NBA 2K25 review in progress

In recent years, developer Visual Concepts has focused on updating online features and adding more microtransactions, turning the meat of its annual basketball series into a forgettable merry-go-round of reheated ideas and uninspired modes. But after roughly a dozen hours with NBA 2K25 so far, it already feels like a seasoned league veteran, and the definition of a perennial starter—there are still holes in the game, but solid fundamentals and a willingness to adapt help make it a reliable part of any rotation. Or, in this case, right now it looks like a fresh and innovative entry that could win over new fans and bring back old heads.

Make no mistake, you can’t teach a long-running basketball simulation new tricks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t polish it until it’s as smooth as Steph Curry’s buttery jumper. That’s where the return of ProPLAY technology shines. Though it was originally introduced as part of 2K24, this year’s iteration is much better. It produces more lifelike player animations and movement, so Paul George’s fluid jump shot and Jayson Tatum’s upper-body movement look like the real thing.

The introduction of Go-To Moves by Visual Concepts further emphasizes NBA 2K25’s focus on realistic player movement. With them, you can mimic your favorite player’s iconic signature move, whether it’s Nikola Jokic’s one-legged sidestep jumper or Donovan Mitchell’s bump-and-stepback shot. I especially enjoy using (and abusing) these go-to moves when my game gets paused or the clock is ticking, as most of them, like KD’s crossover hesi pull-up, guarantee spacing and an open shot every time.

The only problem I have with it is the lack of variety. Sure, spamming the same, nearly unstoppable go-to shot is fun, but I wish every superstar had more than one signature skill they could fall back on. I was especially disappointed to see the go-to post moves nonexistent; a one-dribble pull-up fadeaway shouldn’t replace Joel Embiid’s veritable arsenal of dream shakes and shimmy fakes.

Rhythm and Blues

Another interesting new addition is Rhythm Shooting, a completely different and more complex way to score middies and threes. But I’ll be honest: as someone who’s been square tapping-and-releasing for years, I found it pointless at first. It just didn’t feel like there was a reason to learn the trickier down-up Pro Stick move. But after trying it out a few times, as well as the classic shooting method with various jump shot animations, I started to prefer Rhythm Shooting, not only because it’s more forgiving of imperfect releases, but also because you can seamlessly transition into dribbling moves after faking a shot.

Of course, with the revamped animations comes a new shot meter, which I’ll be honest, I was frustrated with the first time I played a full match with it. Can you blame me for getting riled up after blocking three open shots in a row? It was clearly the shot meter’s fault and certainly not a skill issue. But while I came perilously close to both hurling hurtful insults and a controller at my TV, cooler heads prevailed and I eventually learned about the new Shot Timing Profiles feature.

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