The conversation of the best NBA video games has been debated for years. I’ve looked at countless articles and videos that countdown the best and worst video games to get an idea of what’s agreeable. However, more often than not, they are all different. Instead of continuing the trend of the best games I’ve decided to explore the best NBA video game series. Which series has been around the longest? Sold the most copies? Gotten the best reviews? Has the best feature? From there I’ve complied a top five list of the best series in regards to technical advancements and gameplay that is hopefully more agreeable than debating individual games.
5. NBA Ballers – 2004
The streets became the court in this high-flying trick game. Here, NBA superstars face off in 1-on-1 battles with sick crossovers and rim-breaking finishers. The three round series, the first to 11 by a margin of two, calls for little error and to utilize every possession properly. The graphics are a bit advanced for their time and the facial recognition is very lifelike. The game also features popular celebrities and the ability to purchase and compete for jewelry. NBA Ballers was also the first video game to offer a story mode, Rags to Riches, in which a rookie has to battle with the NBA’s best in a tournament style contest to advance his abilities and move along in the competition.
Along the left side of the screen are the following meters that help with gameplay:
Juice Meter
In gameplay, the player has a “Juice Meter” that fills up like a fuel gauge and is used as a turbo boost. It is correlated to the player’s energy and the meter will diminish as the energy is used.
House Meter
The “House Meter” is raised by pulling off style moves and scoring points. The meter is filled until the word “HOUSE” is spelled. When totally filled, the player may choose to “Bring Down the House” by holding all shoulder buttons and throwing an alley-oop to himself that tears down the rim and ends the match.
The series went on to have 3 more versions after the original.
4. NBA Jam – 1993
The series started out as a 2-on-2 arcade style game before gaining popularity. It is one of the first to have licensed NBA teams and player likeness. Also, the game gave players traits that defied the law of physics, such as high jumping and fast-paced running. It is hard to differentiate players during gameplay and the user is dependent on the names underneath, however, that does not take away from the action. With little rules, players are free to go head-to-head physically. The use of the “on fire” feature allows for a player to consistently make shots for a period of time and could be the difference between winning and losing.
The series is now mobile after EA Sports launched NBA JAM for smartphones. The mobile version allows you to choose your favorite stars from all 30 NBA team in the same high-flying 2-on-2 arcade game of the 90’s. The mobile version even features the voice of Tim Kitzrow (the original NBA JAM play-by-play announcer), with all the classic catchphrases and a few new ones. The mobile app has received a rating of 4.1 stars.
The series went on to have 9 more versions after the original.
3. NBA Street – 2001
Similar to NBA Ballers, this game of non-stop action brought the battle to the streets. The 3-on-3 showcase is similar to most games in that trick points are awarded for basketball actions: made shot, block, steal, crossover, etc. However, the trick points are utilized for the Gamebreaker, a special shot that adds to your score while subtracting from your opponents’. The goal is to advance throughout the game by defeating the Street Legends, some of whom resemble NBA legends.
Unfortunately in 2011, EA Sports boss Andrew Wilson admitted there’s no current plans to bring back the Def Jam or NBA Street series’ following recent reboots of FIFA Street and SSX from the company.
The series went on to have 4 more versions after the original.
2. NBA Live – 1995
NBA Live is the longest running NBA video game series to date. The graphics for the series have progressed yearly and is now one of the most interactive games on the market. Unlike the other series covered thus far, NBA Live offers a full 5-on-5 contest with all rules and regulations. Throughout the years the series has slowly added new features, including the ability to unlock legends and hall-of-famers from the 50s-90s. The gameplay is more realistic with a focus on strategy and understanding of the game rather than strictly highlights. The most recent version of NBA Live has an advanced dribbling feature that has been in need of a change after over a decade of simplicity.
“With BounceTek, we are releasing the ball to physics for the first time ever in a basketball video game and in doing so creating the most authentic looking basketball dribble, with close to 1000 new animations, but more than that we are creating a system that mimics the nuanced movement,and thus depth, of real basketball, a system that we call ‘authentically responsive’”, stated Gary Paterson, Senior Creative Director of NBA Live 14.
The series went on to have 16 more versions after the original.
1. NBA 2K – 1999
The NBA 2K series is the most popular NBA video game series. Similar to the NBA Live series, NBA 2K consists of a 5-on-5 competition that is very lifelike. In many ways it is the same as NBA Live, but it exceeds in others. As of recent years, NBA 2K has added new features, such as game modes, soundtracks, and the fact that one of the games was produced by Jay-Z. Also, NBA 2K has enjoyed having an interactive and entertaining story mode well before it’s top competitor.
A new technical advancement for the 2K franchise, most recently in NBA 2K14, is the Pro Stick feature. Players can now flick the right stick in any direction to keep the ball bouncing thanks to the Pro Stick feature, while holding the stick toward the rim will initiate a shot. If you prefer breaking into the paint with a few spin moves, it’s as simple as rotating the stick in your direction of choice.
The series went on to have 15 more versions after the original.
Shawn Jones is a published writer/journalist for SportTechie and Yahoo! Contributor Network. He also studies Sports Communication at Bradley University. Follow him on Twitter and subscribe to his blog.