Tag Archives: Companion App

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #644 of the NLSC Podcast!

The big NBA 2K27 infodump has come and gone, which means it’s essentially a wrap on what has been one of the shortest (and honestly, underwhelming) preview seasons for a Triple-A basketball video game. Nevertheless, we do have some details to discuss, as well as some more gameplay footage courtesy of a recent event for content creators. As such, this week we join the community in reacting to what we’ve seen and learned, while also sharing a few thoughts on influencer culture and a disappointing lack of accountability for content creators nowadays. We also share some thoughts on the impending shutdown of NBA Live Mobile, and seemingly the end of NBA Live as a brand.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:03:32 — 44.0MB)

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To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

We’re at midcourt, and the ball is about to go up…it’s Monday Tip-Off! Join me as I begin the week here at the NLSC with my opinions and commentary on basketball gaming topics, as well as tales of the fun I’ve been having on the virtual hardwood. This week, I’m tipping things off with my thoughts on mobile basketball gaming, and why I’m not a fan of it myself.

NBA Live is not dead. I don’t say that because I believe that the series is poised to make a big comeback – though every so often, there are hints that it might be a slim possibility – but rather because the name does technically live on through NBA Live Mobile. I do actually have NBA Live Mobile installed on my phone, but it’s not part of my basketball gaming rotation. Although I’ve seen fit to continue installing it as I’ve upgraded to a couple of new phones over the years, I’ve barely touched it except to get screenshots.

The same goes for the mobile version of NBA Jam. I posted a brief but positive review of the Android release over a decade ago, but it hasn’t been a regular in my rotation either. As for the mobile versions of NBA 2K, I haven’t ever bothered to buy and play them. Indeed, since I gave up on getting the face scan to work, I no longer even install the companion app for the console/PC releases! I’m not here to bash mobile gaming, basketball or otherwise. I’m all for developers exploring different platforms, and if you enjoy those releases, more power to you! However, I do have an aversion to mobile basketball gaming, and frankly, I don’t think it’ll ever win me over.

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Welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Five! The Friday Five is a feature that I post every Friday in which I give my thoughts on a topic that’s related to NBA Live, NBA 2K, and other basketball video games, as well as the real NBA, and other areas of interest to our community. The feature is presented as either a list of five items, or in the form of a Top 5 countdown. This week’s Five is a list of ways that I’ve changed my habits when it comes to MyCAREER.

Today’s my birthday, and for those who are interested, I’ve turned 36. Yes, I was just a couple of months shy of turning 17 when I took over the NLSC in August 2001; time sure has flown! In that time, I’d like to think I’ve grown, matured, and gained a new perspective. Of course, there are some people who might say that running a site dedicated to video games at the age of 36 isn’t a sign of maturity, but hey, let’s leave the cynicism to Next Gen! I say that as long as you keep things in perspective and take care of your responsibilities, video games are a perfectly acceptable adult hobby.

Of course, as I’ve grown older and basketball games have evolved, so too have my tastes. As I’ve mentioned before, I always considered myself a franchise gamer, as I became a huge fan of those modes once they were introduced in the late 90s/early 2000s. Over the past decade however, I’ve spent more time with career modes and their connected online experiences. Mind you, the way I play MyCAREER has also changed from when I first got hooked on the mode back in NBA 2K13. Some habits have been influenced by the changes in recent titles, while others could probably be attributed to me getting older, grumpier, and less patient. Here are five examples!

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The NBA 2K20 Demo has been released! As previously announced, it’s available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The demo will not be available on Steam, but the PC version will have all the same features that are being previewed. Please note that 2K has advised that it may take up to an hour for it to download and install. If you don’t see the demo in your console’s store, try restarting.

This year’s demo allows gamers to get a head start with the new MyPLAYER Builder. It provides an opportunity to check out the preset builds, as well as all the tools for creating a custom Archetype. We’re also able to test out our MyPLAYER’s potential, and see how they will perform at different levels of Overall Ratings.

The MyNBA2K20 companion app, featuring the Golden State Warriors’ D’Angelo Russell as its cover player, is also available for Android and iOS devices. Now that the demo has been released, it can be used to scan your face for use with your MyPLAYER. It also includes the usual Card Battle mode, and methods of earning VC in the full version of NBA 2K20 once it’s released.

What are your thoughts on the NBA 2K20 Demo? Have your say in the comments section below, as well as join in the discussion here in the NLSC Forum!

NBA 2K19 The Prelude is now available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One! As in previous years, this early hands-on look at NBA 2K19 allows us to get a head start on MyCAREER, as well as a feel for this year’s game. It weighs in at around 17 GB on each console; find it in the PlayStation Store here, and the Xbox Live Marketplace here.

The recently released MyNBA2K19 companion app can be used to scan your face for use in The Prelude and the full version of NBA 2K19. Please note that you won’t be able to log into your console account via the app until you’ve fired up The Prelude or the retail game. Also note that while the PC version will support face scanning via MyNBA2K19, The Prelude is exclusive to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

As always, feel free to share your impressions in the comments section below. You can also join in the conversation here in the NBA 2K19 section of the NLSC Forum.

Ahead of the release of The Prelude on August 31st, 2K has dropped a trailer for The Neighborhood in NBA 2K19. The trailer shows off a completely re-designed Neighborhood, confirms that the Jordan Rec Center is back, and provides glimpses of new games such as Slam Ball and dodgeball. The Playground has also been revamped, and it appears as though there are shortcuts to other modes, such as MyTEAM.

The MyNBA2K19 companion app has also been released for Android and iOS devices. Please note that the face scanning functionality will not work until you’ve logged in via The Prelude or the full version of NBA 2K19, once they’re released. The familiar card collecting game also returns in MyNBA2K19, with opportunities to earn in-game rewards such as additional Virtual Currency.

Watch the trailer for The Neighborhood in NBA 2K19 below, or catch it here on YouTube.

Once again, The Prelude will be dropping on August 31st for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. What are your thoughts on the trailer? Are you a fan of The Neighborhood concept, or would you prefer a more streamlined experience? Have your say in the comments section below, and join in the discussion here in the NBA 2K19 section of the NLSC Forum!

A new developer blog for NBA 2K18 has been posted exclusively over at Operation Sports. The latest insight is from Scott O’Gallagher, with OG breaking down the improvements to artificial intelligence in this year’s game. It’s a lengthy read with some great news and detailed information, and as such, it’s hard to do it justice with a quick summary. However, here are some of the key points that Scott touches upon:

• The Adaptive Coaching Engine has received a lot of attention, in order to weed out flaws from previous games.
• Positioning is improved, with players being more aware of the situation. Players will also recognise sets and make adjustments accordingly.
• Elite defenders have much better awareness. However, if an AI player can’t see the ball (i.e. has their back to the play), they will make errors and be slower to react with help defense.
• More team specific defensive schemes have been added, there are new animations for double teams, rotations and help angles are improved, and there are better mismatch adjustments.
• Zone defense is feasible in 2K Pro-Am without taking a hit to your teammate grade.
• Authenticity is optimised for Superstar and Hall of Fame difficulty levels.
• There is a Defensive Communication setting that when enabled, instructs you on what you’re supposed to do defensively.
• System Proficiency, which will affect all modes in NBA 2K18, emphasises the importance of matching the right players with the right coach and sets. This affects team building strategies in MyLEAGUE/MyGM and MyTEAM, as well as the on-court experience.

Scott has also included a bunch of brief gameplay clips that demonstrate exactly what he’s talking about. Be sure to check out the blog on OS for the full scoop!

2K have also revealed the cover player for MyNBA2K18, the companion app for NBA 2K18. This year’s cover player is Kristaps Porzingas of the New York Knicks; see below for the cover art. MyNBA2K18 is set for release on September 7th, just in time for this year’s Prelude on September 8th.

As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below, as well as in the NBA 2K18 section of the NLSC Forum!

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