NBA 2K25 PS5 (Review)

I’m quite confident NBA 2K25 is going to engender a clear dichotomy between those who either are in love with the title for its changes…or loathe it for the same reason. This is certainly not NBA 2K24, for better or worse.

Please note this review emphasizes NBA2K25 offline play, as this option is solely available at time of review (while servers are prepped for the big launch). While online modes were explored as early release windows opened, review emphasis is logically on what was there to properly experience.

The literal game changer in NBA2K25 is ProPLAY, a new proprietary technology emphasizing individual player dynamics in presentation, shooting, dribbling and defense, respectively. Thus, and while player ratings will very much factor into overall player performance [as usual], these are now augmented by player specific chained animation sets and abilities indicative of what a player does on court…to include tendency preferences. Yes, Victor Wembanyama plays like Victor Wembanyama, not a 7’4’’ generic shot blocker with lots of turbo and a decent 3.

Right stick mega flick dribbling sessions or green light mastery are gone, replaced by preferred movesets and a completely overhauled shot meter. The ball on a string is no more. Play as your preferred team and players do, and you will likely secure a positive result. As examples, it was ridiculously cool to see Jalen Brunson’s footwork represented by his actual move preferences, to include hesitation dribbles in the paint, aptitude for going left (as a natural hand), and subtle protection of the ball while going up in traffic. The same can be said for Caitlyn Clark’s aggressive dribbling posture, hesitation cross, step back midrange and logo 3’s. Her sneaky steal style is here too.

Per Caitlyn, ProPlay is thankfully not limited to individual offensive dynamics. Team defenses now aggressively go over and under screens (something that drove me insane last year), and moving screens can be lured from offenses too pick and roll happy. There’s an additional right stick defensive posture feature, but I didn’t see too much difference (over standard defensive stance right trigger moderator) in using it. Sadly, the poor switch to a rolling big also remains.

Perhaps due to the physics and player tendency upgrades, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much end game stats reflected real game trends. Double teams come more often and appropriately, the ball moves quickly to the best players, no more center inflated stats, and help defense does occur. Josh Hart was Josh Hart.

The most obvious change will be in ball physics. Hitting the rim is not a death sentence on shots, as – depending on the skill of the player and shot timing (generating shooter’s touch) – non-perfect shot meters can still produce positive results. Expect more lively rebound opportunities, deflections off defenders’ arms and legs, and more actual loose ball battles. Bye bye NBA Jam tink-a-tink misses off the side of the rims, and a quick death to you.

As a big fan of both the WNBA and its prior modes, this is the best W yet in a 2K title. Players models are finally picture perfect, as are body types and now play styles (thanks to ProPLAYER). Game pace now perfectly resembles an actual WNBA matchup, with more physical battles, off-ball movement, and emphasis on give and go. The famed 2024 rookie class is here in all its glory, and all look and play magnificently. NBA 2K25 also expanded its online WNBA modes, to include more challenges and cooperative play. MyPLAYER also features interviews, if that is your thing.

Speaking of MyPLAYER, NBA 2K25 tripled down on available play styles, a new takeover system (where chained good plays produce on court dividends) and player badges. This is a much-needed hoops reality check, as prior builds over-emphasized long-range shooters, stretch 3s and bigs near-exclusively. It will be an interesting experiment on what hybrid badges and builds dominate MyCity courts. Microtransactions still run amok in this mode, also in MyTeam.

MyNBA now tips its cap to the hero of the 2024 Olympics and the NBA’s newest $60mil man, with a modern Steph (Curry) Era option. Sadly, the USA team is the only one to appear in NBA2K25 (likely due to FIBA licensing vs NBAPA), but the early season new Emirates NBA Cup (replacing last year’s stellar in-season tournament) is included. Can’t wait for the courts!

Perhaps the most obvious addition is the most subtle: the completely new menu…now streamlined and logically organized. Hallelujah! Finally, things are easy to find and navigate in NBA 2K, albeit expect to dig a little to locate specific tweaks formally in other places. If only they got rid of the microtransaction sales pitch start up screens to dismiss.

As usual, NBA 2K25 looks and sounds amazing. More player scans than ever, awesome lighting and visuals, and the usual hip hop fare soundtrack of up and comer’s. A bit of weirdness in non-player (entertainment, etc.) facial expressions, but no doubt will be patched. I also dig the celebrations on cue.

As stated, not everyone is going to like all these changes. Online heavy players looking to run people off the court with 99 rated players will still find their mojo, but likely turned off by NBA2K25’s offline turn for the slower pace. Also, chained animations are great, but they are chained. Madden 25 and College Football 25 are still going through their growing pains with this decision. Still, FIFA now EA FC sales did not dip when they too went slower pace embracing such animation sets.

Related, and sadly, ProPLAYER shows little love to classic rosters, as said animation sets and player preferences are not readily apparent for these individuals. There is almost no change to these modes in appearance or play outside of the new Steph Era. It would be nice to see some G League love also all-time WNBA rosters (like in NHL 24)…as these licenses are owned. NHL does a great job here, ripe with lesser and sister leagues also best of rosters.

Final Thoughts

NBA 2K25 is the best playing NBA 2K title to date. It makes a controversial decision to emphasize player tendencies over speed, and arguably executes it to perfection. WNBA modes get even further love, with Caitlyn and Angel here at last. Online players will get much of the same, with a new MyCity to explore also updated player badges, takeover system and more customization potential.