NBA2K20is the latest entry in Visual Concepts annual NBA-licensed cash cow.
Within a few weeks of its launch it becamethe highest selling video game of 2019.
So why dont any of my friends or colleagues play it?
I can only assume they dont know a good RPG when they see one.
Because, in my not-so-humble opinion, NBA2K20 is the best roleplaying game ever made.
The first RPG video game I played was Venture on the Atari 2600.
My next obsession was Final Fantasy on NES followed by Dragon Warrior and The Legend of Zelda.
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I cant wait for Royal), The Outer Worlds, and NBA2K20.
If I had to choose only one, Id stick with the latter because it has the most RPGfeatures.
Multiple game modes to support both offline and online play styles?
Check, check, check, check, and check.
If you havent played modern sports games it probably seems like Im being hyperbolic.
Sure,anygame is an RPG if you put on your imagination cap and pretend.
But in this case the game was actually developed to be an RPG on purpose.
The crowning jewel in NBA2K20s RPG ambitions is its My Career mode.
When you start up the game youll be asked to create your My Player.
Like any RPG, youll choose from a number of character classes.
Instead of the traditional warriors and wizards, youll pick from one of five basketball positions.
In many ways theydoplay like old-school RPG classes.
Once youve decided on your class, or position, youll start building your archetype.
This is where youll distribute your starting skill points and set your level caps.
Once youve created your My Player, you have the option to begin your My Career.
This is a fully-produced Hollywood story staring Idris Elba, Rosario Dawson, and your created character.
Everything you do in My Career helps you to gain the necessary experience points to level up.
The experience system in NBA2K20 is complex, but ultimately it has the same familiar RPG trappings youd expect.
for raise your attributes youll have to spend VC.
This makes it a little more fair for players who cant afford to spend real money on fake currency.
These combine to form your overall score, which is analogous to a traditional RPG characters level.
But none of this matters if you hate the sport right?
Thats a matter of opinion, but I disagree.
I became an NBA fan because of NBA2K games.
Dont like your jump shot?
Youre also not beholden to the NBAs rules or teams with five players.
And 2K hosts weekly events and tournaments to keep the open world experience fresh and exciting.
NBA2K20 isnt anything like your grandparents sports games.
Its notjustabout rooting for the home team or pretending to be your sports heroes.
The big draw, these days, is controlling the fate of a single player.
If your team sucks, you’re able to still rise up as a superstar.
you might also spend your hard-earned (or purchased) VC on character customization.
you could change your look, clothing, accessories, and even purchase vehicles.
Yes, you might buy a skateboard, scooter, or tandem bike for use getting around The Neighborhood.
The customization in NBA2K20 is as deep as in any RPG Ive seen.
And this is how those OMG moments that keep long-time fans returning to the franchise happen.
I felt a sense of ownership over my character.
I was invested in his wild pink mohawk, skinny jeans, and Air Jordan sneakers.
I wanted him to look different than the millions of other players.
I spent VC to give him a taunt that makes him do the Moonwalk on command.
Right off the bat things went straight to hell.
My shot meter flashed green, indicating Id made the shot with perfect timing.
Wed go on to win 21 16 after an epic comeback that featured a slew of green shot meters.
Me and the stranger stuck together and won our next four games.
I felt like Id made a friend that night.
Wed defeated players with higher ratings together through teamwork, skill, and a little luck.
We slew dragons and walked away with treasure.
We were blooded and ready for more.
These are both excellent RPG experiences.
I cant think of any other game that gives you more bang for your buck than NBA2K20.
Theres a large learning curve to playing NBA2K20, but its worth it.
It can be intimidating to play against humans who seemingly never miss.
But you’ve got the option to always tune up against the CPU in a full-fledged story mode.
Theres nothing else out there like it.
Its beautiful, brilliant, and packed with juicy RPG game modes.
I dont watch wrestling.
NBA2K20 is the best game Ive played all year and one of the most fulfilling RPG experiences Ive had.
