NBA 2K25 for the PS5 delivers the most realistic on-court action to date, primarily thanks to the new ProPLAY animation technology. While the core gameplay and visuals are a clear step up, the experience is held back by familiar issues, including a heavy reliance on microtransactions and a repetitive MyCareer mode. This review breaks down whether the improvements outweigh the series’ persistent flaws.
Visuals and Presentation
On PlayStation 5, NBA 2K25 excels visually. The graphics are stunning, boasting highly detailed player models and authentic animations. The new ProPLAY technology is a game-changer, making player movements feel incredibly lifelike and specific to individual stars like Victor Wembanyama, which adds a new layer of immersion. The arenas and crowd animations also contribute to a true NBA broadcast feel. A minor downside is that non-player characters, such as coaches or sideline staff, can still appear stiff and unnatural.
Gameplay Enhancements
The standout enhancement in NBA 2K25 is the ProPLAY technology. This system translates real NBA footage into in-game animations, making gameplay feel more dynamic and true-to-life. It’s incredibly satisfying to see Jalen Brunson use his signature footwork or watch Caitlin Clark dominate with step-back threes. Ball physics also feel more responsive this year, resulting in more realistic shot arcs and unpredictable rebounding opportunities, which adds an element of surprise to every possession.
Another significant upgrade is in the defensive AI, which now adapts more intelligently to offensive plays. Players will face tougher defense on the pick-and-roll and see more fluid team rotations against screens and cuts. Despite these improvements, some issues like occasional defensive breakdowns persist, especially when switching defenders against quick pick-and-rolls(
Game Modes
As always, NBA 2K25 offers a wide array of game modes for all types of fans. MyCareer remains a popular choice, letting you create a player and guide them to NBA stardom. While the mode has seen some refinements in animations and customization, the narrative feels repetitive and lacks the engaging depth needed to keep players invested for the long haul.
The MyTeam mode is still a central feature, allowing players to build a fantasy roster using player cards. The mode offers deep customization, but its core is still built around microtransactions, which significantly detracts from the experience. The ‘pay-to-win’ aspect can be frustrating in online competitive play, especially when facing teams built with purchased, high-rated players(
A refreshing highlight in NBA 2K25 is the continued dedication to the WNBA. Featuring stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the WNBA mode is a complete and compelling experience that captures the intensity of the league, rather than feeling like an afterthought.
The game also debuts Eras Play, letting players experience historical NBA periods, including the new Steph Curry Era. Unfortunately, this mode feels underdeveloped, as classic team rosters have not been improved, and the benefits of the ProPLAY system are not implemented in these retro modes(
Online Play and Microtransactions
Online competition in NBA 2K25 is a mixed bag. The new Leagues system adds a fresh, rewarding progression path for skilled players who want to climb the ranks. However, the experience is severely undermined by the pervasive microtransactions in MyTeam and MyCareer. For players unwilling to spend additional money, progression is a slow grind, and the ‘pay-to-win’ dynamic continues to unbalance competitive online matches(
Conclusion: Is NBA 2K25 Worth It?
NBA 2K25 on the PS5 is a game of highs and lows. The on-court experience is better than ever, with ProPLAY technology making gameplay feel incredibly authentic, while the expanded WNBA content is a major strength. However, these impressive improvements are weighed down by frustrating microtransactions and a lackluster MyCareer story. For die-hard basketball simulation fans, the gameplay enhancements alone might be worth the price. For returning players tired of the grind, these incremental updates may not be enough to justify a full-price purchase(