As many “NBA 2K” are patiently waiting for Oct. 1, it’s nice that we can finally speculate how each new feature will actually play out in the game.
One of additions to the game that may get overlooked is the upgraded defensive gameplay.
Being able to deny the ball, block dunks, and have your team adjust to what the offense is doing can maybe change the way people view basketball videogames.
Usually the focus in videogames is on offense. We see this every time we watch a great performance in the NBA or a college game. The broadcaster will say something like, “This man is playing like he’s in a videogame.” These sort of comments are made after a crazy Blake Griffin dunk, when Stephen Curry hits about 10 three-pointers in a row and when LeBron goes on a 15-0 run by himself. What do all of these things have in common? They’re outstanding offensive performances.
When was the last time you saw Tony Allen shut down a defender, DeAndre Jordan swat someone’s shot into the stands , or Chris Paul pick someone’s pocket and Steve Kerr says, “Man that great defense was straight out of a video game.” It never happens.
Who knows? Maybe the video game world can help create more of an appreciation for defense.
Here are the full list of current-gen defensive features as written on the NBA 2K Facebook Page:
Defensive Improvements:
Learning Defensive A.I. – Test your skills even further with new defensive AI that sees where the offense is being successful and adjusts strategy to take those advantages away.
Block Improvements – The block system has been completely revamped for NBA 2K14 with improved ball targeting and awareness, more realistic physics, and more responsive control. All new player collisions, the ability to block dunks, and more appropriate shot contests make playing defense much more fun and rewarding.
All New Ball Denial - No more getting stuck during off ball bumps and ball denial, allowing for complete freedom of control over your players away from the ball.
Enhanced dribbler vs. on-ball defender contact - Defenders can now initiate steals, hard bumps, and charges out of defensive rides, making locking up players on defense a much more engaging experience.
Expanded Defensive Commands – New commands using the right stick: including contesting shots, contesting passes, and denying or pressuring the ball.
"NBA 2K14" will hit stores for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 4 on October 1. The game will be released for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 later this year.
