"NBA Playgrounds"

"NBA Playgrounds"

Carless Yen

NBA Playgrounds is a lot of fun especially when you only have to dish out $20 dollars to play it. That great price tag even adds to the excitement of this launch. NBA Playgrounds is pretty much a NBA Jam clone with a modern touch to it for the current generation consoles. With a mix of current players as well as a ton of legends your left with so many options. The fact that you can level up the players unlocking more moves makes you want to experiment, and use other players more often. You unlock players in packs that have 5 players in each. The results are random, and can even get duplicates. They all look really nice though, and resemble who they are supposed to. Some of the player to team options are kind of weird in my opinion though. Like Kemp as a Cavalier instead of as a Sonic, or Parrish as a Bull instead of Celtics. Some players I just don't see how they got on the game like Jakob Poeltl. They do love their game though, and are working on it very hard to keep updating it, and releasing new players. With the over 100 now im hearing they already have another 100 to put out there next patch. I love the player bios on the players as well. I find myself reading each one as I unlock them. I'm really enjoying my time with NBA Playgrounds, and can't wait to see what the future brings for them.

One thing is they need to extend the single player, I was done with it in under 2 hours. So hope they add a lot more tournaments, and parks. The tournaments are 4 rounds for each playground, and each round a different set of players. Each round has a different challenge to complete. Once you achieve all the challenges for a tournament you unlock the ball used there, as well as the park. You win the tournament you also get a gold pack, that has slightly better cards in it. It is a blast , but is over before you know it. There is also online play where you are put in divisions based on your wins and losses so if your stinking it up you will be in bronze, and play against players of your own skill level which is a good idea.There is also exhibition where you can play alone , or with a friend and is probably where you will spend most your time playing this.

To me there is very few issues with this game,I;ve seen people complain it is to hard to do challenges or complete tournaments , but it really isn't you just have to learn the game.There is nothing wrong with a little competition, makes it more fun as well as makes it more replayable trying to accomplish the goals. Heard people complain lefties are shooting with their right hands, and that is all minor fixes that will be ironed out. These guys love their game, and seem to be putting a ton a effort into it so see that fixed first update. If you love NBA Jam, and sick of simulation sports games like 2K where it is the same thing every year this will certainly mix things up a bit for you, and bring the fun of sports back to gaming.

Pros: Really cool character models with bios

Fast and exciting basketball play like Jam

Card system is fun, and mysterious

A blast to be had alone or with friends

Great and hysterical commentary

Loved the soundtrack

Hard working development team, that listens and responds to fans.

Cons: Fun power-ups,some need removed in competition play.

Parks are kind of bland, need more options

Need faster way earn packs, to many duplicates

Some of the player choices aren't stellar

Overall: 8.5 NBA Playgrounds is the perfect re-imagining of NBA Jam brought to a current generation of gamers. Tons of fun, with minor flaws that I am 100% sure will be ironed out NBA Playgrounds far exceeds the $20 price tag on it.

For more information on this title check out. https://www.facebook.com/NBAPlaygrounds/