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In this photo taken Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, 2K Sports Vice President Sports Development, Jeffrey Thomas, poses for a photo with his company's NBA 2K15 video game technology featuring NBA Oklahoma City Thunder Kevin Durant, during a demonstration at the Associated Press's office in Los Angeles. The NBA 2k15 upcoming basketball simulation video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports  releases Oct. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
In this photo taken Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, 2K Sports Vice President Sports Development, Jeffrey Thomas, poses for a photo with his company's NBA 2K15 video game technology featuring NBA Oklahoma City Thunder Kevin Durant, during a demonstration at the Associated Press's office in Los Angeles. The NBA 2k15 upcoming basketball simulation video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports releases Oct. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press

NBA 2K15: Expert Reviews, Player Comments, Ratings and More

Rob GoldbergOct 7, 2014

One of the most highly anticipated video games of the year is finally here, as NBA 2K15 was released nationwide on Tuesday, and fans cannot be happier. 

The sports video game, which is considered by many to be one of the best of its genre on the market, is back with plenty of upgrades that will even please those who buy the game every single year. Between improved graphics, new modes and more intricate storylines, there is an understandable rush to go get the newest version.

Here is a look at the line for the midnight launch:

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Before you go out and purchase the game yourself, though, take a look at what everyone else is saying around the web along with a look at player ratings to help you prepare to run your franchise. 

LeBron JamesCleveland Cavaliers98
Kevin DurantOklahoma City Thunder95
Chris PaulLos Angeles Clippers91
Tim DuncanSan Antonio Spurs90
Kevin LoveCleveland Cavaliers89
Stephen CurryGolden State Warriors89
Paul GeorgeIndiana Pacers89
Blake GriffinLos Angeles Clippers89
Kobe BryantLos Angeles Lakers89
Carmelo AnthonyNew York Knicks89

Complete team-by-team player ratings available at CBS Sports.

What They're Saying

The big thing the NBA 2K series always had over its rivals is its ability to make the presentation as realistic as possible. Between elite graphics and realistic broadcasting both in and out of games, the series remains the best.

Nick Schwartz of USA Today notes that the game is even better than before:

"

The trio of Kevin Harlan, Clark Kellogg and Steve Kerr provide the best commentary of any sports video game, hands down, and the broadcasts feel fresh. ... New to the series is pre-game analysis by TNT's Ernie Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal. In-game, you'll notice new camera cuts and pans that highlight the detailed crowd and help give the game a more realistic look. At first glance, it's easy to mistake 2k15 for an actual game — most player models look identical to their real-life counterparts.

"

For fans of the NBA, this will be like watching along at home while also being able to actually control what the players do on the court.

Of course, it is not just the presentation that makes this version so great. The updated game modes help put this among the top titles of the year.

One of the most interesting additions to the game is the improvements made to the MyCareer mode. While this was an option in last year's version, the changes make the game much more realistic.

Zach Harper of CBS Sports breaks down the major changes:

"

In 2K15, you're still getting a story but it's been changed significantly with a lot more options added this time around. You don't get drafted and the mode starts off with you furiously chasing your agent (not a childhood friend) around the living room of your apartment. He tells you you're going to have to earn a 10-day contract at some point and prove you belong. Nothing is guaranteed for you.

"

The career mode continues with you trying to make your way up through the ranks of the league as a borderline roster player to an NBA superstar. Things are not easy, but it makes the entire experience a lot more rewarding.

One way the game will help you out is by providing advice from real NBA stars before and after the games. Reigning MVP Kevin Durant was proud to be a part of this action:

If you do not want to get into this storyline or any other game modes, you are fine just playing individual matchups with friends or online. In this, you can deal with a new "shooting meter," which could make things difficult at first but will likely become easier with time.

No matter how good you are, Indiana Pacers star Paul George thinks he will win:

The game is loved by players and fans around the world—well, except for Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas, who had issues with his rating:

Still, there is plenty to like about the newest game, and it remains something to look forward to enjoying over the next few months.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.

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