NBA2K is generational. Wherever technology takes us to in the future, the franchise will be noted for its part in elevating sports video games to the next level. Impressively, they do that little-by-little with each passing year’s latest instalment in the distinguished franchise, adding one or two new aspects to give the game more depth.
The upcoming release, NBA 2K20, featuring Anthony Davis on the original cover and the GOAT of Miami, Dwyane Wade, on the legend edition, will undoubtedly draw thousands to purchase the game on the day it comes out, which for the Philippines is September 6.
Once again, NBA 2K plans to take their game to a higher standard, by introducing a new and improved MyCAREER mode, titled “When the Lights Are Brightest.”
Here are 8 reasons to be excited for it:
8. Stars
Idris Elba is no unknown name, and Rosario Dawson – you might know her from the Marvel shows on Netflix – is just as talented. The two will play major roles in the story mode, which adds credibility to the hype surrounding NBA2K20. In addition, the gameplay narrative was directed by Sheldon Candis, whose work includes LUV, Sonny Listening and The Walk.
7. NBA players play roles
Anthony Davis is going to star on Space Jam 2, and we’ll be treated to a preview of his acting abilities as one of the players on the story mode of the game. Included are the likes of Scottie Pippen, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and more.
6. The story is more emotional
The MyCAREER mode will follow the tale of NBA prospect Che, who will have to navigate through the difficult roads both basketball and non-basketball related as a professional baller. Authentic and emotional, gamers will have the opportunity to play through the most innate moments of Che’s budding career, while being responsible for the character’s decisions that will have a variety of repercussions.
“The story of ‘When The Lights Are Brightest’ in NBA 2K20 reflects the story of today’s modern athletes,” said Maverick Carter, CEO of SpringHill Entertainment and athlete empowerment company UNINTERRUPTED, in a press release.
“From dealing with the pressures of fame, demands on and off the court, and outside influences, athletes face a tremendous amount of obstacles.”
5. The story is derived from real events
SpringHill Entertainment found inspiration in the personal stories of each unique athlete they spoke with, particularly those of LeBron James, who some consider as the NBA’s Greatest of All Time, who helped build SpringHill from the ground, and has had a tremendous journey as both an accomplished basketball player and businessman.
4. Real-life issues are magnified
It won’t take more than 20 seconds for someone who watched the trailer of the MyCAREER mode to realize the campaign will be more than just putting a ball in a hole, which speaks to real-life events taking place in our world. Athletes, particularly NBA players, know the responsibility they have to use their platform to raise awareness for the realities their people face.
For instance, it’s no secret that there’s a war between athletes in the United States and the NCAA, especially about how the latter takes advantage of the former. By the looks of things, that’s one issue that’s going to be tackled by the game.
3. Live the life
On the brighter side of things, “When the Lights Are Brightest” will give players the opportunity to see and live the life of an NBA player, through a video game console, of course. That is going to be special. After all, there are also some perks to being a professional athlete!
2. Potential
There is so much potential for the story to be memorable. We’ve had a lot of sports movies in the past decades to re-watch whenever we feel sporty and nostalgic, but very few have really stood out as classics. Video gaming doesn’t have the illustrious history of film, but in recent years, games have become a fascinating medium for story-telling. Check out Insomniac’s Spider-Man.
NBA 2K20 can break the mold further for sports story-telling.
1. A new era
“An entire film made entirely of video game scenes has never been done in this way before,” said Alfie Brody, Vice President of Global Marketing at NBA 2K.
He later added: “What we were able to accomplish in this year’s MyCAREER mode is an example of what’s ‘NEXT’ in movie-making and in gaming.” Isn’t that incredible?
What are your thoughts on this game? Tell us below!
