Next Gen Focus: NBA2K14

NBA2K14 is simply a masterpiece, 2K couldn't have ended this generation of consoles on a more perfect note in regards to gameplay. There simply isn't a better virtual depiction of sports on the planet. But rather than go into a cheesy review you've read a thousand times already, we decided to take advantage of this unique opportunity (we get two games this year) to look at what the upcoming next-gen version of the game should add or focus on. Many fans have wanted things like proper celebrations after end-of-quarter/half/game buzzer-beaters for years. As important as finishing touches are, there's no question that users also want the ability to practice plays to return. The next-gen version hasn't gone gold yet (as far as we know) so there still may be time to suggest improvements in gameplay. Many of these are legacy issues that we'd like to be rendered nothing more than distant memories.




Pro Stick - The days of fancy, involved button combinations are over. Intuitive is here to stay. Now we push the analog in a way that feels familiar for a desired action--its beautiful really. As nice as it is, this needs to be expanded on defense by 1) bringing back the ball denial mechanic from 2K10, and 2) making it initiate challenge shot and other contest mechanics when we point the analog towards the offensive player (if we're close enough). Defense will come full circle with a more natural way to react quickly. The ball denial will be balanced by fouls, the constant movement and counters of the offensive player, and defenders need a foul-averse "middle ground" without the consequences of strips/blocks (with the intent of making shots harder for the offense) The understanding here is that shots will be affected, but there will be no strips, steals or blocks. At the same time fouls will rarely be called. This mechanic would allow great position defenders like Dennis Rodman, Andre Iguodala, Tony Allen and Ronnie Brewer to be as effective as they are in reality.

1. Game Reel - This was one of the best post-game features as we got to see a quick mash-up of how the game progressed in the endgame screen. It would be breathtaking with next-gen visuals.

2. Defensive Square Up - Sliding is better in 2K14, but there are still instances where its hard to tell if we're between our offensive player and the basket--especially on some baseline plays. LT or L2 is a button that by itself has no use on defense. Keep in mind, this wouldn't be a way for beat defenders to recover, but simply a way to get centered quickly into a good defensive position on a stationary offensive player. Sometimes given the view offered by the game, our position isn't clear.

3. Seamless Online - Online is improved no question, but it simply has to be more seamless on the PS4 and XBox One. We've mentioned Persistent Seasons, but Online Profiles that allow us to customize (and save) playbooks, rotations, coach settings and even camera angles/playvision preferences are critical. At the same time, so are lobbies that vary in difficulty along with Quick Match. Allow users to select the experience they're comfortable with. Lastly, don't make us learn a different game to play online. Shot releases and free throws can't be one way in our Season and completely different in cyberspace.

4. Defender Momentum - Another aspect that we'd like to finally see refined is the vulnerable nature of scrambling defenses. We love the fact that defenders can no longer arrest the momentum of an offensive player in the open court, but this needs to be expanded upon. By and large, defenders choose to rotate under control and surrender an open shot or rush out in a manner that is easily manipulated by solid offensive players. These are the defenders susceptible to pump fakes and easily beat by drives to the basket. 2K is a good enough title to expect this going forward.

5. Coaching - The ability to max out every aspect of Coaching Strategies must die in the current gen. Let's see these options limited by an available pool of 100 total points that the user must decide on. Lastly, let's see these choices yield more tangible results like more offensive rebounds or players sprinting downcourt on the fast break. Make the possibility of out-coaching another player a reality.

6. Zone Defenses - Here are the facts, zone defenses in 2K are better than man defense in every facet and this cannot be the case. Gameplay has to implement the weakness of zones before adding them to gameplay. First, one of the drawbacks of the zone must be surrendering a large amount of offensive rebounds like in reality. Second, zones should surrender a higher percentage on outside shots that aren't contested. Shooters should get a 10-15% bonus when shooting an open shot versus a zone.

7. Turnovers - Too often the low turnover numbers (particularly by the CPU) threaten to break the record for lowest turnovers ever. Let's see more natural miscues like the off-target and bobbled/mishandled passes that occur in every NBA game.

8. Charges/Loose Ball Fouls - We like the fact that there are charges and loose ball fouls, its just that they simply don't occur nearly enough. A small but consistent number of offensive fouls occurring would be the perfect counter to balance dribble penetration. Adding a slightly higher number of them would better balance drives to the rim and certain aspects of post play as well.

9. Pump Fake - For too long this mechanic has been high reward/no risk. Cheesers will pass the ball around the perimeter in search of a defender who will fall for it. Strips are done so well in 2K14 that they provide a natural counter. Let's see more outcomes regarding the pump fake like poke-aways (successful ones and fouls) and how about tie balls? Let's also see offensive players delayed by the "crowding" animations when the fake isn't successful and they've essentially created time for the defense to recover.

10. Jab Step - Another mechanic that would benefit from a more defined risk/reward system. Adding more outcomes to the jab could add so much to the chess game of basketball. We need to see the same risk with strips, tie-ups and "crowding" so the jab-step isn't a "reward only" tactic. But when successful, let's see defenders backing up and freeing us for open shots in addition to "biting" on the jab step and allowing us an opening to penetrate.

11. Post Windows - While gameplay does a good job limiting players without a solid post game some players slip through the cracks. We can still post up shorter guards and other guys who lack skills in the post and score efficiently. The current fight for post position is nice to see, but wouldn't it be rewarding for people like Tim Duncan or Dwight Howard to have a longer window to get them the ball? (based on matchup of course, someone with good post defense might cut that time in half) Simply because they can "hold" post position longer and more effectively? Not only would this make trying to post up players like Chris Paul ineffective, but it doubles as a way to better separate elite post players from rookies or athletically gifted but unskilled players like DeAndre Jordan or Sam Dalembert.

Thanks for taking the time to read our suggestions. The early media from Next-Gen 2K14 is exciting to say the least. Let's hope the advances in gameplay far exceed the impressive visuals.