Polygon has posted some hands-on impressions of NBA 2K17, detailing some of the gameplay improvements in this year’s release. One of the first points covered is the “Curry conundrum”: representing Stephen Curry’s ability to knock down long, long threes, without giving other three-pointer bombers the same level of knock-it-down-from-anywhere ability. Apparently, this has been achieved.
Shooting controls have also been tweaked in NBA 2K17, as jumpshots will now only fly true if we pull straight back on the right stick, in addition to releasing at the optimal moment according to the Shot Meter. We’ll also need to time our release on layups as well, so scoring in the paint isn’t going to be as automated as in years past.
Every team will reportedly have freelance offenses this year, not just the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. On the defensive side of the ball, the AI has been enhanced so that players move with intent, and coaches make smarter decisions about the personnel out on the floor. Blocks are reportedly more realistic, while steal attempts will apparently reward good timing and punish careless dribbling.
Speaking of dribbling controls, one-to-one responsiveness has also been added. Physicality in the paint has been re-worked so that it can feel like the offensive player initiates contact, depending on left stick movement. As touched upon in the IGN preview, stamina and fatigue has been revamped, and is designed to penalise players who rely too heavily on the sprint button. Finally, the tweaked controls and gameplay mechanics can be learned through 2K U, which is narrated by Mike Krzyzewski.
Be sure to check out the Polygon article for more details and comments from Senior Producer Rob Jones. What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments section below, and join in the discussion here in the NBA 2K17 section of the Forum.