NBA 2K24 Arcade is the mobile version of the 2K basketball simulation, let’s see how this “small reduction” turned out in the review.
The portable version of 2K basketball has now become a tradition, so this year too we are faced with the NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition review trying to understand how the adaptation of the greatest basketball simulation available on the major platforms went 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 front and reduced in game modes. and in the possibilities offered by the gameplay, but considering the context in which we find ourselves it is a truly massive product.
Even too much, one might almost say: the impression is absolutely that of a “premium package”, and the fact that it is distributed through Apple Arcade, i.e. freely downloadable by subscribers to the Apple service, is a notable plus for the monetization model, given the absence of the infamous ones microtransactions which regularly invalidate the standard chapters.
However, the idea remains that it is a title that is perhaps not very enjoyable for classic mobile use, given its breadth and depth, which goes better with a classic gaming controller. From this point of view, it must be specified that cross-play is integrated into the catalogue Apple Arcade allows NBA 2K24 to cross the boundaries of use on smartphones, making it a title particularly suitable to be enjoyed on Mac, Apple TV or even larger, more powerful and more comfortable devices such as the modern iPad Pro. The same gigantic download size and requirements hardware needed to make it work naturally tend towards a type of use different from the standard mobile one.
Gameplay and controls
NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition tries to get closer to the same technical system as the standard version
The gameplay of NBA 2K24 Arcade continues in the name of tradition, presenting itself as a rather complete basketball simulation, although slightly simplified compared to the original one, which you can learn more about in our review of NBA 2K24. Given the complexity of the action, which requires keeping coordination between players under control and the use of different passing, shooting and movement options between attack and defense, the use of the controller is almost mandatory. This also represents a certain limitation to mobile use, but anyone equipped with ideal solutions for portable gaming will find themselves with an almost console-level experience on the device, in return.
A certain study has however been placed in the controls via touch screen, through two different settings: 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 through the introduction of buttons that change their function in a contextual manner. Beyond the usual problem of feeling and precision, it cannot be said that 2K has not at least tried to make the title actually enjoyable 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 iterations the series has made notable steps towards realism, which are also reflected in the Arcade version with regards to the naturalness of the movements, the physics of the ball and players and the setting of the actions, which makes this new chapter a real must for fans.
Game mode
NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition’s Blacktop mode takes us to urban changes
As regards the mode, these follow the same organization seen in the previous chapter: by selecting “play now” we can take part in a quick introductory match, a tutorial, the “Blacktop” with an urban setting or the inevitable online multiplayer, which can represent a fundamental element importance in the long term. Alongside this first block we then find the other main options, namely the classic career with MyCareer, which continues in the historical wake of the series, allowing you to experience firsthand the progression of a young basketball talent, “The Greatest” who brings some of the greatest stars in the history of the sport and finally “The Association”, which offers a more managerial approach, with deeper management of the team. On the content front, the Arcade edition comes even closer to the standard edition for this year, providing a significant amount of different gameplay possibilities.
Downsizing?
The touch screen controls are not too invasive in NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition
NBA 2K24 is a game that is at ease on new generation platforms, therefore it clearly requires considerable hardware to express itself at its best. The Arcade version automatically scales convincingly based on the platforms it is on, starting from the best ones performance on more modern devices such as the latest iPad Pro or iPhone 15 Pro to intermediate versions for older ones, which clearly have to compromise by lowering the level of detail, resolution and frame-rate. It remains very demanding from a technical point of view, so a good device is necessary to be able to access an optimal experience: although compatibility is officially extended to a wide range of iPads, iPhones and Macs, on more advanced machines it simply becomes unusable. You have to take into account the need for over 10 GB of free archive 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
Version tested iPad, iPhone 1.0.1
Digital Delivery
App Store
NBA 2K24 Arcade is getting closer and closer to the original 2K basketball experience, which has pros and cons. Taken as a mobile game, it is far too busy and structured, huge in terms of space required and technical requirements and impractical if played on the move. However, it should be seen rather as a title to be enjoyed in the Apple ecosystem, then it makes considerable 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 doesn’t yet have the completeness and depth of the standard NBA 2K24, but it makes up for these shortcomings with the total absence of microtransactions, which could represent a notable plus. In the context of Apple Arcade, it represents an introduction of considerable value for subscribers.
PRO
Lots of content and modes. Technically impressive, on the latest devices. No microtransactions
AGAINST
Pachydermal in size and technical requirements Not suitable for mobile gaming
2023-11-13 10:33:03
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