The portable version of 2K basketball has already become a tradition, so this year we are also faced with the NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition Review trying to understand what the adaptation of the largest basketball simulation available on the main platforms was like this year. One thing is certain: talking about a small reduction is misleading at this point, because this year's edition is also very large and complete, close to the console version, although obviously optimized on the technical side and reduced in game modes and odds. that offers the gameplay, but considering the context in which we find ourselves it is a truly massive product.
Even too much, one could almost say: the impression is absolutely that of a "premium package", and the fact that it is distributed via Apple Arcade, i.e. that subscribers of the Apple service can download it for free, is a plus notable for the monetization model. , in the absence of the infamous microtransactions that periodically override the standard chapters.
However, the idea remains that it is a title perhaps not very enjoyable for classic mobile use, given its breadth and depth, which combines better with a classic game controller. From this point of view, it must be noted that cross-play is integrated into the catalog Apple Arcade allows NBA 2K24 to push the boundaries of smartphone use, making it a title especially suited to be enjoyed on Mac, Apple TV, or even larger, more powerful, and more comfortable devices like the modern iPad Pro. The same gigantic download size and requirements The hardware necessary for its operation naturally tends towards a different type of use than the standard mobile phone.
Gameplay and controls
NBA 2K24 Arcade gameplay continues in the name of tradition, presenting itself as a fairly complete basketball simulation, although slightly simplified compared to the original, which you can learn more about in our NBA 2K24 review. Given the complexity of the action, which requires keeping under control the coordination between players and the use of different options for passes, shots and movements between attack and defense, the use of the controller is almost mandatory. This also represents a certain limitation for mobile use, but anyone equipped with ideal solutions for portable gaming will find themselves with an almost console-level experience on the device.
However, some study has been placed in the Controls Through the touch screen, through two different configurations: one equipped with five buttons in addition to the virtual stick, clearly dividing the action possibilities, while the other aims to be more intuitive and dynamic by introducing buttons that change their function contextually. . Beyond the usual issue of feel and accuracy, you can't say that 2K hasn't at least tried to make the title actually fun even without the use of a controller. On the other hand, basketball is not an easy sport to replicate in a video game, but in these latest installments the series has taken notable steps towards realism, which are also reflected in the Arcade version in terms of the naturalness of the movements, the the physics of the ball and the players and the setting of the actions, which makes this new chapter a true essential for fans.
Game modes
About way, follow the same organization seen in the previous chapter: by selecting "play now" we can participate in a quick introductory game, a tutorial, the "Blacktop" with an urban setting or the inevitable online multiplayer, which can represent a fundamental step. importance of the element in the long term. In addition to this first block, we find other main options, namely the classic career with MyCareer, which continues the historical trail of the series, allowing you to experience first-hand the progression of a young basketball talent, "The Greatest", who brings some of the biggest stars in the history of the sport and finally "The Association", which offers a more directive approach, with deeper team management. In terms of content, the Arcade edition is even closer to this year's standard edition, offering a considerable number of different gaming possibilities.
Staff reduction?
NBA 2K24 is a game that fits comfortably on next-gen platforms, so it clearly requires considerable hardware to express itself at its best. The Arcade version automatically scales convincingly based on the platforms it's on, starting with the best ones. performance on more modern devices like the latest iPad Pro or iPhone 15 Pro to intermediate versions for older ones, which clearly have to make concessions by reducing the level of detail, resolution and frame rate. It is still very demanding from a technical point of view, so a good device is necessary to access an optimal experience: although compatibility officially extends to a wide range of iPads, iPhones and Macs, on more advanced machines it simply remains unusable. . You have to take into account the need for more than 10 GB of free file space, which is not easy on iPhone and iPad, as well as loading times that can be a little long compared to the standards of mobile titles.
Conclusions
Tested version iPad, iPhone 1.0.1 digital delivery App Store Holygamerz.com 7.5 Readers (2) 8.1 your voteNBA 2K24 Arcade is getting closer to the original 2K basketball experience, which has pros and cons. Considered as a mobile game, it is too busy and structured, huge in terms of required space and technical requirements, and impractical if played on the move. However, if it should be seen more as a title to enjoy in the Apple ecosystem, it makes a lot of sense as the best basketball simulation on the market, possibly to be played on the latest generation Mac or iPad and using a controller. It still doesn't have the completeness and depth of the standard NBA 2K24, but it makes up for these shortcomings with the complete absence of microtransactions, which could be a notable advantage. In the context of Apple Arcade, it represents an introduction of considerable value to subscribers.
PRO
- Lots of content and modes.
- Technically impressive, on newer devices
- Lack of microtransactions
AGAINST
- Pachydermal in size and technical requirements.
- Not suitable for mobile games
