Face scan app
This is arguably the most positive news to come out of the 2K camp.
Until previously, you needed a console camera to scan your face and create the MyPlayer who endures his MyCareer besides taking his explosive talents to MyPark, Pro-Am and other online modes.
Now, all you need is a smart phone. The NBA 2K17 app, which releases on Thursday, allows you to scan your face from your mobile camera and upload it to the 2K server. This process enables the creation process for the facial appearance besides cosmetic options.
https://twitter.com/gilberto_thekid/status/519382465832423424
And then you can proceed to sculpt the MyPlayer besides choosing his height, weight, wingspan, shoulder, playing position, etc. before playing starting your collegiate career. (You had to go through high school in NBA 2K16 in Spike Lee’s Livin’ Da Dream)
When the face scanning app was first launched with NBA 2K15, it was an unmitigated disaster (see Tweet above).
The developers couldn’t fix the glitches in NBA 2K16, either, but 2K representative Ronnie 2K said in 2KTV’s season finale in June that the new face-scanning application would be top-notch.
On Thursday, several gamers tweeted pictures of a successful scan job. Hurray!
It seems like 2K has taken a tip or two from EA Sports, who introduced face scanning through a mobile device in NBA Live 16. Even though the game, itself, is still far away from competing with 2K, its face scanning app, called Game Face 2.0, proved to be a hit.
The MyNBA2K17 app is a must-have.
If you’re into the MyTeam mode, the app has a lot to offer. Also, My NBA 2K17 allows you to earn a ton of VC by playing the card game in the app.
Even if you don’t like your real life face and prefer to create a new one, the 2K17 app offers a lot.
My Park “After Dark” Mode
If you’ve created a superstar MyPlayer, there is nothing quite like hopping around the NBA 2K virtual space, looking for other players to play a two-on-two or three-on-three pickup games. There are also the few halfcourts where you can play one-on-one games.
The swagger element is the highest in this quotient of NBA 2K17.
Steve Noah of Operation Sports has reported that “2K is introducing a new MyPark “after dark presentation, which turns the online action into a party complete with DJ, special effects and a crowd.
The MyPark mode in NBA 2K16 was pretty slick as it is. These additions will only add to the fun.
There’s also good news for the newbies who invariably get posterized by the ones who spend at least one third of their lives playing 2K.
There is a new matchmaking system which ensures that you only play with and against players who are closer to your skill level.
Those who played MyPark on 2K16 know how frustrating it can be for newbies to stand inside the matchmaking/waiting circle for lengthy intervals since the advanced players prefer playing with each other. Now, there is an automated system which allows for a more even playing field.
Oh, and the “After Dark” mode will also feature dunk contests and three-point shooting competitions. There will also be a Mountain Dew-sponsored tournament.
Your Robin, Serious Basketball Stuff!
There is no Spike Lee to curate Livin’ Da Dream in this year’s MyCareer.
Many gamers were put off by last year’s story mode which put way too much emphasis on off-the-court drama, which intensifies during the death of your MyPlayer’s best friend, Vic Van Lier.
The worst part was there was no option to skip through some of the scenes (at least during your first go around in MyCareer). You had to sit through them all.
This time around, most of the story mode is focused on your actual basketball career. You still have to reportedly endure interactions with your family, high school coach, closest teammate and a love interest, but the focus is more on basketball.
After your MyPlayer turns pro, his friend “Justice Young” is drafted in the second round of the same 2016 NBA Draft. The character and teammate is portrayed by actor Michael B. Jordan.
According to Matt Bertz of Game Informer, “This character, named Justice Young, is the Robin to your Batman. Your goal is to become the next great dynamic duo in the league, following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan/Scottie Pippen and Shaq/Kobe.”
Bertz noted that your running mate will work out with you on your MyCourt, besides sharing hours of laughs with “Denver Levins,” another character in the story mode.
Operation Sports revealed that the concept of the Dynamic Duos, which basically allows you to control the character Justise Young just as much as your MyPlayer.
"Another new twist is you can now control and switch between two characters in what’s being called Dynamic Duos. Similar to the system used in Grand Theft Auto V, you’ll now have the option to play as two teammates and also make decisions for each character off the court as well."
Ben Bishop of 2K Sports breaks down the exact differences between the MyCareer modes in NBA 2K17 and its predecessor.
"Probably the biggest difference from NBA 2K16 is the way this year’s story unfolds. The way you play the game and the decisions you make off-the-court will change the way you experience the narrative. If you’re a gym rat like Justice, the two of you will form a strong bond right away. If you’re more outspoken in press conferences and when talking with the media, it will have ramifications down the line. Even our new text messaging system (more on that below) plays an important role, as how and when you choose to do things, as well as the way you respond in personal conversations, will help to dictate what is going on around you over the course of the season."
There is another character named Jason Richmond, who plays a journalist that chronicles the step-by-step development and exploits of your career. It would be a TV show.
Coach K, the tutor
NBA 2K17 will feature the 2016 Team USA which traveled to the Rio Olympics.
Due to the partnership between 2K and USA Basketball, Coach Mike Krzyzewski has been incorporated as a character in the game.
Also, The Prelude trailer shows your MyPlayer receiving a phone call from Coach K. This could mean the possible involvement of your MyPlayer in Team USA.
The Prelude will also introduce a new featured named 2KU, a new tutorial mode narrated by Coach K which explains basketball fundamentals.
Krzyzewski is also featured as a downloadable offering (DLC) in a similar tutorial mode (when the game releases) to help you sharpen your skills such as defensive positioning, defending against the pick-and-roll, moving off the ball, etc.
While the 1992 Dream Team and 2016 Team USA are playable on most offline and online modes, NBA 2K17 is also introducing college hoops this year.
According to SB Nation, there is now the option of playing with a college team (from the 10 options named earlier) against other college teams in the Play Now Online mode.
Due to a previous licensing issue, 2K could not feature college basketball in its games. But over the last few editions, that trend is changing. There’s also been a request to introduce the 2008 and 2012 versions of Team USA but that hasn’t happened yet. Don’t bet against a future DLC, though.
Next: 2016 NBA Offseason Grades For All 30 Teams
Rachel is still around….
And finally, those who enjoy watching NBA 2KTV due to the beautiful Rachel A DeMita can continue do so in NBA 2K17. The new app which launches on Thursday will feature NBA 2KTV episodes all through the season.
Also, those who’ve pre-ordered the NBA 2K17 Kobe Bryant: Legend Edition (Gold) will be receiving the following:
- Limited-edition Kobe poster
- Two Kobe Panini trading cards
- Black Mamba game controller skin
30,000 Virtual Currency - MyTEAM Bundle + (includes 3 packs with guaranteed Kobe limited use card)
- Nike Kobe 11 retirement shoes
- Kobe #8 Mitchell and Ness jersey
- Kobe hoodie