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How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 80 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 80 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 28 | 395 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 37 | 745 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (54)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 70
“Although it is still very much fun to play NBA 2k18, most of the content is blocked by a wall of micro transactions. Some improvements in gameplay are welcome, but the game still has problems with the amount of bugs that can happen during the match. But without stronger competition, 2k18 will remain the best option for the average NBA fan.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“NBA 2K18 is the king of the sports genre. This entry happens to be an inflection point within the franchise, being the biggest jump when it comes to new mechanics and quality during this generation. The Hood is the biggest of the last years in a game of this characteristics, something that points 2K Sports and Visual Concepts as the vanguard of innovation in this aspect. ”
read full review ↗ - 60
“In no way is NBA 2K18 a bad game, but it's certainly not worth its current price-tag, as the few improvements it offers are simply not enough, and, secondly, its sub-par single-player portion relies too much on micro-transactions.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“NBA 2K18 remains the best basketball game out there right now. Great gameplay, lots of modes and the online component is pretty solid. The only downside is the aggressive monetization system in the single player MyCareer mode.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The changes that have occurred in NBA 2K18 are great, and everything feels more polished and confident. The dribbling and shooting are arguably the most noteworthy changes, as they feel and look more realistic than ever. The MyCareer mode is a lot better than it has been in the past few years, mostly due to the balance of archetypes. You can now safely play the way you want and not suffer any long-term setbacks. Overall, NBA 2K18 is the pinnacle of basketball simulation games, and it offers more than enough reasons to upgrade now rather than waiting for next year's offering.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Despite the fact that Run the Neighborhood is far from perfect, on the court NBA 2K18 is an amazing and deep experience.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“This year's entry is incredible in so many ways, from graphics, to soundtrack, to the different modes and ways to play hoops. It becomes clear early on that the fastest and easiest way to progress is by spending real money, slightly marring an otherwise tremendous experience.”
read full review ↗ - 30
“With NBA 2K18 we’ve reached an inevitable crossroad, though the signs should have been seen a while back. The on court action is still the best available, but there is now room for another franchise to come and steal an audience that will be sick of the costs of simply being able to compete in the 2K series. The grind isn’t fun and paying gives advantages over those who won’t or can’t afford to. You absolutely cannot ignore how NBA 2K18 is a full price game that also integrates the business model of a free to play/pay to win title and the way that the enjoyment you get from it suffers because of it.”
read full review ↗ - 40
“NBA 2K18 is a king on the court, but its antics off it, particularly its use of microtransactions, leave it in a world of trouble.”
read full review ↗ - 79
“NBA 2K18, is the best basketball game i have ever played. It has a lot of improvements to the gameplay. The Neighbourhood is a game changer, but it is overshadowed because of microtransactions.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“NBA 2K18 is a game that really understands a ton of the community around basketball and what makes it special. Unfortunately, it requires a bit of microtransactions patience and an internet connection to enjoy a lot of it.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“NBA 2K18 makes strides in both visuals and gameplay, while introducing an endearing social experience blended within MyCareer. The two story modes don’t impress, but their surrounding parts are so strong that they become an afterthought.”
read full review ↗
PLAY Zine
Cubed3
LevelUp
Worth Playing
Eurogamer
GameSpot
TheSixthAxis
We Got This Covered
Digital Trends…and 42 more tracked reviews.