NBA 2K16: Release Date and Gameplay Videos From Early Preview

Fans who pre-ordered NBA 2K16 have probably already been enjoying the game since Friday, but those who didn't still have to wait until Tuesday, September 29, to partake in the game's goodness. I scored NBA 2K16 a 9.5 out of 10—it's that good. While there have been some moderate connectivity issues, the gameplay and extensive options put the game in a league of its own.

My favorite part of the game is the team customization tool. It can be used in MyTEAM, 2K Pro Am, MyGM and MyLEAGUE. Anyone who has used it can tell you that it's the most complete tool of its kind in any sports video game.

You're able to upload images that can be used as your team's logo. There's also an option to fully customize uniforms and the arena your team calls home. When you use the tool in MyGM and MyLEAGUE, it's used to rebrand a team you've chosen to relocate.

The options are aplenty. Here's a video that shows off the various choices you can make when creating a team.

There are quite a few positives in NBA 2K16, but aside from the team customization tool, the other aspect that really stands out is the gameplay. When it comes to realism, NBA 2K16 has nailed its sport about as well as any other simulation.

One notable improvement from last year's game comes in the make-to-miss calculations on long-range shots. In NBA 2K15, knocking down three-point shots was just too easy. If you had a good three-point shooter open and you timed the release point correctly, you hardly ever missed. That simply wasn't realistic. Even Steph Curry misses an open three from time to time.

This year's game brings the element of human error back into play, and it's a welcomed addition.

There's also the freelance offense and improved defensive IQ. You don't have to run plays to get the team you're playing with to run realistic action away from the ball. On defense, computer-controlled players won't allow cutters to run free, and it doesn't take as long for teams to key on your players who are having great games.

Here's an example of gameplay with some commentary that points out some of the finer details:

If you're a gamer and hoops fan, there's no question that you have to own this game. If you're just a gamer, there's so much available in NBA 2K16 that you might just want to give it a spin to see the elements that could play well in the genre of gaming you prefer.

In either case, this is an amazing achievement from one of the most consistent game developers around.

---

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter