The 2K sports franchises used to have a stellar reputation. NFL 2K and NBA 2K long-served as safe havens from the inconsistency and frustration that EA's counterparts offered. There’s a growing list of video game franchises that can actually sustain a yearly release cycle. Before that list ever started to expand, before there was ever an Assassin’s Creed franchise or a new Forza racing game released every year there was the NBA 2K franchise. Slowly, we’re learning more about this year’s entry: NBA 2K16. 

 

With true collision physics, gamers want much more physical interaction and less game defaults. Improved ratio between rating and actual skill as well as useless foul calls is all some aspects that need to be present in NBA 2K16 if they are not in the present version. By studying the trend of a new release every year, 2K will ultimately work towards an October 2015 release of NBA 2K16. Perhaps this is the strategy of 2K which base a new release on improvement of predecessor versions. It is also likely that NBA 2K16 will see a return of features that were responsible for the initial success of the game.

 

The opponent AI also feels different this time around. Previous 2k had moments where you were quite certain the computer had simply decided it was going to win this game and began tossing up crazy alley oops and bizarre passes that seemed completely preordained. While 2K occasionally dabbles in this sort of thing, it's far less frequent. When opposing teams go on scoring runs, there isn't often the sense that the computer is suddenly unstoppable. If you lock down your D and play tight, you will be able to get the W.

 

We've reached out to 2K Games and will update this article with any new information. In the meantime, check out IGN's review of the latest entry in the series, NBA 2K16, which Xbox One Gold members can play for free this weekend. If you played NBA 2K16 you will be right at home with 2K16. The game feels familiar and similar, although 2K Sports has rebuilt the movement and shot release systems. The new movement is quite noticeable, in fact. At first, players feel a bit stiffer and slower to react to plays. It takes a while to get used to, but it gives the game more of a simulation feel.

 

But I don’t think people are going to find it extremely innovative, more a mix between Single Player and scripted matches. The online element is back again and what fun it is. I think to get the most out of NBA2K16 you need to be online. This year you can finally view where you are on the leaderboards, and with a new bronze silver gold team system will have you up and playing in no time. We didn’t have major lag issues but they were there which led to a bit of frustration (not nearly as frustrating as all the loading/saving screens though. Be prepared to wait, often). It isn't gone entirely as you'll still see the occasional arm pass through another player, but there's no doubt the game has improved in that area. The arenas, coaches and surroundings still look fantastic. The game still succeeds in creating one of the most authentic virtual sports environments around. Though I think I'm more a fan of the body styles from last year, there's still far more to love than to make issue of in the visual department.

 

As far as features, it's not as robust as what's available for the PS3 or Xbox 360, but it has the most important elements such as franchise and superstar driven modes. NBA 2K16 can sit on its throne comfortably. 2K16 will have three different covers starring Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Kevin Durant. According to leaked marketing materials obtained by the site, each athlete will post a picture of their respective covers to Instagram, along with the caption "I'm starring [in] the new Spike Lee joint!" The essence of every video game lies in its simulation. Just highly sophisticated graphics don’t make a game. It is the entire experience which simulates what the NBA is all about. Thus no one wants to see low rated players performing way above their skills. The video game should follow a logical pattern of realism. Ratings should be reduced for simple attributes of the game like dunking and layups. So, Bloomberg anchor Stephanie Ruhle really stepped in it when she threw up her hands and asked Zelnick, "Can you ever see yourself truly competing with something like Madden?"