NBA 2K17 My Career Is Better Than Ever

Since the introduction of My Career in the NBA 2K series, 2K Sports has blurred the lines between sports sim and RPG. My Career allows you to create a fictional character and take him through the trials and tribulations of an NBA career.  From draft day to retirement, 2K Sports has consistently tried to create and enjoyable and rewarding experience.  The results over the years have been mixed.

2K has long been searching for the right balance.  My Career has swayed from the sometimes monotonous experience that lacks story to the very heavy handed and restrictive "Living Da Dream" story introduced last year.  This year though, it seems NBA 2K17's My Career mode is finally finding it's balance.  There is a very interesting story dynamic between your character and an NPC character named Justice Young (played by actor Michael B. Jordan).   But this year the story doesn't strangle the experience like last year.  It seems to strike the right mix of sports sim and role playing game.

Most of the story cut scenes are short and relevant to your experience on the court.  Having a "Scottie Pippen" like supporting character adds an interesting, although sometimes a somewhat unrealistic experience.  This is explored even further with you and Justice feeding off of each other on the basketball court.  I actually liked this a lot.  Getting yourself and Justice in the zone can really make for dynamic moments on the court.  I could do without the name though.  "Orange Juice"?  Really?

Ahem.  Last year "Living Da Dream", while short, really hamstrung the experience.  It was an overly dramatic, over done story that seemed to have nothing really to do with the game mode.  This year the story and gameplay are tied together and the results are very good.  It's not perfect but 2K seems to be finding their legs.  Hopefully more sports sims adopt modes like this.  My Career is better than ever and if 2K can continue to improve upon it the sky is the limit.