Review: NBA 2K14
I am not the best judge of sports games – it isnât my genre, it isnât something I have years of experience with – but I am a good judge of quality. And I can say, unequivocally, that NBA 2K14 is a quality experience.
NBA 2K14 hits all the marks on what youâd want in a game like this – great graphics, a decent selection of music, fluid frame rates on all devices, decent audio commentary, and tons of content. This feels like a real, complete console experience. But itâs an experience that feels right at home on iOS.
I always appreciate it when a developer takes advantage of platform-specific features, and 2k manages to hit all the bullet points youâd want in an iOS optimized game: universal iPad and iPhone support, Game Center achievements, iCloud storage, Multiplayer (both Game Center and Bluetooth), and – of course – MFi controller support.
Equally notable is what ISNâT here. Namely, all the horrible nonsense that lesser developers force in at the expense of their players. This game doesnât show you ads, it doesnât try to trick you into spamming your Facebook or twitter friends, it doesnât try to sell you currency. Basically, 2K sports opted to treat the player with respect; more developers could learn from that.
The integration of MFi controller support here is top-flight. No noticeable issues on iPhone or iPad using any variety of Standard or Extended controller. Extended controllers support both d-pad and joystick control, in-game text dialogs are correctly mapped to the hardware controls, an accurate control diagram is presented upon connecting a controller – all the details are there. The only thing missing is menu navigation, which still requires touch.
$7.99 USD is a lot to ask for an iOS game. Thankfully, NBA2K14 delivers exactly the experience youâd expect for your money. Playing this with an MFi controller feels like a real, true console gaming experience.