NBA 2K26, a new basketball simulation video game, is the best 2K in a while. After a couple years, the game felt like it was being repetitive and slowly declining in players. 2K26 feels like a fresh and exciting change of gameplay, as it’s much smoother, the movement is more realistic and the shooting is easier in this game than past 2K’s. “The dribbling moves and shooting have been fun to use because the shots you make are way more realistic with certain attributes and players,” junior Kenny Roach said. The game feels rewarding because it requires additional skills, as there are no broken animations that are used in every play. The game requires players to play good realistic basketball to win the game. 

One of the most exciting new features of the game has been the change in animations. The dribbling is tighter, defense is more rewarding, it feels like players don’t need skill to win the game and finishing at the rim is more realistic due to additional animations. These new features include floaters, different varieties of layups and dunking which make the game more intense and interesting. It feels like a real NBA game, “The new animations made the game better by shooting different kinds of shots every game,” junior Ja’Liere Robinson said. 

The modes have also been enjoyable whether it’s My Career, My Team, My League or playing with friends online, “My Career has been fun, especially park mode so we can play against friends,” said Roach. It’s been highly realistic and the servers have been  significantly better, with less lagging occurring. The game actually rewards skill and effort rather than those who use unskilled movements to win the game.

NBA 2K26 has brought back the excitement of the basketball game, “Overall the game has been smoother and the new animations have made the game way more enjoyable,” junior Jerry Gutierrez said. The game this year deserves a 4.5/5.

★★★★ ½