Characters
Choose from Harley Quinn, Tom and Jerry, Finn the Human, Wonder Woman, Steven Universe, Jake the Dog, Garnet, Superman, and an extraordinary creature named Reindog. Every fighter boasts unique abilities that pair dynamically with other characters.
Maps
Play on various Maps from our characters' legendary worlds, including Batman's Batcave and Jake and Finn's Treefort, and more.
Cross-Platform
Defend the Multiverse with your friends anywhere, anytime on all available platforms. This includes full cross-platform play and progression
Modes
Play our innovative 2v2 co-op-focused experience or the intense 1v1 and 4-Player Free For All. You can also refine your skills in training mode or put your skills to the ultimate test in Ranked Competitive. MultiVersus supports online and local play.
Customization
Every character will feature its own customizable perk loadout that will change the way you play and how you synergize with your teammates.
Competitive
MultiVersus boasts an intense competitive experience with dedicated servers for seamless online gameplay.
A Growing Multiverse
MultiVersus is regularly updated with new characters, stages, modes, in-game events, skins and more.
Pre-Order NBA 2K20 now to receive bonus in-game content! • 5,000 Virtual Currency • 5,000 MyTEAM Points • 5 MyCAREER Skill Boosts • MyPLAYER Clothing Capsule • 10 MyTEAM League packs (delivered one a week) • 5 Heat Check packs (delivered one a week beginning at the start of the NBA season)
NBA 2K has evolved into much more than a basketball simulation. 2K continues to redefine what’s possible in sports gaming with NBA 2K20, featuring best in class graphics & gameplay, ground breaking game modes, and unparalleled player control and customization. Plus, with its immersive open-world Neighborhood, NBA 2K20 is a platform for gamers and ballers to come together and create what’s next in basketball culture.
The NBA 2K20 Legend Edition includes the following digital items: • 100,000 Virtual Currency • 50,000 MyTEAM Points • 20 MyCAREER Skill Boosts • MyPLAYER Clothing Capsule • MyPLAYER Apparel Collection • MyPLAYER Shoe Collection • 20 MyTEAM League Packs (delivered one a week) • 20 MyTEAM Heat Check Packs (delivered one a week beginning at the start of the NBA season) • 5 MyTEAM Themed Packs (one per theme release across the next five releases) • 2 Sapphire MyTEAM Cover Athlete Cards
This is a super fun basketball game, giving NBA 2K vets and noobs alike... a new option... for over-the-top arcade basketball action. This is the second installment in the Playgrounds franchise... but this time around it is part of the 2K Games family. It doesn't have to worry about competing with NBA 2K either... it's like a nice alternative for the fanatics that live and breathe NBA 2K games and basketball in general. They do exist, you will find some lined up for the newest shoes as they drop.
I won't lie, the 2K branding alone... will give this game a boost over the initial version (in my opinion). Sounds crazy, but 2K has some die-hard fans, especially for NBA 2k. I was actually a day one supporter of NBA 2K & NFL 2K on the Sega Dreamcast... time is flying (make the most of it).
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is a 2-on-2 arcade basketball game... and I'm glad it's a pickup and play... type of game (I loved that about NBA Jam). Sometimes I don't have a lot of time. Hmm... (well) most of the time I don't have a lot of time, but I was able to jump in... aside from loading screens and either play an Exhibition Game or the Exhibition 3-Point Contest. You also get depth in the NBA Season option... which also serves up the NBA Playoffs & NBA Finals (Playgrounds-style), if you make it that far. I'm sure you can do it!
If you're new to the Playgrounds franchise, you may be wondering where are all the basketball players, but... you work your way up to unlocking them all (if you don't wish to pay and unlock the rosters that is). So while some of you may find this annoying, some of you may find it a great way to increase the replay value. I won't argue with either, but it can be annoying playing with the same players initially while building up your points to unlock new ones (sometimes).
You aren't just playing against the players you unlock... so don't worry about that, but you may be facing some serious legends with players you aren't that familiar with. Don't get scared, if you get the hang of the game... you can prove to be some serious competition regardless of who it is. Steph Curry and... David Robinson couldn't take down my guys in a recent match, so I'm sure you can do it.
No matter who you start with in NBA 2K Playgrounds 2... don't look at the player like it's the end of the road for them. For every game, you play using a specific player... their experience goes up. They can have worse stats than a dog, but give them game time and watch the stats improve. No offense to AirBud!
I say all that to say... don't get discouraged, game on! I'm building up a few disasters because I want everyone on my Lakers roster to be on their A game for the season. I go hard in the paint regardless... but having a solid team isn't the worst thing in the world when facing off against Epic players and full-blown Legends. I just went triple overtime with my disasters against two legends. I took an L, but that game had me on the edge of my dinosaur slippers! (Don't judge me, they're comfy!) I will be back for another season with the goal of winning the NBA Finals and unlocking a Lakers legend. I'll leave that a mystery so you can find out for yourself when you play.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 has a nice feel to it... once you spend some time with it. You really start to flow more and more after utilizing your passing, crossover, etc. I know some gamers that give up on a game within 30 minutes... and I have to explain why a game is worth more time. Give it a chance and embrace the spirit of competition with these cartoon'ish versions of some of our favorite NBA players, and challenge yourself to learn some of the more technical moves. Initially, the fast pace may be a bit much to try and get technical, but... if you think you've got it in you, get to it.
How do you obtain these NBA players? By getting packs of bronze, silver or gold cards... or going into the Cards Collection and unlocking players that way. Players range from around 10,000 points like Josh Hart, 15k for Epic ranked players like... Lonzo Ball, 20k for Legends like Jerry West or 25k for those obvious super legends like... Shaq, Kobe Bryant, and King James!
My advice is to grind out and get those baller points because you can unlock packs with fewer points that get you those players (i.e. I just unlocked Michael Jordan... BABY!!!!) versus building and buying them one character at a time. You don't know who you will get in the packs... but you can start building the options of players you can actually choose from. I also got Golden Bucks with the purchase of the card packs, unlocked Alonzo Mourning, Anthony Davis, Robert Parish, World B. Free, and Shawn Kemp.
By the way... I unlocked a duplicate character as well.
Some of you may be wondering what happens when... that happens, but if you have a duplicate player card inside a pack, that player will receive extra XP.
Oh and before I forget... there is a really cool feature in this game known as "Challenges". This gives each player their own set of challenges to unlock. I'm talking every... single... player. These range from a Bronze challenge up to a gold challenge, and you have one for Speed, 2 Pointers, 3 Pointers, Dunks, Stamina, Steals, Blocks, and... Rebounds. This further increase the replay value (which is pretty much limitless based on how the gameplay can shift in so many unpredictable ways... especially online).
I'm looking at Kobe Bryant right now, and his challenges for his 2 Pointers:
Bronze Challenge
Description: Score 6 jumpers from inside the arc in an Exhibition Game
Reward: +1 point in 2-Pointers stat
Silver Challenge
Description: Score 8 finger rolls in a Season Game
Reward: +3 points in 2-Pointers stat
Gold Challenge
Description: Score 8 jumpers from inside the arc in an Exhibition Game
Reward: +4 points in 2-Pointers stat
Now that I've pointed out one cool plus... I have to issue a con that I'm not crazy about. It's the cursed lottery pick. I know it's arcade, but... the cursed lottery pick sucks and I don't want my competition to have that applied to them either because it affects the game in a way that has nothing to do with their skill. I know the other lottery picks can amplify your match, but I don't want the skills... downed.
The Cursed lottery pick is described as... opposing players' stats drop to the minimum for the duration of the lottery pick. Luckily... when you aren't playing during the season... Lottery Picks like the Cursed option can be turned off. Unfortunately, the season is where I'd really prefer that option. Trust me... you do NOT want that on you in the NBA Finals, that's how I took an L.
TIP: If you do end up with this lottery pick, and there is time to kill in the match... try to play hard D to prevent the other team from even nearing 3-point land. You're basically wasting time so that your Cursed time runs down without them having a scoring spree. If you're in possession, try to run your shot clock down and cherry-pick so safe shots.
Other lottery picks include:
Ankle-Breaker:
Face an opponent and perform a forward crossover to put him on the ground. If you score while the ball is glowing, the basket is worth double points.
Super Power:
Your players' stats increase to the maximum for the duration of the Lottery Pick.
Frozen Hoop:
The basket freezes up and points can't be scored until you break the ice. I don't like this one either. The opponent always seems to freeze my hoop in a way that requires 3 shots in order to break the freaking ice. I hate this... I think I hate this one even more than the Cursed lottery pick.
Threes X 2:
Doubles the points from 3-pointers.
Multiplier Stars:
Score from a star and the point value will be multiplied by the indicated number.
Shot Clock Speed Up:
The opposing team's shot clock time is cut in half.
Super Speed:
Your players don't lose stamina and they sprint for the duration of the Lottery Pick.
Dunks X 2:
Doubles the points for dunks.
Supercharged Ball:
A Supercharged Ball will score from any position, but it can be blocked.
Another thing I'd change about this game... is the tutorial. It's... not... exactly giving us a playable tutorial, it's more so just a guide telling you what to press in order to do a move (as seen below). That may not seem like a big deal (and really it's not), but... I just don't think it's as useful.
Here's a freebie for the developers... compliments of SDGT Studio: NBA 2K Playgrounds 2... should have a practice court for the tutorial, and even just practicing in general. I know exhibition games can serve a similar purpose... but you can actually focus on learning on a practice court. Use the little referee character, he can blow the whistle upon the completion of each successful move. That could even add an additional accomplishment to the game... once the tutorial is complete.
As far as more technical moves go, you will have to be quick on the draw to pull them off. When it comes to playing the game in general. You can still enjoy the experience without knowing how to throw the ball against the backboard for a self-alley-oop. So regardless of your skill set, there's room for noobs and seasoned Playground vets to enjoy.
The audio quality is good, delivering upbeat tunes that get you in the mood for balling based on the basketball-themed lyrics. Perhaps 2K should consider hiring the Diplomats to do a game-related remix to Jim Jones... Ballin! Sound effects do a good job making those dunks, and ranged shots even more satisfying... especially the buzzer beaters that seal the victory. The commentary is also cool, although it can be a bit repetitious sometimes... but it hasn't gotten annoying (yet). What's even cooler, is that they employed known streamers to do commentary to liven up the gameplay. I'm all for gamers getting in on the action, and these streamers also have a character in the game. #Jealous!!!
Visually, I think they did a great job with the environment around the court. It's not just a court... and it's not just people standing around cheering. You have the depth that makes it feel like a location where a court is located... which makes it feel a bit more live and the look is perfect for an arcade basketball game. One thing I would love is the option to have these environments and even the balls changed at random, so you don't have to worry about switching them out yourself before a match. That option to select between them is fine, but I'd like a random option too because... I forget and then the various courts aren't enjoyed as much.
Visually you also get special effects that go beyond just a flashy dunk. Lottery picks will light up your player, and even light up the court based on the type. I thought that was a really smart move. Yeah... you see the icon for the lottery pick or that darn Cursed one, but they took it a step further to drive home that arcade feel.
Price wise... NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 comes in at $29.99, which makes sense to me. I don't think the game would have as much appeal at full retail, and fewer people would get to experience everything it has to offer at $59.99 because they'd be put in the position to decide between 2K & Playgrounds (if they don't have the money or desire to buy both). Luckily, this is priced just right and presents gamers with a lower-priced option to still enjoy NBA action from 2K Games.
Overall, NBA 2K Playgrounds 2, delivers well-rounded fast paced high flying arcade action that brings the boom at a sweet price... and the fun factor is just as high as the replay value. Can I give it NBA Jam's crown? If you take a good look, I think it has enough going for it to not even need that comparison. It has its own respectable differences that don't result in it feeling like a clone. NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is available... now!
Free NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 DLC Spreads Holiday Joy With Ice-Cold Christmas Playground and 35 New Players, Including Karl Malone and Dennis Rodman
NEW YORK – Dec. 11, 2018 – 2K has announced the release today of the next free DLC for NBA2K Playgrounds 2, the all-star two-on-two arcade basketball game from developer Saber Interactive for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™ and Windows PC.
This latest update, available today on all platforms, brings in the jolly holiday spirit with a frosty new Christmas playground, brand-new festive vanity items, and the sweetest treat of all: 35 new players featuring legendary ballers from the classic 90s NBA era like Karl Malone and Dennis Rodman.
NBA arcade action is back with NBA 2K Playgrounds 2! The sequel to the original smash hit takes street balling to the next level with a massive roster of current and retired NBA players, improved online matchmaking with dedicated servers, four-player online matches, three-point contests, new playgrounds, custom matches, and more! Pick your team, get ready to jam, and Ball Without Limits!
Exciting Game Modes Take street balling to the next level with a variety of exciting features, including new Season and Playgrounds Championship modes! Play 2-on-2 locally with friends, four-player online games with improved matchmaking, or head-to-head three-point contests.
Expanded Roster Collect over 400 NBA players, from all-time greats Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, & Dr. J, to current stars Karl-Anthony Towns, Jayson Tatum, & Ben Simmons. Featuring new player models and signature player animations.
All-New Playgrounds Flash your moves around the world on 10 all-new playground courts. Hit jumpers beachside in the California sun, prove your game under the bright lights of Seoul, or head down under and ball in the Australian outback.
Partnership between 2K and Saber Interactive expands 2K’s basketball offerings; Two-on-two arcade-action to be released this fall
2K saw the potential in NBA Playgrounds, now we're going to get a new NBA 2K Franchise where you can cut loose. 2K games is sticking to the script in NBA 2K games, so I see this partnership as a way to deliver a variety of NBA action for their audience. I know people like my cousin who only play 2K basketball games, now his my aunt has another game to buy him every single year. -Luis D. Lucha
New York – July 24, 2018 – 2K today announced that they will publish the next great arcade-action sports game from developer Saber Interactive - NBA 2K Playgrounds 2. This over-the-top, two-on-two basketball experience will complement the best-selling NBA 2K simulation franchise and expand 2K’s footprint in the basketball video game space.
“The original NBA Playgrounds was a fantastic throwback to the glory days of arcade-action sports,” said Greg Thomas, President, Visual Concepts. “The new NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 will step up this energy and attitude big time – with a bit of added NBA 2K flair – giving fans of both franchises an exciting new way to game with friends around the world.”
“No one is more committed to bringing fans a great basketball experience than 2K. We can’t wait to share more on how we’re teaming up to make NBA 2K Playgrounds 2’s incredible arcade action bigger and better than ever for players,” said Saber CEO Matt Karch.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 will be released in fall 2018 on the Xbox One, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Switch™ and Windows PC.
I'm hereeee with sports action for... Nintendo. It sounds so weird... right? Well... i'll say its just been a little while instead. :p
Did Allen Iverson get a tan?
Anyway, a studio by the name of Sabre Interactive... is developing a 2-on-2 NBA arcade game. NBA JAM comes to mind... which works for me. When you're talking a console like the Nintendo Switch, I think the game is a great fit for the system... and you can play the crap out of it offline with a friend out in the middle of Drablands if you know how to get there.
I don't always mention the developers, but you may find interest in some of the works this studio has under its belt. You may have heard of games like Quake Champions, Halo: Master Chief Collection and God Mode, right? Well... you will find Sabre Interactive in the credits. Experience in non-sports games (e-Sports is something they've played a hand in) doesn't always mean a studio can make a great officially licensed sports game. I'm just being honest, but... at the same time i'm super hopeful that they're able to deliver an NBA game with a nice flow, major fun factor and plenty of replay value.
The game will also be available on PS4, Windows PC and Xbox One... but considering the fact that the Nintendo-Switch could use more releases, this may be capture the interest of Switch owners more so. Totally assuming that, but why not take advantage of the options... if (and I do mean "If") a new option is good. You're in luck when it comes to this game (all platform owners are) because it will be released in May 2017 for $19.99... and I give them props on that. Other developers should take note, don't overprice games... get in where you fit in (and benefit), not where you think you can get away with placing your game's price point.
NBA Playgrounds will include all 30 NBA teams (duh of the day)... in addition to an extensive roster that includes retired NBA players. They also mention that you'd be able to level players up over time, and... I don't know how I feel about that if it isn't some sort of career mode, but we'll see. This game will be a digital only title... and I may not have said this several years ago, but that's fine by me. You have solo, offline and online modes to show off skills with your favorite (or not so favorite) NBA players.
I'll leave you with words from Saber Interactive's CEO:
“Basketball is such a pick-up-and-play sport at heart – we really wanted to bring that spirit into gaming,” said Saber’s CEO, Matt Karch. “NBA Playgroundshas a lot of depth for pros who’ve mastered their game, but it’s accessible enough that anyone can jump in, have fun and feel competitive.“