(ThyBlackMan.com) NBA 2K19 features many improvements, changes and a complete overhaul of certain gameplay elements we have seen in the franchise games. The game is set to release in September, so here’s a list of all the noteworthy features coming to 2K Sports ambitious basketball simulation.
- Takeover system
This new NBA 2K19 gameplay feature is probably the best the franchise is getting this year. Takeover system is pretty much the same as the “On fire” feature we have seen in the previous games with some additional improvements. Earlier, players on fire used to get their ratings increased by some points, but this time, it’s their overall ability that will improve. That said, players will also have new animations and special assets. The takeover system encourages players to try moves they don’t frequently try and that’s what happens when a player is on fire in NBA 2K19.
- A new zone system
To improve stealing, which is very unrealistic in the previous games, the game developer Visual Concepts has implemented a new zone system. The zone system governs new stealing opportunities and defenders will now be earning points for recognizing these opportunities. Dribblers will have to be more careful about choosing their moves as defenders can now reach them as soon as they will identify an opportunity to get the ball.
- Improved collision and reduced clipping
It’s embarrassing for 2K and Visual Concepts that players were going through each other in the last year’s game due to poor collision system. There were instances where the basketball and in fact players’ body, limbs, head, and hands didn’t appear in the way they should. In NBA 2K18, a bug in the collision detection system caused a lot of problems during match sessions. Visual Concepts is working on improving the collision system and the studio has promised that this year’s game will be better.
- One-on-one interactions
Stick in the game is more important than ever, so players will have to be careful about the way they use it. The developers said that players who are good at ball handling will enjoy NBA 2K19 as for this year’s game, Visual Concepts has completely removed the automated contest system. That means defenders can no longer rely on automated handling through left trigger as stick skills matter a lot in the new game.
- AI improvements
Developer Visual Concepts is making AI improvements in NBA 2K19 to make players sharper. These improvements are needed as some of the game features, including the new steal system, demand these changes. The developer said that players need to be more aware of the environment and positioning.
AI improvements also ensure management of the gameplay balance as some players tend to repeat the same moves again and again. AI has become smart enough to identify such possibilities so, in NBA 2K19, it will cut down any such opportunities where the gameplay appears to be compromised. AI will react to such incidents of overuse of certain defensive and offensive moves.
- Improved shot meter
The shot meter in NBA 2K is one of the most discussed features. Many fans believe that the shot meter in NBA 2K17 was better than the one they use in NBA 2K18. In the last year’s game, the shot meter placement was on the head and it made it easy for players to see the release of the ball.
In NBA 2K19, the shot meters are added to lay-ups. That means it will eliminate the random guesswork as each lay-up animation will require a timing. The best thing is, players can now turn on shot meters we have seen in NBA 2K17 and NBA 2K18 as both are available in the new game. Players will also be able to customize the color of the shot meters in this year’s game. The shot feedback system has also got some improvements so the players won’t miss wide open lay-ups.
- Interior defense system
2K Sports is bringing a lot of features and changes in NBA 2K19 for the better. Visual Concepts has confirmed that the interior defense has been rebuilt to make sure that players won’t miss lay-ups this time. In the last year’s game, the defense system issues were fixed but “it was rough” said Visual Concepts.
The publisher 2K Sports has confirmed that microtransactions in NBA 2K19 will be given a fair treatment. NBA 2K19 will be available on the PS4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch. This is the first time when the series is completely ditching the old platforms like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The game will be released on September 11 and if you pre-order, you will be able to get it on September 7, 2018.
Staff Writer; Corey Shaw
Have any Tech Tips? News? Hit up our Tech Guru at; CoreyS@ThyBlackMan.com