Was NBA 2K14 Really That Good? A Retrospective 

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.

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.

The Old gen version of this game was a gem fr 🙌

The graphical jump from 2k13 on ps3 to this was amazing

2k in its prime & EA delivering ncaa 14. What a time to be alive.

I mean the jersey moved while your player dribbled so I would say it’s pretty solid

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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)

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.

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 💯💯💯

the opening alone brought back sm memories of first getting that xbox one during christmas. going from that old gen to new gen 2k14 was insane

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.

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

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! 💯

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

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.

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

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 😎

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.

I was a senior at high school when this came out am 28 now i can't it benn 10 years already

The next gen version was so bare bones compared to last gen.

Nba 2k14 is a classic 🔥

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

One of the best looking 2ks of all time and had an amazing soundtrack

2k14 was the first 2k I ever owned and it holds so many memories

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 really liked how you admitted that you like the 2k16 my career just bc of nostalgia. I don’t see much RU-vidrs do that and it shows your an unbiased and non hypocritical RU-vidr

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

I been waiting for this video for a while 🔥💯

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

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

This game was goated bc I got the code for the Lebron shoes and sold the code on eBay for $300 LOL

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

I always liked the Xbox 360 ps3 version on 2k14 better imo

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

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 would love a video about how sports video games have become more focused on being competitive for online play.

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

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 🔥💯🐐

Great video man!! Watched to the very end and I like that you call out EA and 2K on their greed.

I loved when they had Euroleague teams in 2K.

Great video sdtv, I'm not a RU-vidr 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

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

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

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.

TV Broadcast Graphics ✅ Lightings ✅ Court reflections ✅ Jersey physics ✅ Crowd Atmosphere ✅ “Next gen” feels ✅

That intro gotta get you hyped to play the game

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.

4:44 yeah, iirc Eco-motion was even a big part of the game's advertising back in the day.

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

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

Winning a game with a untimed shot is a great feeling

Amazing 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.

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.

The Lebron Path to Greatness on on current gen( at the time obviously, PS3/360) was epic!

That self alley oop was beautiful 🤩

Yo great vids man. can you make a vid on ncaa football 12?

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

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.

4:06 I'm intrested in that video. Love to hear why sim games went away.

the removal of features sucked at the time, but coming back to the game now it’s clear how amazing the core game is

this is easily my favorite 2k of all time. Also gotta show some love to 2k15 and 2k17 too

You should rate Madden 2001 I would definitely watch that 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

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 😂

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

my first and favourite 2k ever. park and myteam was lit asf

I was playing NBA2K10 to 2K14 back in High School that shit was good cuzz.

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

My Career mode was really good going against Jackson Ellis It was so fun

I’m honestly still blown away with the graphics and lighting of this game. It’s still the best.

I definitely wanna see the online vs offline video

I miss the old 2k games!

What a time to be alive

Question.. I have an xbox one, and I want to play the best madden there is on there. I wish i could play my old maddens from the 360 days, but i don't have a 360 anymore. The maddens that i have one xbox one are M25, M17, M19, M20, M21, M22, and M23. What ones of the games i have are the best?

Looking back, I only played my player (my career) in this game. Hundreds of hours. I didn’t touch franchise like I did in 2k11 and now a days. I went back and played it to see why and I realized, there’s no customization what so ever. No create a team, no create a player, no roster editing. These are pretty big things to not have in a sports game. How did 2k get away with this at the time. The game was bare bones

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 🔥

First 2k I ever played and ts was life changing

I loved this game as a kid. It was that next gen experience. Until the offseason came around and the whole fucking thing was outdated 😂

We need a downfall of the ufc games vid😂not sure if your family with them. They have a new mod called undisputed forever where it lets you play the old ps3 undisputed 3 but modded with updated rosters.

2K14 is a certified classic.

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.

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.

Bought this second hand last year. Still solid and fun to play despite its age! Also, are we going to get a 2K22 retrospective?

NBA 2K14 was incredible. When I was playing it on my PS4 the graphics looked like a true live NBA game.

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.