Found out what’s new in NBA 2K25
Screenshot courtesy of: NBA2K YouTube
NBA2K released gameplay preview of the latest edition in its long-running series, NBA 2K25, with the promise of new functions that could prove to be an interesting dynamic for both rookie and veteran players.
The upcoming title, which features Jayson Tatum (NBA), A’ja Wilson (WNBA), and Vince Carter (Hall-of-Fame) on the covers, builds on the Pro Play function which was introduced in last season’s launch, but now also includes a new Dribble Engine, Signature Shots Series, Defensive Movement System, and Rhythm Shooting aspect.
According to gameplay director Mike Wang, more real NBA footage has been translated to on-court gameplay in NBA 2K25.
“One of the most amazing updates we’ve had to our engine in 15 years,” he stated.
“Take basically all these pro-play animations that we have – over 1,500 animations – and it dynamically creates all the movements, all the transitions that you need to make the dribble move exactly where you want it,” he expounded about the dribble engine.
In the game’s trailer, key ballhandlers such as Steph Curry, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson, and many others are highlighted. Utilizing their on-ball abilities will include precise stops, explosive launches, authentic signature movements, and dynamically-generated motion.
There are 9,000 new pro-play animations to make each individual’s signature shots in the video game better resemble their real-life execution. Players can expect better flow when, for example, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama sizes up defenders before launching his unique jumpshot.
Rhythm Shooting will play an integral role in scoring.
“It’s always been the same – you hold a button down and you release it to get your shot off,” Wang said about recent editions of NBA 2K.
“With pro stick rhythm shooting what you want to do is you want to try to match the rhythm of your player’s shot, so you pull the right stick down, and when he gets to his set point, you push the right stick up in rhythm with how he shoots in real life. If you master rhythm shooting, you can actually be much better than someone who uses the traditional regular button shooting.”
As the saying goes, “defense wins championships.” Mastering the grittier side of basketball in NBA 2K25 – Defensive Movement System – could very well determine your success on the scoreboard.
“If you’re holding down the intensity trigger, you can slide left and right laterally or forward and back even, and you can cut off the ballhandler. If you can anticipate well and do it the right time, you can cause them to lose their dribble or pick-up their dribble. If you’re an on-ball, lockdown defender kind of guy, that’s the thing you want to master.”
It seems like we know what Jrue Holiday’s favorite part of the game will be.
Wang noted the words “personalization, customization, and accessibility” as the core principles that guided the creation of NBA 2K25. Newcomers can improve their skills before playing against competition via the Learn2K function, while veteran digital hoopers can master their craft with challenging drills and training.
There are still other areas of the game to be unveiled. For example, will the MyCareer mode improve? Will virtual currency still play a huge part in determining the growth of each user’s MyPlayer when competing?
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NBA 2K25 is set to release on September 6, so it won’t be long before more news trickles in.