From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
NBA 2K27 Review: The latest version brings you back to the playground
The game delivers authentic basketball from high school to the pros, with a Chicago touch featuring Derrick Rose on the cover.
In brief
The game delivers authentic basketball from high school to the pros, with a Chicago touch featuring Derrick Rose on the cover. NBA 2K27 refines rather than revolutionizes the franchise, earning a B-plus with improved defense and authentic historical eras. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
From star to couch surfing
The MyCareer storyline starts with you as a top high school player who crashes a booster's sports car, derailing your path to Duke and NBA stardom.
Brooklyn basement to the league
Two years after the accident, you're on your cousin Cam's musty couch in Brooklyn, trying to rebuild your dream through Rucker Park playground games.
“The distance between 'highly recruited high school basketball star with the world at your fingertips' and 'couch surfing at your cousin's run-down Brooklyn apartment' is inches, not miles.”
Earn your way up
Success at Rucker Park gets you a G-League contract. Dominate the G-League and you finally get drafted to the NBA.
The City returns online
The storyline builds your player for The City, the online-only environment first introduced in NBA 2K21.
Microtransactions are back
Virtual Currency bought with real money lets players advance faster. Some online gamers already have mid-90s rankings while storyline success only gets you to 80.
Play through five NBA eras
MyPlayer mode lets you drop into historical periods: Magic vs. Bird in 1984, Jordan in 1991, Kobe in 2003, LeBron in 2010, and Curry in 2016.
Authentic period details shine
Each era looks and feels genuine. Start in 1984 and the locker rooms, broadcast styles, and scoreboards match the actual 1980s.
Run your own franchise
MyNBA mode gives you full GM control over your NBA or WNBA team, handling trades, the draft, and your organization's future.
Bulls roster needs work
Rookie Caleb Wilson plays better than his 77 ranking suggests, especially on defense. But the Bulls roster overall isn't great, requiring lots of trade hunting.
Defense gets a makeover
Serious changes were made to defensive gameplay. They're an improvement but still need some tweaking.
Subtle improvements, not revolution
NBA 2K27 doesn't make wholesale changes. It feels more like subtle tinkering that still moves the series forward, earning a solid B-plus.
“Has 'NBA 2K27' made wholesale changes overall? No. It feels more like subtle tinkering that still moves the series forward.”
Still the sports gaming standard
Despite its flaws, 2K remains the standard in sports gaming with its 28th annual installment, released September 4 for all major platforms.
The essence
NBA 2K27 refines rather than revolutionizes the franchise, earning a B-plus with improved defense and authentic historical eras.
