The latest entry in the hugely popular series offers a massive amount of content and plays an eerily realistic game of basketball.
The presentation, the player movements, the commentary and the vividly recreated arenas – everything about NBA 2K19 screams class.
However, it’s not without its issues – with the spectre of micro transactions something that still looms in the shadows.
As with all yearly releases for sports sims, NBA 2K19 features the latest player rosters, kits and upgraded stats.
Gameplay tweaks have also been brought in, with shooting mechanics tinkered with to make it more responsive as well as better defending.
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It all adds up to make a game that, even for a first time player, is intuitive to pick up and play and have a lot of fun with.
One big new addition to gameplay is the Takeover feature, a meter that builds up with successive runs of good play.
Once active it gives a player on a scintillating run of form a stat boost for a limited amount of time, adding to the momentum your team is on.
Also new for NBA 2K19 is an improved Neighbourhood hub and a new storyline for the MyCareer mode.
This time round you take control of AI, a brash, arrogant and self-centered twerp whose left smarting about missing out on the NBA Draft.
While AI may not start out as the most likeable character, his arrogance serves as the backbone to a story all about the importance of humility.
And it’s an engrossing, well acted and well directed tale that boasts a brilliant character creation tool.
Elsewhere the FUT-like MyTeam mode returns with plenty of player packs to purchase and open.
As does the MyGM and MyLeague modes, rounding out a sports sim that offers a huge amount of content on day one.
The only qualms that players might have is with the virtual currency system, which is tied into player development, pack purchases and more.
Thankfully, compared to last year it’s easier to earn VC thanks to daily bonuses, sponsorship contracts and extra activities.
But the fact that those willing to fork out and purchase extra VC can get a leg up on the competition online may be a turn off for some.
However, these issues aside, where NBA 2K19 excels most is where it matters – on court.
NBA 2K19 plays a brilliant game of basketball, offers a frankly ridiculous amount of content and is one of the best sports games money can buy.
For basketball fans it’s virtually an essential purchase.
VERDICT: 4/5