NBA 2K14 is considered to be one of the greatest NBA 2K games ever made. It was the first 2K to make the jump to the PS4 and Xbox One, with many called it the greatest looking 2K ever, and even today some would argue that it still has the best lighting and graphics of any 2K since. But was NBA 2K14 really that good, and does it truly hold up today?
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00:00 NBA 2K14 Opening
00:58 Intro
02:45 Gameplay
05:00 Game Modes
06:35 The OG Park
08:11 Graphics Comparison
09:10 Presentation
10:02 Final Thoughts
#retrospective #softdrinktv #game #review #sdtv
The modding community for this game is off the charts. The Ultimate Base Roster mod for this game changed the modding community forever where you can play any season from 1947 to 2023. I am still as of now playing the 1992 what if Association where Magic Johnson does not retire and see how the landscape changes. I just wished the PS4 graphics were implemented for the PC version.
I’m on my era in 2k 23 After 600 hours I’ve got from the 02 season to the 08 and played 50%of the games and kept the stats realistic and milestones. Changed a few things like the pacers reaching the 04 finals and Greg oden becoming a beast. Other than that kept it Real and its awesome
@@justjbeats4241that sounds sick
@@17fusedif u disregard the online modes of 2K23 and 2K24 on the PS5 its the best 2K since like 2K16 no cap
@@dxtremecaliberthere’s no halftime or pre game or post game show. So no it’s just below it. Remember we are sim community so we like that stuff
@@greenwalltreethere’s a halftime show n halftime activities like the trampoline jump, jabawakees (whatever they’re) called etc.
The only things I miss from this game is the way they designed my career and allowed you to make a player as good as any superstar. You could truly be the best player in the league and do it while having fun. The vc system wasn’t predatory yet and you could get high stats in almost every category.
Preach My Brother Preach. I loved my career before they ruined it. We have 7'4 guys in the league. Joking who can do anything. I hate how nowadays i can only be good at one thing but be called a one of a kind player when I can never be as good as the actual players in the league.
I think Park and MyCareer should be separated. MyCareer should have you start out as at least a 70 and allow you to create cheesy, unstoppable and unbalanced builds, but you can’t take them online. Then for Park you can have more specific builds to keep the meta balanced or whatever, and you can start as a 60 and all that.
@@SOFTDRINKTV Exactly, kind of like how people use mods and cheats for single player games and the online modes it’s banned. There’s no reason for 2k to tie the two together like that besides just being greedy.
So true! Why they went away from that builder, I’ll never understand
Facts!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Old gen version of this game was a gem fr 🙌
And new gen brother
Yes and it had more content 👍
The lebron mode should’ve been on next gen too
@@jahmeirduncan6870 that actually has me baffled that why it wasn't in the ps4/Xbox One version 🤨🤨🤨
The ps3 version shits on the ps4 version. The ps4 version has no content and the game modes are really bad. The franchise/mygm mode in the ps3 version is so much better they might as well have not tried in the ps4 version
The graphical jump from 2k13 on ps3 to this was amazing
2K needs to go back to the same lighting method. It took them until the series X and ps5 era to get a game to look this good
i remember getting chills from that ad with the slow mo and that dope song playing
Well, that was the jump from ps3 to ps4, we didnt get that jump from ps4 to ps5 sadly
@@LovelyHeartDiamondbecause the graphics already on its peak it hit the wall its all about lightings/ray tracing and framerates today also load times
@@dxtremecaliber No vanilla 2k game has looked as good as PS4 2k14 though. Even nowadays on Next-Gen they still look inferior
2k in its prime & EA delivering ncaa 14. What a time to be alive.
NCAA FOOTBALL 14 even 11 years after release still played better than every single Madden since 15 to 24. PERIOD!
@@purwantiallan5089it’s not even close either
I mean the jersey moved while your player dribbled so I would say it’s pretty solid
I miss those jerseys , I dont know how to say it but every 2k since 17 has had such basic jerseys that have no physics behind them
@@timduncan1406 I thought you were the real Tim Duncan lol
To be fair most players wear their jerseys tighter these days
That’s because players don’t wear baggy jerseys anymore.
@@bushysowavveyThat isn’t the reason for the lack of physics, as you can still wear a jersey from the past in modes like play now, just not important to worry about jersey physics is all
Ahhh, 2K14. One game that I love from the bottom of my heart. Back when 2K truly tried to give to us the greatest NBA game, while EA was hitting Rock Bottom. In terms of everything, if I'm being honest, 2K14 is truly in my personal favorite NBA games from 2K, just behind NBA 2K11 and ESPN NBA 2K5
Do you mean ESPN NFL 2K5?
@@AKZheadUser1 I talked about NBA games from 2K in particular. I do love ESPN NFL 2K5, don't get me wrong, but still
@@BogLoud Wow, didn’t know that NBA 2K5 had ESPN on it. I always thought they were just 2K and the respective number. The first 2K I remember owning is 2K8 with CP3 on the cover.
@@AKZheadUser1all of the 2K5 games used the ESPN license. They all had great presentation.
@@kylexile87 thanks for the info
First comment and 2k14 push the boundaries for sports gaming at that time it was one of the first next gen titles and man was it amazing. 2k will never be this fun again.
Fist comment ✊
@@andersensplob9082 lol 👊
NBA 2K1 to 14: PEAK NBA 2K.
2k14 had GREAT foot planting, little to NO suction , amazing rim mechanics, more realistic dribbling controls instead of how in 2k24 how ball warping makes dribbling look way too fast and unrealistic, I can go on and on.
The best shooting 2K ever. Shot timing > shot meter. Bring that back. I felt like with this game, you could user any player and play with them like they did exactly in real life. Such realism. Perimeter defense was tough to play cuz thy excluded defensive settings for each individual player. The CPU a lot of times could make shots no matter how well contested the shot is. Other than that, this game was fun. It’s the best looking graphics ever.
Shot timing is still a thing, i think you mean that you want green or miss removed
@@LovelyHeartDiamondhe’s talking about the blink feature at the feet to let you know to release
Seeing my Rockets with a roster with a baby Harden and Pat Bev and also Francisco Garcia and Donatas Motiejūnas for crying out loud makes me feel old as shit.
My rockets
I put over 1,000 hours in this game. I played 10 seasons in My GM that got me to the 2022-2023 season playing 12 min quarters on HOF difficulty. I may be 1 of the few people in the world to unlock everything in My GM mode. Over 8,500 video clips & 60K screenshots later... This is the greatest NBA 2K of all time & no one has played this game more than me... Oh yeah I played with the Heat & Lebron dropped to a 94 overall before finally retiring at the start of the 22-23 season so I retired too.
Amazing
@@WilsonBeBalling It was indeed a remarkable journey 💯
i miss playing this game when i was 10
The thing that killed 2k14 next gen was they took out all the depth from 11 12 13 create a player good playable career mode and more ... also a small thing the menu fell off so bad from the last 3 games before it
2k13 carrer mode was awesome, 14 had most of its content but still lacked some parts of it
@@GarkKahnPS3 2K14 also lacked the same contents as PS4. Still amazing somehow.
What NBA2K14, and a handful of previous NBA2Ks before it, did better than recent additions is the commentary. How immersive and captivating it was to listen to the commentators speak on players's storylines and history in NBA2K14, where now that attention to detail is neglected or isn't as noticeable.
Facts the commentary was so immersive but now it just sounds dull
I think it’s better because of the fluidity, simulation shooting, and less annoying my player campaigns, but mostly because it’s legit for monetization practices to ruin a gaming experience- which is exactly what modern sports games have done for me.
We had this game in our office gameroom. When he went back to Cleveland I wrote CAVS on a sticky note and put it over the Heat on his jersey.
Still miss this game 😢
@@MTwezzy-Magica.MTwice_MagAi Miyashita and Rina Tennoji both still a big fan of 2K14 surprisingly.
I play 2k14 because it doesn't have a shot meter. You had to learn the timing of each player. Kobe's release is accurate in 2014, not in 2024. The game still cared about the offline player. And although some of the modes are gone, what's left is just better than 2k24
This game looked so good, my non sports fan friends picked it up because it looked so “next gen” and incredible. The prices for VC were fair. This was the last 2K in my opinion, that was what I would consider fair with prices.
For me NBA 2K14 is 9.8/10 overall game.
NBA 2K14 was a solid game for the PS4/Xbox One, my lone complaint for the game was there was NO MyLeague or The Association. I know there was "MyGM" but wasn't the same to me.
Yeah I found it pretty much unplayable without the association or myleague. The MyGM thing is really annoying. And the default rotations are so awful that every role player in the league gets upset. I love 2k14 on the PS3, I just wish the PS4 version had more customization like every other game in the series
@@Footballfansblue Yeah I hated that I couldn't mess with the rotation until like season 2.
Play this on the 360 to this day. Being a more offline player, I'll take more control in the mycareer mode. Love being able to kick certain guys off the team or ask for specific guys to be traded for. Also your teammates actually scored even on HOF. It's much more fun to play then today's 2k
I honestly feel like lighting is such an underrated detail in sports games. Take a look at madden too. It's looks so unrealistic in terms of the lighting. It doesn't feel or look like an NFL game or broadcasts, it looks cheesy. But similar to your point in this video, in madden 11, the general lighting, the flashing lights from the crowed, the stadium atmosphere felt so real. And thats what you want in a sports game. For it to feel authentic and detailed just how it is in real life. And if they could do it good 10+ years ago, there's no reason why we can't have that now. That's my take. (Great video as always Softdrink)
Madden NFL 11 turned 14 years old this year and somehow still amazing like 06 PS2.
Nba 2k14 is a classic it was always my favorite since I grew up. 🙌 man the times on that game. The soundtrack the game play everything about it was amazing ❤ what a time to be alive 💯💯💯
Haven’t watched it yet but listen 2k14 next gen is absolutely goated the fluidity in the moves the lighting the graphics the fact you can adjust the arm lengths of players along with true rim physics ! I still have it downloaded today as opposed to 24
2K24 has far worse microtransactions like Madden NFL 21 to 24...
Bro, the gameplay is a million times more solid in 2K14 than 2K24. I hear you on the depth part, but the GAMEPLAY & VISUALS are far more superior than 2K24 which in turn keeps you playing the game even until this very day! IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW! 💯
Definitely isn’t lol
More fluid but the gameplay in 2k24 is better, if 2k24 had the 2k14 lighting, fluidity and made players actually look like the players it would be the best 2k yet
The next gen version was so bare bones compared to last gen.
This game has been sitting in my Steam library for years. All I remember is the terrible career mode or any character you create talks and walks the exact same but if there is hope for the game with mods, that’s amazing. I have no idea.
I blew the dust off of this game a month ago. Then this video just so happen to come out.. F*CK YEAH!! So happy i held on to this physical copy.
I always liked the Xbox 360 ps3 version on 2k14 better imo
A few college friends and I played this game during our senior year of college. There were 12 create-a-team slots so we each made one and had a fantasy draft of the entire league for the rosters, then played a double round robin and a bracket over a semester. This game, NBA Ballers, and NBA Live 2005 are my top basketball games.
Nba 2k14 is a classic 🔥
"Giving up is not an option" - Lebron James, in his 1st year with Miami Heat in 2K14 PS3 INTRO.
I remember complaining so much about 2k13 as a middle schooler that when 2k14 came out i was sooooo hyped lol I miss both games Both are in my top 5 13 is in my Top 3
11 is still the GOAT. 14 is close 2nd.
I was a senior at high school when this came out am 28 now i can't it benn 10 years already
One of the best looking 2ks of all time and had an amazing soundtrack
That trailer with Phil Collins In the Air Tonight was the most insane trailer I ever ever seen for the series. Truly amazing. The old music rules.
This game was goated bc I got the code for the Lebron shoes and sold the code on eBay for $300 LOL
The other best thing in 2k14 is that mycareer is so in dept that they have NBA players who can tweet you or trash talk you. If you are able to do their challenges you will earn vc. They also have this feature where in a player will decrease its salary just to play with your player. Lol. I miss those offline days
That’s what makes 2K14 good on 360 tbh
This is crazy I was considering getting this game because it was my favorite from the 2k11 to 2k15 era I have 2k16 on the PS4 the others I played on PS3, it’s just funny I was thinking about 2K14 and you posted this video 😎
so glad you actually broke it down without the use of rose tinted glasses, it’s also clear you know your 2k unlike a lot of other people that speak on the franchise
TV Broadcast Graphics ✅ Lightings ✅ Court reflections ✅ Jersey physics ✅ Crowd Atmosphere ✅ “Next gen” feels ✅
Haven't watched the vid yet but been watching for years. Love the channel. Keep up the great work, can't wait to watch while I relax later
The Lebron mode in 2k14 was a fun challenge. They were creative w/ the character of John Trice and how Lebron's career would play out as roaming assassin. The Heat dynasty option was interesting as well plus 2k doesn't do very interesting intro's anymore. The old intro for 2k11 made you ready to jump into Jordan mode, 2k12 made you want to play w/ the legends, 2k13 was a decent intro, and 2k14 made you ready to play w/ Lebron. They have definitely lost their creative way, but it's a shame that their version of a "lackluster" product is still better than what is produced by Madden. Great vid, didn't know the lighting research detail until now.
I really liked how you admitted that you like the 2k16 my career just bc of nostalgia. I don’t see much KZheadrs do that and it shows your an unbiased and non hypocritical KZheadr
4:15 I’m interested in it. You should do video comparing the presentation in the best sports title for all sports and compare it. So like pre game half time and post game if they offer it. I wanna see a game that provides that from every sport.
The way to hit a “green light” back in the old 2ks wen they still had the blue circle was to let go of the shot button right wen the blue circle flashes
Yep. That was their version of the “green light”. A precursor to a legit shot meter that they started using with 2k15.
I been waiting for this video for a while 🔥💯
I don’t know what 2K was drinking in 2014, but it must have been magic elixir, because they gave us both NBA2K14 AND WWE2K14, arguably the best games ever in their respective genres. I still play both of them today tons more than the newer versions.
30 years of wrestlemania on 2k14 might be the best game mode ever made(except for cena rock at 29 never 100% the mode because of that one match) and I can only hope that 40 years of WM this year comes somewhat close to the magic of the original
@@reiodion6256 I'm very excited for 2K24, but I'll be honest...I don't think the new version of 40yearsofWM will come close to touching 2K14's version. From what I read, it will only have 21 matches from the 40 years. Crazy! And so far, the only 80's match is Hogan/Andre WM3. I'm holding out hope that it's still fun, but I personally think WWE2K14 will always be the GOAT. Especially with all the mods we add to it now on Xbox360.
What I like so much about NBA 2K 14 was that it let you buy badges for your player to take to the park these new ones not only take your money but they take your time with the having to badge grind
Another great video. I’m still playing and enjoying the my eras mode in 2K23. I wish 2k14 was available for digital download
I still like the PS3/360 version more. So many features that weren't in the PS4 release. 2K15 and 2K16 caught up, of course. But not this one. I remember PS4 2K14 being torn to shreds on Operation Sports upon release for how bare-bones it was compared to PS3/360.
I loved when they had Euroleague teams in 2K.
I know you made you're channel to give the honest most real reviews and critiques of games, but u r a true God softdrink. Much love brother 🔥💯🐐
2k14 was the first 2k I ever owned and it holds so many memories
For me my first NBA 2K was 2K6.
That intro gotta get you hyped to play the game
Another great video soft drink. NBA 2k14 was one of the best games, great soundtrack and a great career mode on the Xbox One and PS4, I would also love to see a video on the sim vs online state of the NBA 2K series
I would love a video about how sports video games have become more focused on being competitive for online play.
14 on the ps3 was my first 2K, got it in a redbox an MAN did it leave an impact on me. I never pay any attention to the NBA prior to getting it so my first impression of the NBA was elite with the start of super teams an shit
This 2k was just on another level when people talk about 2ks I bring 14 up it was just so new crisp an felt like truly next Gen
2k14 I still have and love it to this day on the 360! Sure the charm is still there but the unpredictable shots make it a surprise but I’m better off with it in comparison to 24 since the microtransactions have gotten out of hand there
Oh man 2k14 was a nostalgia hit for sure I remember everyone hoping on for park sessions back then still my 2nd favourite 2K all time after 16
MyCareer was so damn elite. Got drafted to the Phoenix Suns, struggled year 1 and then went back back year 2 and 3. Servers shut down during my 4th season. Man, I miss this game.
Great video sdtv, I'm not a KZheadr or anything but I think a minute of no commentary at the start of the video might make a lot of new viewers leave before the real video even starts
This was actually one of my favorite 2K games in the last 14 years.... You didn't have the crazy amount of badges yet, controls were good, and scoring near the rim was so nice
I’m honestly still blown away with the graphics and lighting of this game. It’s still the best.
2k23 last year made me make the switch back to 14 PS4 for my mycareer fix. So frustrating too because myera’s is such a good game mode, but the actual gameplay is so sluggish and slow and counter intuitive. In 14, dribble moves, cuts and dunks are explosive. Pull up jumpers and off balance shots look pretty. Blocking a ball off the backboard is so insanely satisfying. If 14 next gen didn’t release with the most bare-bones games modes and menu system of all time, I think we’d be putting it in 11 and 16’s company. And don’t even get me started on all the clothes/accessories being locked away forever behind a paywall that no longer exists 😭 I just want my GOAT 2 guard on the Pels to be wearing some hyperdunks instead of sketchers
Great video man!! Watched to the very end and I like that you call out EA and 2K on their greed.
even tho 14 was missing some key features, its in my top 5 2k's 🔥 gameplay, presentation, 1st official mycareer storyline, the park, and visually it was the epitome of a next gen upgrade. always have it installed on my xbox to re-live the days of mycareer being enjoyable instead of a chore for 10 vc 😂
4:06 I'm intrested in that video. Love to hear why sim games went away.
The Lebron Path to Greatness on on current gen( at the time obviously, PS3/360) was epic!
That self alley oop was beautiful 🤩
Even though this review is about the ps4 version of the game I hoped to at least hear a mention about the old gen, especially about the LeBron Path to Greatness game mode. Imo one of the best offline gamemodes 2K has ever made and really has never done since.
Yo great vids man. can you make a vid on ncaa football 12?
4:44 yeah, iirc Eco-motion was even a big part of the game's advertising back in the day.
my first and favourite 2k ever. park and myteam was lit asf
Back in 2013 when the ps4 dropped it was the only game i had for a whole year (other than free games) and i played this game non stop. I played it so much i discovered an MT glitch and it got spread around the twitch community (way smaller back then). 2k14 was i was in the 8th grade and i had all the time in the world. I think i spent it well playing this game no complaints. Well back then i hated the menu but thats about it lmaoo
this is easily my favorite 2k of all time. Also gotta show some love to 2k15 and 2k17 too
Ive had 2k9, 2k11, 2k12, 2k13, 2k17, 2k19, 2k20-2k23 and Ive never played my player or my career. Im old skool where we play Franchise and Dynasty mode 🔥
I was playing NBA2K10 to 2K14 back in High School that shit was good cuzz.
My Career mode was really good going against Jackson Ellis It was so fun
still the best 2K i’ve ever played. never played the next gen version but if it’s anything like the og version it’s gold
Can Someone talk about how that intro music is a banger track 🔥👌
First 2k I ever played and ts was life changing
I miss the old 2k games!
I still play it on my PS3 today...create ultimate rosters by creating legends and new players who aren't there and also put legends who are there on their known in their prime team... every team is over the salary cap but seasons are more fun that way..more challenging in my eyes 👀
I’ve been playing fifa, madden and 2k for 20 years now. All three are riddled with micro transactions now but at least 2k still gives you good depth in offline modes. Madden and fifa career modes are honestly pitiful now a days where as 2k still has a good franchise at least.
You should rate Madden 2001 I would definitely watch that video!
Great video again SDTV. I loved this game, but I absolutely agree on your point when people say this game's much better than 2K24. It's fun and it does look good, but 2K23/2K24 for me is still a blast playing offline/MyEras. 2K14's MyGM mode just didn't do it for me compared to the Association mode back on the 360/PS3. It also had a LeBron mode where you played through interesting scenarios in LeBron's future on the 360 as well.
Winning a game with a untimed shot is a great feeling
I miss chill park. 2K14 was a perfect jump into next gen. I feel competitive gaming has gotten in the way of a lot of great gaming from before. Hopefully both can exist at the same eventually.
I’ve also notice how mid 2K’s have mid cover athletes on them 😂
My favorite 2k from ps3 & ps4 version until this day graphics wise it best looking 2k game no 2k game couldn't peak this since
NBA 2K14 was incredible. When I was playing it on my PS4 the graphics looked like a true live NBA game.
Old gen was pretty fire to played it before I eventually got the newer one. Sometimes I'd still go back to for Brons path to greatness weird how it wasn't on the PS4 version
Bought this second hand last year. Still solid and fun to play despite its age! Also, are we going to get a 2K22 retrospective?
the removal of features sucked at the time, but coming back to the game now it’s clear how amazing the core game is
When the ps4 came out this was one of two games I bought along with Call of Duty Ghosts, the soundtrack was good and to this day this was the only my career I played for multiple seasons when 2k15 came out the graphics were poop but they had that face scanning, I would play 2k14 to this day but all my data was on the 2k servers and I think they got shut down
Off topic, but you should do a retrospective on the PS2 version of NBA 2K12. I've been playing it recently, and it might be the best basketball sim to ever come out on the PS2.
I definitely wanna see the online vs offline video
Finally!!!! I was thinking today when softdrink is going to make a video about this underrated ( for no reason) game? Best basketball videogame ever,not even close. disgustingly perfect
It was really just the start of the modern 2k. Not specifically was 'THAT GOOD', you just remember it as the first one that really took you in and molded who you are as a person today. you owe everything to that game
Amazing video
This game has the best lighting of any basketball game that I have ever seen. Especially the staples center with the Lakers. The launch trailer was dope.
Please do a video on was 2k20 that good because the hype for 2k is outrageous
pls make a video about the shift into esports, i think these companies are shooting themselves in the foot in the long run