{"id":503,"date":"2022-03-24T14:55:37","date_gmt":"2022-03-24T14:55:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/engadget.vip\/?p=503"},"modified":"2022-03-24T14:55:37","modified_gmt":"2022-03-24T14:55:37","slug":"nba-2k20-pc-technical-review-a-not-so-golden-three-peat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/?p=503","title":{"rendered":"NBA 2K20 PC Technical Review: A \u201cnot so golden\u201d three-peat"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

NBA 2K20<\/em> is finally available. The yearly iteration of the basketball franchise is here and it comes at the heels of a controversy. Last week, internet users discovered that NBA 2K20<\/em>\u2018s MyTeam mode might have a gambling mechanic. That also led to a response from PEGI. But, that\u2019s neither here nor there. That issue is best addressed in our official\/scored review.<\/p>\n

For this technical review, we\u2019ll be taking a look at the various gameplay, controls, and graphics options for NBA 2K20<\/em>. We\u2019ll also check the game\u2019s performance and graphics comparisons. First, let\u2019s take a look at the system requirements via its Steam store page.<\/p>\n

\"Nba<\/p>\n

Ultra preset: Klay is such a good guy! (Patiently waits for Reddit gold.)<\/p>\n

System Requirements<\/h2>\n

Minimum:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • OS:<\/strong> Windows 7 64-bit, Windows 8.1 64-bit or Windows 10 64-bit<\/li>\n
  • Processor:<\/strong> Intel\u00ae Core\u2122 i3-530 @ 2.93 GHz \/ AMD FX-4100 @ 3.60 GHz or better<\/li>\n
  • Memory:<\/strong> 4 GB RAM<\/li>\n
  • Graphics:<\/strong> NVIDIA\u00ae GeForce\u00ae GT 450 1GB \/ AMD\u00ae Radeon\u2122 HD 7770 1GB or better<\/li>\n
  • DirectX:<\/strong> Version 11<\/li>\n
  • Storage:<\/strong> 80 GB available space<\/li>\n
  • Sound Card:<\/strong> DirectX 9.0x compatible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Recommended:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • OS:<\/strong> Windows 7 64-bit, Windows 8.1 64-bit or Windows 10 64-bit<\/li>\n
    • Processor:<\/strong> Intel\u00ae Core\u2122 i5-4430 @ 3 GHz \/ AMD FX-8370 @ 3.4 GHz or better<\/li>\n
    • Memory:<\/strong> 8 GB RAM<\/li>\n
    • Graphics:<\/strong> NVIDIA\u00ae GeForce\u00ae GTX 770 2GB \/ AMD\u00ae Radeon\u2122 R9 270 2GB or better<\/li>\n
    • DirectX:<\/strong> Version 11<\/li>\n
    • Storage:<\/strong> 80 GB available space<\/li>\n
    • Sound Card:<\/strong> DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Author\u2019s:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • OS:<\/strong> Windows 10 64-bit<\/li>\n
      • Processor:<\/strong> Intel Core i7-7700K @ 4.2 GHz<\/li>\n
      • Memory:<\/strong> 16 GB<\/li>\n
      • Graphics:<\/strong> Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8GB<\/li>\n
      • DirectX:<\/strong> Version 12<\/li>\n
      • Display:<\/strong> 1080p TV<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        NBA 2K20<\/em> has loads of gameplay and graphics settings to check out.<\/p>\n

        As you can see, I\u2019m well above the recommended specs for the game which should lead to improved performance and visuals. However, that\u2019s not the point. What\u2019s more important to note is that the franchise\u2019s system requirements haven\u2019t changed as much since NBA 2K17<\/em> which came out three years ago.<\/p>\n

        You can consider that as something that\u2019s helpful especially if you have an older rig and you still want to play this year\u2019s NBA 2K<\/em> game. Unfortunately, and what\u2019s more noticeable, is that the graphics and engine will still eerily look similar to past iterations. I know we\u2019re talking about the same visuals and formula, but the NBA 2K<\/em> franchise clinched a three-peat before the Golden State Warriors ever could!<\/p>\n

        \"Video<\/p>\n

        General video settings.<\/p>\n

        Graphics Options<\/h2>\n

        You\u2019ve got quite a number of graphics options to choose from and tweak. The graphics settings, in general, would let you set the resolution, monitor refresh rate, v-sync, and your presets (low, medium, high, and ultra).<\/p>\n

        When you check the advanced graphics options, you\u2019ll find the detail settings for textures, players, crowds, shadows, and even for the media people. Additional options include temporal anti-aliasing (TAA), depth of field (DOF), ambient occlusion, motion blur, bloom, and reflections for the floor and mirrors in the game. You can also tweak the buffer count and shader preload.<\/p>\n

        Overall, you\u2019ve got a number of settings that you can change in one go via presets or you can customize each one to your liking.<\/p>\n

        \"Video<\/p>\n

        Advanced video settings.<\/p>\n

        \"Video<\/p>\n

        More advanced video settings.<\/p>\n

        Graphics Comparisons<\/h2>\n

        For this section, I\u2019ve taken several screenshots during two matches, both involving the NBA Finals 2019 rivals \u2014 the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors. The latter won the championship (much to my chagrin).<\/p>\n

        You can only change NBA 2K20<\/em>\u2018s graphics options while on the main menu, not during a match. In fact, changing the texture details also requires a restart.<\/p>\n

        I\u2019ve tried to capture images using the same angles or positions as best as I could. The first game had me playing using the ultra preset and the second one had the low preset. As usual, click on each image for a larger view.<\/p>\n

        Warriors vs. Raptors tip-off:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Ultra preset.<\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Low preset.<\/p>\n

        Klay takes a shot (Broadcast Low camera setting):<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Ultra preset.<\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Low preset.<\/p>\n

        Steph Curry from downtown (2K Low\/top-down camera setting):<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Ultra preset.<\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Low preset.<\/p>\n

        Warriors win the game:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Ultra preset.<\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Low preset.<\/p>\n

        Steph\u2019s interview scene:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Ultra preset.<\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Low preset.<\/p>\n

        Inside the NBA\u2026 2K:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Ultra preset.<\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Low preset.<\/p>\n

        The major difference when it comes to textures would be that the low settings will noticeably have sharper or blockier character models. The visuals don\u2019t look that bad, but they will definitely seem outdated (think PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 era). Floor reflections and crowd detail differences are also readily seen.<\/p>\n

        Shadows are also more noticeable and are striking using the ultra preset compared to the low preset. You can even see this in the images for Stephen Curry\u2019s post-quarter interview scene.<\/p>\n

        The colors and models are also more vivid using the ultra preset as you can see from the Warriors vs. Raptors screenshots and the \u201cInside the NBA 2K<\/em>\u201d moment, change of clothing notwithstanding. Unfortunately, it doesn\u2019t seem like changing your graphics options would prevent Shaq\u2019s eyes from looking dead inside.<\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Low preset: Draymond\u2019s smiling after being ejected\u2026 because why not?
        <\/em><\/p>\n

        Performance<\/h2>\n

        NBA 2K20<\/em> runs smoothly on my machine (on a 1080p display\/TV). It\u2019s as smooth as the Golden State Warriors\u2019 transition from one end of the court to the other, provided that they don\u2019t botch their offense.<\/p>\n

        Although there\u2019s no in-game benchmark tool, I did enable Steam\u2019s FPS counter. With the ultra preset and v-sync disabled, I was hitting 90-100 FPS and it was nothing but net. When I switched to the low preset, I was getting 130-140 FPS.<\/p>\n

        You are notified that NBA 2K20<\/em> runs best when you\u2019ve kept the default settings: 60Hz refresh rate and v-sync enabled. This happens whenever you close the graphics options panel every single time<\/em>.<\/p>\n

        Do note that I haven\u2019t experienced any major issues such as screen tearing or stuttering. You\u2019ll experience screen shakes to simulate the crowd\u2019s roar when you\u2019re taking free throw shots, but that\u2019s an in-game mechanic.<\/p>\n

        The only jarring example I can think of in terms of visuals and character models would be the clipping that can happen during post-game interviews. For instance, if your player\u2019s being interviewed at courtside, another player might walk into view and you\u2019d end up seeing the interior of the character\u2019s model. This happens infrequently though.<\/p>\n

        \"Video<\/p>\n

        Yes, I know. You don\u2019t need to remind me every single time!<\/p>\n

        Gameplay Settings<\/h2>\n

        NBA 2K20<\/em>\u2018s gameplay and audio options can be found in the same panel, the generically-named \u201csettings.\u201d Herein, you\u2019ll spot the usual stuff such as the game\u2019s difficulty, quarter length, speed, fatigue\/injuries, replay frequency, and more.<\/p>\n

        \"General<\/p>\n

        Gameplay settings.<\/p>\n

        Audio Settings and Soundtrack<\/h2>\n

        As mentioned, the gameplay settings panel has the audio options. You\u2019ll find language settings and volume levels of the commentary, PA system, sound effects, crowd chants and murmurs, and player chatter. You can also check your email address here and choose to opt-in\/opt-out for NBA 2K20<\/em>-related emails (if there are new daily challenges, roster updates, events, and more). Naturally, I chose to opt-out because I don\u2019t need all those messages.<\/p>\n

        \"General<\/p>\n

        The audio settings are also in the same panel.<\/p>\n

        You\u2019ll find the game\u2019s soundtrack via the 2K Beats panel. There\u2019s the main playlist which has around 50 tracks and three separate playlists depending on the artists.<\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        I\u2019m not an expert when it comes to today\u2019s music so I\u2019m not familiar with most of the artists. At least I see Motley Crue in there and, uh, Ariana Grande.<\/p>\n

        CPU\/User Sliders and Coach Settings<\/h2>\n

        As expected, you\u2019ll still have more options to tweak so you can customize NBA 2K20<\/em> to your liking. The CPU\/user sliders panel will let you change the success rate or frequency of your moves from shots, dunks, passes, steals, handling, player stamina, and more.<\/p>\n

        Each slider can be customized depending on your tastes or you can just use the default difficulty presets (Rookie, Pro, All-Star, Superstar, Hall of Fame) with their own values. Again, like in past titles in the NBA 2K<\/em> franchise, you\u2019ll know that these settings have been around for years.<\/p>\n

        \"Cpu<\/p>\n

        Sliders to make your life easier (or harder).<\/p>\n

        Coach settings are also there for you to fine-tune what happens under the hood while you\u2019re playing a match. By default, timeouts and substitutions are automated and are likely dependent on player fatigue or the needs of the team. Even late-game fouling is automated especially if the game comes down to the wire.<\/p>\n

        Playcalling, by default, is manual and user-initiated via the D-pad. PlayVision can also be toggled especially when to run dazzling ball movement with full diagrams or just a lite version.<\/p>\n

        \"Cpu<\/p>\n

        The coach settings panel has tweaks for playcalling as well as automated or manual timeouts and substitutions.<\/p>\n

        Controller Settings and Keybindings<\/h2>\n

        For your controller settings panel, you\u2019ll have a lot of options to tweak such as gamepad vibration, shot meters, free throw timing, pick-and-roll and double-team reactions, pass targeting, and pro stick controls.<\/p>\n

        In my case, I usually preferred turning the shot meter off since I dislike looking at additional bars on my screen. But, if given a choice, I\u2019d usually go with the \u201cby feet with splash\u201d setting which shows a semicircle meter underneath your character\u2019s model. I kept the pro stick options to their default settings. There\u2019s no point in changing the pro stick\u2019s orientation from \u201cabsolute\u201d to \u201ccamera relative\u201d since you\u2019d just get turned around and confused if you\u2019re using the more dynamic camera cuts.<\/p>\n

        \"Controller<\/p>\n

        Xbox 360 bindings layout.<\/p>\n

        \"Controller<\/p>\n

        Keyboard bindings layout.<\/p>\n

        You can also customize your keyboard bindings and gamepad layout. Want to move using the right thumbstick instead of the left one, all while having your pro stick moves on the d-pad? That\u2019s super weird, but that\u2019s your call. Also, local co-op is still here. You can have a quick two-player match with one fella using a gamepad and the other one losing via keyboard. If the second player doesn\u2019t want to lose, then you might as well get another gamepad.<\/p>\n

        Let\u2019s make this very clear: You don\u2019t want to play a sports game using a mouse and keyboard. It\u2019s just not ideal and everyone knows that. NBA 2K20<\/em> (and the entire NBA 2K<\/em> series) would be no different. Just take a look at the default gamepad controls and the keyboard binds for player movement and pro stick functions:<\/p>\n

        \"Controller<\/p>\n

        Ah, the gamepad \u2014 the best way to play a basketball video game.<\/p>\n

        \"Controller<\/p>\n

        And, of course, the keyboard \u2014 the best way to lose a basketball video game.<\/p>\n

        NBA 2K20: Technical Review Verdict<\/h2>\n

        In terms of visuals and presentation, NBA 2K20<\/em> still provides a stellar outing for the long-running sports franchise. You\u2019ve got dynamic scenes and camera cuts, player interviews, media assessments, NBA 2K<\/em> TV, and more. You\u2019ve got a plethora of settings to tweak and customize to your liking as a way to hone and perfect your skills.<\/p>\n

        You might notice more changes from a technical standpoint via controls and animations which are more fluid. New additions and changes such as dribble size-up, acceleration and sprinting, and defensive reactions make the game feel more realistic than prior iterations.<\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Low preset: Yes, Steph still looks like a superstar athlete. The crowd? Not so much.<\/p>\n

        Of course, NBA 2K20<\/em>\u2018s biggest drawback, as mentioned, is that the graphics haven\u2019t really been upgraded for many years now. The developers are still using the same old system requirements from three years ago despite numerous advancements in GPUs. Likewise, many of the aforementioned gameplay settings have been around for several games now so you\u2019re not seeing anything new. Then again, as the old saying goes, \u201cIf it ain\u2019t broke, don\u2019t fix it.\u201d<\/p>\n

        We\u2019re not likely to find a major jump in terms of visuals and features until a year or so down the road. Maybe that\u2019s when the Warriors end up winning another NBA championship? Ah, who am I kidding? Lebron and the Lakers will probably do that first and we\u2019d see hell freeze over.<\/p>\n

        \"Nba<\/p>\n

        Ultra preset: By the way, I hate that dinosaur. Yes, my \u201cdisappointment preset\u201d from last June\u2019s NBA finals loss would be an \u201cultra\u201d as well.<\/p>\n

        \n

        NBA 2K20<\/em> is available now via its Steam store page. If you\u2019d like to see how all these features stack up along with the content it has to offer (and any controversies that have arisen), you can also check out our official review.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        NBA 2K20 is finally available. The yearly iteration of the basketball franchise is here and it comes at the heels of a controversy. Last week, internet users discovered that NBA 2K20\u2018s MyTeam mode might have a gambling mechanic. That also led to a response from PEGI. But, that\u2019s neither here nor there. That issue is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":504,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[653,654,454],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/503"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=503"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/503\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=503"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=503"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=503"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}