Saber Interactive has announced that NBA Playgrounds will arrive next week on May 9. It will be available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC for $19.99.
NBA Playgrounds is a basketball game similar to the classic arcade game NBA Jam. It features 2-on-2 matchups, instead of the usual 5-on-5 seen in the popular NBA 2K series. The game is officially licensed by the NBA and will boast dozens of current and retired NBA players at launch.
It includes current superstars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis; retired players like Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Dominique Wilkins; and even young guns like Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jokic, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Saber Interactive promises that even more NBA players will arrive as post-release content, with IGN confirming that the initial batch will be free. Additionally, you can also unlock more NBA players as you play through the game. New moves for each player can also be unlocked via game progression.
NBA Playgrounds will feature unrealistic-looking NBA player models with large heads and over-the-top action that includes physics-defying dunks. Basically, it's NBA Jam with a modern touch. The game offers single-player mode, both local and online multiplayer, and online tournaments. Moreover, it has a lottery system that grants in-game bonuses.
Sadly, the legendary Michael Jordan isn't part of the launch roster. The only "Jordans" available at launch are DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers and Jordan Clarkson of the Los Angeles Lakers. "His Airness" will likely arrive as a DLC.
If you don't like the complicated and realistic basketball simulation in the current entry in the NBA 2K series, NBA 2K17, you can check out NBA Playgrounds.
Speaking of NBA 2K, the NBA has just announced the 17 NBA teams that will take part in the inaugural NBA 2K esports league, which is set to launch in 2018. The NBA 2K esports league is a pro gaming league which aims to "bring together the best basketball gamers in the world." The NBA and Take-Two Interactive collaborated to make it happen.