feels alive in 2K16. Playing in NBA championships felt exciting, building a powerhouse was rewarding. NBA 2K16 understands that sports are about story lines and the characters who partake in them; especially in a game as personal and intimate as basketball. The game goes out of its way to try and bring those qualities to the forefront of the experience and while it doesn’t always succeed, it certainly puts in an impressive effort.