If you‘re still gaming on NBA 2K21 for PS4/Xbox One and debating if NBA 2K23 is worth upgrading to, the answer is a resounding yes. Across the board, 2K23 demonstrates notable graphical, gameplay, and game mode enhancements that make it a must-buy for serious basketball fans.
Visuals: So Realistic It‘s Scary
Let‘s start with the excellent visual overhaul. NBA 2K23 sets a new high mark for realism with its incredibly detailed player models, fluid animations, vivid lighting, and faithful arena recreations. Upon booting up 2K23, the visual leap from 2K21 is instantly apparent.
According to early reviews, "if visuals matter most, then it might be worth the upgrade for the visuals alone." Environments and players look true-to-life, capturing subtle details like armor compression tights and glistening sweat. "The visual overhaul lifts 2K23 to new heights of realism."
Player Models and Likenesses Reach New Levels of Accuracy
Using advanced face scanning technology and photogrammetry, 2K23 brings player faces and bodies to life like never before. Stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic look so lifelike, you‘ll do double takes. Across the entire player base, faces and bodies are far more accurate than in the past.
- Over 200 NBA player scans, including rising stars like Scottie Barnes
- Muscle definition, tattoos, hairstyles – player specific details are captured perfectly
- Legendary teams like the 90‘s Bulls boast uncanny likenesses
Lighting Creates a Cinematic Gameplay Experience
From ray tracing to global illumination, 2K23 employs cutting edge lighting techniques for dramatically enhanced visuals. Light reflects and refracts realistically off the court, giving games broadcast authenticity. Shadows and player contrasts add further depth.
According to gamesradar, the "lighting system in 2K23 is an absolute game changer." Sunlight peering through arena rafters looks incredible. Night games capture the glitz and glamor of big NBA matchups.
Crowds and Arenas Feel Alive With New Animations
With 3D crowd members, sideline characters moving naturally, and buzzing atmosphere, playing in NBA arenas feels electric. Dallas‘ American Airlines Center boasts insane detail, right down to the rotating overhead cow. Little touches like mascots hyping up crowds further enhance immersion.
Overall, visuals in 2K23 are so stellar, they alone may warrant upgrading from 2K21. You‘ll constantly be wowed by the level of detail and realism achieved across the board.
Core Gameplay: Refined on Both Ends
Beyond the graphics, NBA 2K23 also plays better thanks to a plethora of gameplay enhancements. Both offensive and defensive mechanics see meaningful improvements for a more balanced, skill-based experience.
Shooting Demands More Skill
In 2K23, shooting mechanics receive a much-needed rework to increase the skill gap. The shot meter changes from 2K21 in key ways:
- Smaller green window requires better timed releases
- Full whites go in far less frequently
- Off-dribble shooting is tougher without Deadeye badges
This update rewards players with elite shooting fundamentals, while exposing subpar shooters. Perfect green releases are still cash, but slightly early or late attempts often rim out. Expect online shooting percentages to decrease until players adjust to the new mechanics.
| 2K21 3PT% | 2K23 3PT% |
| Online: 38% | Online: 34% |
| NBA Average: 36% | NBA Average: 35% |
Dribbling Gives More Control and Creativity
Scoring inside the arc also evolves thanks to reworked dribbling animations. Chaining together moves feels tighter and more responsive. New combos expand your offensive creativity, while updated ball handling better reflects real player skills.
Celebrated dribblers like Kyrie and Curry handle like their real-life counterparts. Meanwhile plodding bigs can‘t string together as many moves. This differentiation brings welcome balance to on-ball attacks.
Defense Becomes More Active and Realistic
On defense, players move more responsibly based on attributes and abilities. Lateral quickness translates better, making guarding quicker matchups more feasible. Shot contests also function smarter – closeouts and positioning actually affect contest quality.
Overall, these nuanced but meaningful gameplay enhancements make 2K23 really shine during 5 on 5 gameplay. Both offense and defense achieve a more realistic balance.
MyCareer: Relive Iconic NBA Eras
MyCareer, the ever-popular career mode, receives a nostalgic overhaul by letting you experience different NBA eras. Instead of rising through today‘s league, you‘ll journey back to the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and more.
Live Out Your Rookie Season in Each Era
Within MyCareer, after getting drafted, you‘ll play out your rookie year surrounded by that era‘s historic teams, players, play styles and presentation. Here‘s a taste of what each throwback era offers:
The Magic vs Bird Era
- 80‘s style broadcast – graphics, music, commentary
- Fast paced "Showtime" basketball
- Rivalry with Larry Bird‘s Celtics
- Underdog story with small market teams
Jordan‘s Bulls Era
- Be like Mike ascending to greatness
- Triangle offense mastery
- Physical, defensive-minded Eastern conference
- Earn respect from the Bad Boy Pistons
Kobe & Shaq Lakers Era
- Ring-chasing with the dynamic Lakers duo
- Early 2000‘s hip-hop presentation
- Compete against West rivals like the Kings
- Witness the rise of youngLeBron
Eras Add Replay Value to MyCareer Journey
Beyond your rookie year, subsequent MyCareer seasons quickly advance through eras chronologically. This keeps the journey fresh with new team contexts. Want to win a three-peat with Jordan? Be an 80‘s scoring champ? Stop Kobe & Shaq? Now you can rewrite NBA history across different pivotal time periods.
MyTeam: Collect Your Dream Lineup of Legends
MyTeam also capitalizes on NBA history by letting you assemble dream teams spanning different eras. Collect today‘s superstars, all-time greats, and forgotten role players alike to create the ultimate fantasy roster.
Moments Cards
Relive epic playoff performances or regular season milestones as they happen through limited Moments card releases. Moments cards boast juiced attributes, making them coveted additions to any squad.
Greatest of All-Time Collections
Build lineups of the GOATs from each era with new tiered collections. Unlock players like GOAT Jordan, GOAT Magic, GOAT Kobe and more by collecting their rare Era Gladiator cards.
Triple Threat Offline Rewards
Earn tokens, cards and MT by battling through over 900 Triple Threat offline challenges. With more rewards than ever, you can rapidly build your historic collection without spending VC and grind your way to GOATs.
Limited Time Events
Test your skills in Limited against other players with restrictions like: 80s players only, 90s East vs West, 2000s playoff teams only and more. Events like Clutch Time: 1975-1979 let you ball with legends.
Verdict: Must-Buy for Hoops Fans
Without question, NBA 2K23 marks a significant upgrade over NBA 2K21 across all facets. The visual enhancements alone bring next-gen realism that amazes. Meanwhile, gameplay finally achieves a skill-based balance between offense and defense.
For MyCareer fans, the nostalgic NBA eras concept rejuvenates the mode with fresh replay value. MyTeam expands on its"Ultimate NBA fantasy experience" mantra by letting you collect any player in history.
If you‘re still on 2K21, absolutely make the jump to 2K23. The improvements instantly make older gen versions feel archaic. For ballers seeking the most authentic, polished and content-rich virtual hoops experience, NBA 2K23 checks all the boxes and more. Trust me, you‘ll quickly forget 2K21 ever existed after witnessing 2K23‘s greatness.
