NBA Video Games: Which is on Top?

The NBA has continued to entertain fans with its wide selection of talented star athletes as well as the numerous exciting games that feature any one of the 30 different franchises, with many fans also expressing their enjoyment in the NBA across the virtual gaming scene thanks to the numerous releases of NBA games in recent years.

With the NBA being the most popular basketball league in the entire world, there is certainly no shortage of regular fanfare for those who enjoy some of the greatest talents that are now present in the sport.

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Many fans continue to voice their usual thrills that are always a part of any NBA game throughout the course of the season and particularly during the postseason where players are expected to perform at their best.

Fans of the NBA can also check out all the latest NBA Playoffs odds for the 2024 season on DraftKings in what is quickly proving to be one of the most anticipated and highly unpredictable playoffs in recent memory.

When NBA fans are not watching their favorite teams or players on the court, most have quickly gravitated towards some of the many NBA-themed video games that have been released on a frequent basis.

Each game brings their own unique take on the NBA experience to players with certain titles focusing solely on the gameplay elements whilst other popular releases may aim to provide a storytelling experience of what life is truly like for an upstart NBA player.

These are some of the best NBA games to have ever been released which still garner a widespread number of active players and have since gained critical acclaim from fans and gamers alike.

NBA 2K11:

2K sports have since taken over as the main developers who release a yearly NBA game that focuses on realistic gameplay, roster updates and a variety of modes that players can kick back and enjoy on their own or with other players.

2K11 is arguably the best in the entire series as it featured stellar and smooth gameplay that was way ahead of the power curve back in 2010 as well as several ingenious modes which players have continuously expressed their enjoyment in playing through.

The game centers mainly around the historic career of the legendary Michael Jordan with the Jordan Challenge mode remaining as one of the best ever additions to the series as players could reenact and relive some of the most iconic moments from Jordan’s coveted career.

2K11 set the standard for the series from which fans are still enjoying to this day, however none of the later releases have been able to replicate this beloved titles charm and gameplay making this a true standout for all sports games.

NBA 2K17:

While the modern NBA 2K releases are often hit or miss, one title that fans will be quick to defend as arguably the best from any of the recent releases is without question NBA 2K17.

Earning a Metacritic score of 88, which is one of the highest in the entire series, 2K17 was viewed as a major fan favorite which is very clear to see judging by how the game plays as well as the many adjustments made to some of the top modes that were featured in 2K16.

One of these modes was the greatly improved MyLeague which allowed players to customize their own personal NBA league which could now feature expansion franchises or even relocation teams.

This title allowed players to put their creativity to the test as the game gave players full control over their own NBA league which was something that was not previously available for most other games at the time.

Alongside the addictive gameplay and endless amount of customization options, the game also received praise from fans for choosing Paul George to be the cover athlete after he returned back to action following a devastating injury whilst playing for Team USA, making this game one of the most merited and critically acclaimed in the entire 2K series.

NBA Jam:

While NBA games have since been taken to newer heights with the recent releases that are now available to modern day audiences, the NBA was arguably at its most pinnacle best during the 1990s with a wide selection of star power and even the release of the 1993 arcade game NBA Jam which has remained a major fan favorite over 30 years since its establishment.

The game is a two versus two basketball game with no rules as well as players finding several otherworldly ways to score which can include dunks from the three-point line and chase down blocks from anywhere on the court.

The graphics have also stood the test of time as the game always looks vibrant with its moving crowds and unique color design which was way ahead of the other rivalling arcade games from the 1990s.

While the game is certainly wackier and more unrealistic compared to other basketball titles, NBA Jam is one of the most nostalgic titles that fans have continued to enjoy many decades later.