Screenshots & trailers
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) | – | 88 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 67 | 187 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 67 | 745 |
| Xbox store ratings | – | 30 | 750 |
| 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 (46)
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.
- 85
“Another year and another NBA game that offers plethora of modes and activities that are sure to keep you entertained throughout the upcoming year. A dominating sports simulation, for a reason.”
read full review ↗ - 92
“Visual Concepts Studio repeats its good work. We have a tight package this year. NBA 2K17 is still the best sports game out there. But it doesn’t surprise, it doesn’t innovate. We have many corrections and the perfect online game. But some people will ask for more.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The NBA 2K series has always been a hard one to improve upon since the revolutionary 2K14, but 2K17 still manages to better its predecessors, vastly improving the MyGM and MyLeague modes while refusing to tamper with a winning formula. MyCareer is once again a very enjoyable story, and general gameplay is as strong as ever. Simply put, NBA 2K17 is a trailblazer.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“NBA 2K has been one of the greatest sport franchises over the past decade and NBA 2K17 is no different. The in-depth detail, the music, the looks and feels this game brings to the table are amazing.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Despite its few drawbacks, NBA 2K17's excitement for basketball is contagious, and it's hard not to get wrapped up in it. Apart from the lacking 2KU mode and stiff recreations of commentators, the rest of the game looks great and plays even better. After finally devoting a significant amount of time to one of these games, I now see why it's such a well-regarded series, and it makes me wish that every sport got the same treatment that basketball does in NBA 2K17.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“NBA 2K17 is on par with 2K16, making improvements in some areas, but with a few drawbacks alonside them.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Top-notch presentation and stellar, realistic gameplay drive NBA 2K17 to All-Star status, even if the sometimes overbearing microtransactions set a dangerous precedent.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Entertaining basketball simulation that allows NBA fools to adore the pleasant details. Thanks to changes in controls and the game itself, the casual virtual basketball players will enjoy it as well. [Issue #268]”
- 90
“With subtle adjustments to basic elements like its controls and an enormous attention to details on its presentation, NBA 2K17 remains as one of the best sports video games out there today.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Graphically, the game is hit or miss, littered with glitches and inconsistent quality seen in the player models. Throw in a lack of overall improvement year over year, and we’re left with a game that is good, but definitely not at the level we’re used to.”
read full review ↗ - 89
“NBA 2K17 is another rock-solid game in the franchise. It features worthwhile updates to the dribbling and shooting mechanics, and backs up those improvements off the court in ways that make me care about managing my team.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Visual Concepts has done it again with an awesome NBA 2K17. If the graphics don't evolve at all, the gameplay get richer alongside a vastly improved IA. The basketball game to go for without a doubt.”
read full review ↗
PLAY Zine
Push Square
LevelUp
GameSpot
TheSixthAxis
We Got This Covered
Atomix
EGM
IGN…and 34 more tracked reviews.