With the NBA finals currently underway, chances are there is also a sudden spike in the number of basketball video games being played. After all, basketball video games have been around since the early Atari days of the 1970s and have only improved exponentially with each ing generation.
Franchises like NBA Jam and NBA Live in the 1990s have given way to even more advanced and super popular games such as NBA 2K, NCAA Basketball, and several others. When it comes to assessing the merits of basketball video games, few outlets take the challenge as seriously as the rating aggregator Metacritic.
NBA 2K3 - 89
With Hall of Famer Allen Iverson aka The Answer adorning the front cover for the second consecutive year, NBA 2K3 drew its highest Metacritic rating for the PS2 release of the game in 2002. The game earned plaudits for its advanced gameplay engine, improved graphics, and multiple mode options.
NBA 2K3 allows players to run their own franchise, draft their own team, customize team players, compete online with friends and strangers alike, all of which were seen as improvements to NBA 2K2.
NBA Street V3 - 89
Other than NBA 2K and NCAA College Basketball, the most popular basketball game franchise of the 21st century is NBA Street. The third iteration of the game, released in 2005, earned equal ratings for its PS2 and Xbox consoles.
NBA Street V3 is an arcade-style game consisting of teams made up of three players each. With no NBA rules, time limits, or refs to officiate the game, the first team to 21 points wins. In addition to the creative premise, the game was hailed for its online edition upgrade, gorgeous graphics, excessive style, and compelling storylines.
ESPN NBA Basketball - 89
While ESPN partnered with NBA 2K, they did not use their namesake on the title until the fourth edition, alternatively titled ESPN NBA Basketball. Released in 2003 for PS2 and Xbox, the game drew praise for its addictive 24/7 mode, authentic simulation-style gameplay, smooth graphics, and high entertainment value.
While the Xbox release was rated slightly lower, every player in the game has its own distinct facial design for the first time in the series, adding to the sense of verisimilitude.
NBA Street - 89
Due in part to the sheer ingenuity of the premise, the first entry in the NBA Street franchise remains a basketball video game staple. Released in 2001 for PS2 and Game Cube, the game was presented as an EA Sports reinvention of the '90s fan-favorite NBA Jam.
Rather than scoring traditional points by putting the ball in the net, the game of three-on-three allows players to increase their scores by perfecting every basketball move imaginable, including dribbling, pump-faking, slam-dunking, shot-blocking, hustling for loose balls, etc. With no official rules, the game is a free-for-fall arcade-style extravaganza.
NBA 2K17 - 90
The most recent version of the NBA 2K franchise to make the list includes 2K17, which drew its highest Metascore for its PC and Xbox One releases in 2016. Available across all major consoles, including iOS, the fluid graphics, meticulous attention to detail, and ultimate refinement of past entries were among the game's biggest plaudits.
The polished simulation-style game drew comparisons to an immersive RPG for how engaging the gameplay was at the time of release. The upgraded MyCareer and MyGM modes added to the appeal.
NBA 2K13 - 90
With executive producer Jay-Z adding clout to the franchise, NBA 2K13 became an instant fan-favorite thanks to such specialized All-Star Game events as the Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Shootout, and Rising Stars Challenge. The game also allowed players to design their own customized sneakers.
In addition to a loaded soundtrack full of such stars as Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West, Mobb Deep, and more, the game was most praised for its overhauled control setup, stunning realism, positioned-based reward badges, and impeccable online gameplay.
NBA 2K12 - 90
Along with 2K13, NBA 2K12 is certified as a "Must-Play" by Metacritic. One of the most compelling parts of the game was a new "NBA's Greatest" mode of play focusing on past NBA legends such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson.
MyPlayer Mode and Association Mode are also available, with the latter enabling players to run a whole franchise from top to bottom for a whole 82-game season. The game scored its highest reviews on PS3 and Xbox 360 and drew high praise for its realistic vocal commentary from TV media personalities such as Steve Kerr and Doris Burke.
NBA Street Vol. 2 - 90
According to Metacritic, the best game in the NBA Street series is the second edition. Released in 2003, the PS2 version of the game earned the most rave reviews, namely for its four distinct game modes, 29 unlockable players, and a golden-age hip-hop soundtrack.
The three-on-three game modes include a Pick-Up Game and a tutorial Street School which allows novices to learn from a master. There is also the NBA Challenge mode, which players can unlock past NBA players, travel to NBA courts around the country. However, the game was praised most for its Be A Legend Mode, which offers tournament-style play and allows players to climb the ranks and become an all-time great.
NBA 2K1 - 93
Released on Sega Dreamcast on Halloween in 2000, the second edition of the NBA 2K series is ranked as high as they come. As the first game in the series to offer online gameplay, the game became most popular due to its inclusion of such iconic street courts as Rucker Park, The Cage, Goat Park, and Franklin Park.
The refined upgrade over the original was applauded, including the addition of Franchise Mode which allows players to operate an entire team for multiple seasons.
NBA 2K2 - 93
Tied with its predecessor for the best 2K basketball game out there, NBA 2K2 improved on the former by including such NBA legends as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Julius Erving, and Wilt Chamberlain. The Dreamcast version of the game was extolled the most.
The game was hailed for its various modes, including Exhibition, Adjustable Season (14-82 games), Practice, Tournament, Fantasy, and Franchise. In addition, more emphasis was placed on defensive strategy, including seven pre-set play calls, the ability to steal, double team, combo block, and more.
