NBA 2K17

NBA 2K17 was among the most sophisticated sports simulations on the market at the time of its release, and on Xbox One it demonstrated just how far basketball games had come from their arcade roots. The game relied on precise movement animation, realistic ball physics, and an AI system that tried to mimic the real tactical behavior of NBA teams – from set plays through screens to defensive rotations. Visually, it was one of the best-looking sports games of the generation, with detailed player models and arena atmosphere that changed depending on the importance of the match, including crowd reactions to key moments of the game.

The MyCAREER mode again benefited from cinematic production, this time with a story called Livin' Da Dream, which cast real actors and musicians and interspersed matches with longer cinematic scenes off the court. Players created their own character and progressed from college basketball to a professional NBA career, with off-court decisions affecting relationships with teammates, coaches, and sponsors. Alongside this, the game offered an extensive MyGM mode with full club management, where you could negotiate trades and plan seasons years in advance, and the endlessly popular MyTEAM with collectible player cards.

On Xbox One the game ran smoothly, using the console's power mainly for detailed lighting and crowd animations in the stands, which varied depending on the type of arena and the importance of the match. Reviews at the time ranked it among the best sports titles of that season, thanks partly to the depth of its game mechanics and the amount of content that offered entertainment for months. The NBA 2K series is still nicknamed the most sophisticated basketball simulation ever, and the 2016 installment was one of the steps that cemented this reputation – even years later it's clear why the game earned such a broad fan base.

Why play it: Anyone looking for one of the most sophisticated basketball simulations ever will appreciate NBA 2K17's depth of game mechanics, detailed lighting, and crowd animations that still uphold the series' reputation today.