'NBA 2K15' Gameplay, Ratings & Review: Best Basketball Game Ever?

As "NBA 2K15" rolls out in the North American market today, it is hell-bent on living up to its developers' claim as the best basketball video game ever.

2K Sports, the game's developer, was quoted by Gamespot, as saying that the professional basketball game is "one of the most ambitious sports titles in video game history."

"We've surpassed our own goals to move this franchise in new directions by pushing the boundaries of both hardware and software technologies to create a game that will change what fans can expect from sports simulations," said Greg Thomas, executive of 2K Sports, in a statement.

Gamespot reported that "NBA 2K15" is being simultaneously launched today, October 7, in multiple platforms including Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC.

Kevin Durant is featured on the cover and the video game's soundtrack is also being hyped as one that will set the standards for sports games. The soundtrack compilation was made by Pharrell Williams.

USA Today Sports lauded developers Visual Concepts and 2K Sports for delivering a full package in "NBA 2K15," which it described as the richest game in the series to date. "Its greatness lies in its versatility," it added.

What makes "NBA 2K15" stand out from its earlier version is its new face scanning system that enables players to bring their faces into the game. Gamespot noted that this particular feature of "NBA 2K15" is available for the moment in its Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions.

In terms of gameplay, 2K Sports said that the game is loaded with more than 6,000 new on-court animations including new defensive AI and shooting systems. "NBA 2K15"  has also put emphasis on giving players more control.

The new on-court animations "make every trip down the floor feel unique and every playcall just a bit different," USA Today Sports described. The biggest improvement or change to the 2K basketball game formula is the addition of the shot meter, the news site added.

The shot meter determines whether the shot would hit or miss the basket. If the stick is released far too early or too late, the meter will turn red and the shot will most likely miss. If the stick is release just at the right time, the meter will flash green, and the shot will hit the basket.

"NBA 2K15" also features a new MyCareer Mode which is highlighted by real voices of NBA players.

In "NBA 2K14," only the voices of LeBron James and a fictitious rival, communicated to players, and the rest, through text messages. In "NBA 2K15" a variety of NBA players have recorded messages in the game headlined by Kevin Durant and many others, detailed Gamespot in another report.

MyCareer Mode enables players to develop their characters from an undrafted rookie to an NBA superstar, cited Gamespot. It features a new upgrade system, badges that indicate how a player performs on-court, as well as coaching advice from NBA veteran Doc Rivers.

There is also the MyPark, which brings NBA 2K15 to the competitive street mode, added Gamespot.

Worth noting as other new features of the basketball game is an updated broadcast style and pre-game show from Ernie Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal, which help deliver more authentic commentaries and analysis on the action, Gamespot pointed out. The game also has a community-focused hub called NBA 2KTV.

"NBA 2K15" would be released in the international market on October 10.