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NBA 2K16 Gameplay Blog by Scott O’Gallagher (Operation Sports)

NBA 2K16 gameplay designer Scott O’Gallagher has posted a new deep-dive developer blog over on Operation Sports, in which he talks about – yes, you guessed it – gameplay. As with the previous blogs on franchise modes and gameplay, it’s an absolute must read if you’re itching for information on NBA 2K16, and is very difficult to sum up in a few points. However, here are some of the highlights:

  • Expect to see improved on-ball defensive behaviour, including better anticipation. Wingspans also come into play, and the CPU plays much smarter defense overall. Elite defenders really stand out, as they will have a better awareness of the play.
  • You can make on-the-fly defensive adjustments (Tap L1/LB, select the defender, choose defensive pressure adjustment), and new indicators will help you with your defensive positioning.
  • A new Championship DNA Badge gives certain players the ability to see double teams coming before they arrive.
  • The new adaptive coaching engine in NBA 2K16 allows the CPU to react to gamers and change its strategy accordingly. Strategies adapt to players differently according to the type of game (exhibition, season, Playoffs), as well as player type and behaviour. Apparently, there are over 5000 different adjustments that the CPU will make.
  • The historical teams in NBA 2K16 will also make these adjustments (eg Scottie Pippen guarding Magic Johnson in the 1991 Finals, Gary Payton guarding Michael Jordan in the 1996 Finals, etc).
  • Every pick and roll defense in the NBA is in NBA 2K16. On the offensive side of the ball, you can now choose the side of the screener, and whether he’ll slip, roll, or fade. Hold LB/L1 to call for screen, Tap RT/R2 to flip side of screen, Tap RB/R1 for roll/fade, Tap LB/L1 again to slip or pop early.
  • Teams will employ multiple defensive assignments, look to exploit weaknesses and mismatches, and make better defensive switches.
  • NBA 2K16 even includes signature walking animations for coaches!

Be sure to check out the blog for the full scoop, including a bunch of raw gameplay videos that demonstrate what Scott is talking about. What are your thoughts on how gameplay in NBA 2K16 is shaping up? Sound off in the comments section below, and be sure to join in the discussion here in our NBA 2K16 Forum.

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beegees
beegees
September 5, 2015 2:49 pm

Thanks for your summary, because of the very long original text. Don’t be lazy to make another one. Thanks for advance, Andrew. 🙂