What’s the greatest basketball video game of all time?

[1987_Lakers]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYjFiNTJiNDEtMDZlYS00N2Y2LWJhYTktMTdkNTMxYzhkMT c2XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX190_CR0,2,190,281_.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/79/NBA_2K1_Cover.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ea/NBA_Street_Vol._2_Coverart.png/250px-NBA_Street_Vol._2_Coverart.png
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQTNS1iQ1b0G1YGAvC3SFdV72ByeJqGe d7Fag&s

[L.Kizzle]

Bruh, why is there like 3 of these floating around lol.

Well, I posted this in one of the 3 lol.

NBA Action with Kendall Gill on the cover.
NBA In The Zone with Glen Rice
NBA Shootout with Eddie Jones

I had a game called NBA All Star Challenge. No one seems to remember that.

I loved it when there were actually options to choose from. Different friends had different NBA games.

[1987_Lakers]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaVUdo08hJQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U-FJ9pIMgU


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP1aMwkxgrY&t

[warriorfan]

2k11 was dope

[1987_Lakers]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT1mckUAYTk

[1987_Lakers]

2k11 was dope

2k11 to me is probably the best simulation.

NBA Street Vol 2 is probably the best arcade

NBA 2k1 is very underrated though. Doesn't get talked about enough, probably because you could only play it on Sega Dreamcast, which many didn't have.

https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k1/

[1987_Lakers]

Bruh, why is there like 3 of these floating around lol.

Well, I posted this in one of the 3 lol.

NBA Action with Kendall Gill on the cover.
NBA In The Zone with Glen Rice
NBA Shootout with Eddie Jones

I had a game called NBA All Star Challenge. No one seems to remember that.

I loved it when there were actually options to choose from. Different friends had different NBA games.

All these were before my time. My first sports video game was Madden 99, I was playing Super Mario games before that. Just went with NBA Jam from that era because it is the one that is often discussed today from the 90's.

Did you play NBA Street Vol 2? It was very addicting. Probably the basketball game I played the most.

[Baller234]

I haven't played a basketball videogame of any kind since about 2008, both because I aged out of videogames and I thought the games were becoming too concerned with realistic simulation towards the end at the expense of fun.

I will say this, the landmark games that come to mind for me are:

- NBA Jam

Obvious reasons, pure arcade fun. There was nothing like it.

- NBA Live 95

The first year of Live was a HUGE gamechanger. We had simulations before but they were slooooowwww. Live was the first game that captured the frantic pace of nba basketball in videogame form. Live had shit on lock for years from the SNES/Sega era and then had shit on lock again during the PS1 era, but Live 95 was the game that started it.

- NBA2K

2K took the torch from Live and ran with it in a 3D space. Felt like the natural progression of basketball games. For whatever reason once the PS1 era was over Live became totally unplayable and 2K was crowned king by default. I was a 2K guy all the way until I stopped playing games entirely.


Gun to my head I would have to say the NBA Live era on SNES was king. Probably my nostalgia talking but wow me and my friends had legendary battles in those games. They were pure fun.

[L.Kizzle]

All these were before my time. My first sports video game was Madden 99, I was playing Super Mario games before that. Just went with NBA Jam from that era because it is the one that is often discussed today from the 90's.

Did you play NBA Street Vol 2? It was very addicting. Probably the basketball game I played the most.
Nah, actually was playing Street Hoops with the And 1 dudes more lol.

[1987_Lakers]

I thought about adding NBA Live 95 to the poll.

[L.Kizzle]

I thought about adding NBA Live 95 to the poll.
Would have removed one of the 2Ks. 2K11, and actually do 2K2 instead on 2K1. Was on all platforms instead of Dreamcast.

[Nowoco]

NBA Jam easily. The bottom line is that it was the most fun to play and when with 3 friends, someone's in control of everyone. 2K is too slow and boring and its almost impossible to play fast moving quick basketball. 5v5 just doesnt work in video games.

NBA Jam just had the perfect combination of speed, multiplayer and fun.

[1987_Lakers]

Would have removed one of the 2Ks. 2K11, and actually do 2K2 instead on 2K1. Was on all platforms instead of Dreamcast.
Nah, 2k11 was revolutionary for its time. Not only did it bring MJ back to these video games but they officially cut off the head of the NBA Live series. NBA 2k vs NBA Live was no longer a debate after 2k11. 2k11 pretty much stole all of the NBA Live customers.

I added NBA 2k1 because it was very highly regarded during its time, got better reviews than 2k and 2k2, it was also the first basketball game that had online play I believe.

[1987_Lakers]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzaEg43sEDY


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFo6Oeqmp6I

[Phoenix]

NBA Street volume 2 for me, followed by NBA Jam. Both of those series need new entries, it's been years...

[1987_Lakers]

I didn't know NBA Jam had secret characters like that. Damn, they were ahead of their time.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-CkGJCR8o0&t







I remember NFL Blitz having a similar function, but didn't know it originated from NBA Jam.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjCy3hBuMrE

[L.Kizzle]

I didn't know NBA Jam had secret characters like that. Damn, they were ahead of their time.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-CkGJCR8o0&t







I remember NFL Blitz having a similar function, but didn't know it originated from NBA Jam.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjCy3hBuMrE
You could have played Mario and NBA Jam lol.

[1987_Lakers]

You could have played Mario and NBA Jam lol.

I played exclusively games from the Nintendo franchise, some Mortal Kombat & Street Fighter as a kid.

I didn't get into sports games until I got a ps1. That's when I got my first Madden and NFL Blitz came shortly after.

[MrFonzworth]

2k11 bringing Jordan in was the best, with the scenarios of his memorable games, they had unique commentary. The game mode where you can start a career as him after you finished them all was fun too. Sucks Barkley isn't in the games though.

[Nowoco]

Sucks Barkley isn't in the games though.

Barkley was in 2k13 but only on the Dream Team as Jay-Z begged him to be in it so they werent missing anyone off the roster.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4JNrDMW1J8

[1987_Lakers]

Barkley was in 2k13 but only on the Dream Team as Jay-Z begged him to be in it so they werent missing anyone off the roster.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4JNrDMW1J8

Damn, 2k had some top tier product from NBA 2K11 through NBA 2k17 or so.

They slowly dropped in quality after 2k17.

[L.Kizzle]

Damn, 2k had some top tier product from NBA 2K11 through NBA 2k17 or so.

They slowly dropped in quality after 2k17.
Everything has been done. What's left to do, bang the cheerleaders during halftime.

I mean I wouldn't mind a 70s player mode where you play as Dr J in 2 separate leagues.

[L.Kizzle]

Damn, 2k had some top tier product from NBA 2K11 through NBA 2k17 or so.

They slowly dropped in quality after 2k17.
Everything has been done. What's left to do, bang the cheerleaders during halftime.

I mean I wouldn't mind a 70s player mode where you play as Dr J in 2 separate leagues.

[k0kakw0rld]

https://i.postimg.cc/DwVCW5Gg/81-djeup-Ky-L.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Yh3NZ6bG)

[1987_Lakers]

https://i.postimg.cc/DwVCW5Gg/81-djeup-Ky-L.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Yh3NZ6bG)

2k11 & 2k12 are on the same tier. I liked how they added more classic teams in 2k12, it was actually the last 2k game I owned and played often.

It's like comparing The Godfather to The Godfather Part II, but 2k11 is the game that originally blew people away, which is why it's more remembered, same with the original Godfather.

[tpols]

I played a lot of 2K16 online and aside from that this one was super fun even in single player.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51atfgOPgJL._UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg

Basically And1 3v3 but with modern graphics and tight ass controls.

Thing about the older NBA Jam games is there nowhere near graphically. Its like comparing Zelda Ocarina of Time to Zelda Breath of the Wild. Its hard for me to play super old school games but I get the nostalgia aspect.

[1987_Lakers]

https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2476166&start=20

NBA Jam, NBA Street Vol. 2, & NBA 2k11 seem to be getting most of the votes. Even added Live 95 in that poll.

[1987_Lakers]

I played a lot of 2K16 online and aside from that this one was super fun even in single player.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51atfgOPgJL._UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg

Basically And1 3v3 but with modern graphics and tight ass controls.

Thing about the older NBA Jam games is there nowhere near graphically. Its like comparing Zelda Ocarina of Time to Zelda Breath of the Wild. Its hard for me to play super old school games but I get the nostalgia aspect.

This game was nothing special. Basically a polished NBA Street game.

NBA Street games need to have a big arcade feel IMO. NBA Street Vol 2 perfected it.

[Ray22]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDRql-8w26U

[tpols]

This game was nothing special. Basically a polished NBA Street game.

NBA Street games need to have a big arcade feel IMO. NBA Street Vol 2 perfected it.

NBA Street Vol. 2 for the PS2 is probably the best relative to its era. PS2 is the greatest selling console ever, and it made huge leap from 90s consoles. Graphics on Xbox 360 games are pretty much just as good as today for most games unless youre playing cyberpunk on a super PC.

[L.Kizzle]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDRql-8w26U

I think I had Bulls vs Blazers or at least played it a bunch.
Also, no mention of Double Dribble and wasn't there a Bird vs Dr J game.

[1987_Lakers]

Nothing will ever touch this game


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJwXBw86g30

[L.Kizzle]

Ten year period of 94-04 was unmatched.
Unlike today, back then there were options.
If you don't like 2K series, what happens next?

Back then if not 2K, switch to Live.
You want some fun, NBA Street or Street Hoops.

In the 90s it was NBA Jam and NBA Jam.

Playstation had NBA Shootout and NBA 2Nite. N64 you had Kobe Bryant NBA Courtside and In The Zone.

NBA Action with turned into the 2K Series.

Who remembers NBA Inside Drive.
Even players like Pippen, Barkley and Robinson had videogames.

College Hoops had games as well. WHAT A TIME!

I'll take 50 options over one any day.

[1987_Lakers]

Ten year period of 94-04 was unmatched.
Unlike today, back then there were options.
If you don't like 2K series, what happens next?

Back then if not 2K, switch to Live.
You want some fun, NBA Street or Street Hoops.

In the 90s it was NBA Jam and NBA Jam.

Playstation had NBA Shootout and NBA 2Nite. N64 you had Kobe Bryant NBA Courtside and In The Zone.

NBA Action with turned into the 2K Series.

Who remembers NBA Inside Drive.
Even players like Pippen, Barkley and Robinson had videogames.

College Hoops had games as well. WHAT A TIME!

I'll take 50 options over one any day.

Same applies to NFL games back in the day. NFL Blitz was basically the NBA Jam version of football, NFL Street 1 & 2 were basically the football version of NBA Street Vol 2. Early to mid 00's was a slugfest between Madden and 2k, both dropped some of the best football games ever during that time.

Now it's just a watered down version of Madden for NFL and a watered down version of 2k for NBA games. At least 2k had a great stretch of NBA games during the 2010s. Madden has been ass for 15 years or so.

[L.Kizzle]

Same applies to NFL games back in the day. NFL Blitz was basically the NBA Jam version of football, NFL Street 1 & 2 were basically the football version of NBA Street Vol 2. Early to mid 00's was a slugfest between Madden and 2k, both dropped some of the best football games ever during that time.

Now it's just a watered down version of Madden for NFL and a watered down version of 2k for NBA games. At least 2k had a great stretch of NBA games during the 2010s. Madden has been ass for 15 years or so.
They can both be ass because it's nothing else out.
Can't get NFL Game Day because Madden Sucks or NBA Courtside because you're tired of 2K.

Same with wrasslin games as well. WWF Attitude was trash so thank goodness for WCW Revenge.

[1987_Lakers]

They can both be ass because it's nothing else out.
Can't get NFL Game Day because Madden Sucks or NBA Courtside because you're tired of 2K.

Same with wrasslin games as well. WWF Attitude was trash so thank goodness for WCW Revenge.

NFL Game Day was ass for me, NFL Fever on the other hand wasn't bad, but still not close to Madden & 2k during that time.

Madden 04
Madden 05
NFL 2k5

3 of the 5 best football games ever made in a one year span, we had it good during that era.

The run EA had from Madden 01-05 was insane, they dropped 5 classic Madden games in a row.

2k was literally right there with them. NFL 2k1, 2k3, ESPN Football (2k4), & 2k5 were all classics as well.

[L.Kizzle]

NFL Game Day was ass for me, NFL Fever on the other hand wasn't bad, but still not close to Madden & 2k during that time.

Madden 04
Madden 05
NFL 2k5

3 of the 5 best football games ever made in a one year span, we had it good during that era.

The run EA had from Madden 01-05 was insane, they dropped 5 classic Madden games in a row.

2k was literally right there with them. NFL 2k1, 2k3, ESPN Football (2k4), & 2k5 were all classics as well.
Probably meant NFL Quarterback Club. That was with Brett Farve on the cover right?
And definitely forget about NFL Fever.

[1987_Lakers]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ6bMfrgfvs

[tpols]

Same applies to NFL games back in the day. NFL Blitz was basically the NBA Jam version of football, NFL Street 1 & 2 were basically the football version of NBA Street Vol 2. Early to mid 00's was a slugfest between Madden and 2k, both dropped some of the best football games ever during that time.

Now it's just a watered down version of Madden for NFL and a watered down version of 2k for NBA games. At least 2k had a great stretch of NBA games during the 2010s. Madden has been ass for 15 years or so.

I remember when Madden introduced the hit stick in 2005. Revolutionized defense and made it so fun going for big hits.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTeIgOwOHxGI73PQYeyp9VzHQJnhprvT BpMQ-PFlgVoyw&s=10

[Wally450]

NBA Live 2003 was life back in the day.

I also played the hell out of NBA 2K9.

[1987_Lakers]

NBA Live 2003 was life back in the day.

The cut scenes don't get talked about

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RFzluMQCWWA

[1987_Lakers]

Not a lot of votes here, but my realgm poll got lots of attention, 130 votes total. Here are the final results.

1. NBA Jam T.E. - 33 votes
2. NBA 2K11 - 30 votes
3. NBA Street Vol. 2 - 22 votes
4. NBA Live 95 - 16 votes
5. NBA 2K1 - 4 votes
Other - 25 votes

https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2476166

[GOBB]

Double dribble
NBA live 95
NBA live 05
2k11
2k16
NBA jam


Hard to pick the greatest bball game because they all had their moments in time where they pioneered the next level. But if you’re creating a mt Rushmore this would be a list you picked from. Each game made a mark. VC really ruined 2k franchise.

[1987_Lakers]

Double dribble
NBA live 95
NBA live 05
2k11
2k16
NBA jam


Hard to pick the greatest bball game because they all had their moments in time where they pioneered the next level. But if you’re creating a mt Rushmore this would be a list you picked from. Each game made a mark. VC really ruined 2k franchise.

Seems about right. Double Dribble came out before I was born, but I understand the impact it had. Hard to leave NBA Street Vol 2 off the list though. I feel like it was a better game and had more impact than Live 05 and 2k16, but not sure if it left its mark like Live 95 and 2k11 did.

[Axe]

2k11 & 2k12 are on the same tier. I liked how they added more classic teams in 2k12, it was actually the last 2k game I owned and played often.

It's like comparing The Godfather to The Godfather Part II, but 2k11 is the game that originally blew people away, which is why it's more remembered, same with the original Godfather.
If you also factor in soundtracks, 2k11 is the most iconic amongst them. With some of its songs reused again for newer installments, like in 2k16 for example. Nba live 09 had good songs too, despite ea sports games being so dull in terms of gameplay. Still had good memories with both of them regardless.


Sucks
https://c.tenor.com/CpTK31aKfEkAAAAC/tenor.gif (https://i.ibb.co/LRYVhvB/IMG-20240928-122514.jpg)