Definitely an improvement over 2k12, but the controls still don't feel as fluid or precise as they did back on 2k8. Playing defense still feels, clunky to put it nicely. Feels like I'm controlling fat out of shape HS players at times, instead of high caliber athletes with how slow the movement and reaction times can be sometimes, mixed with the lack of precision. Seems like 2k8 was the perfect balance of weight / momentum while still having full and complete control of every small movement you wanted to make. It was far more dialed in.
Offensively the game looks great, looks realistic in terms of animations and graphics, it still doesn't play realistic. Again, wide open jump shots don't fall at the same rate as contested shots do. It seems like the game encourages me to play a more fancy style. You have a higher success rate doing stick moves and shooting, than you do taking wise spot-up jumpers. You're better off mashing the stick instead of coordinating an offense to create basic, open shots with good shooters. I've seen it a lot already where myself and my opponent will miss easy wide open shots, but the second we do some and1 moves, boom entirely different story. Unfortunately it was the same way on 2k12 even at higher difficulties.
Game looks great, plays great, it's just not the hardcore sim that 2k built their name off of anymore. Not saying it's arcade either, it's a mix now. Probably a pass for me unless online has gotten considerably better.
