NBA 2K26 Review - Sweat Equity

"It's funny to see how much the topic of sweat has become a joke in the NBA 2K series. As far back as when the series first came to Xbox 360, I can recall players calling out the life-like perspiration seen on its in-game athletes. Today, that dedication to depicting authentic sweat is sometimes used to critique the game. Players will say--perhaps only half-jokingly--that Visual Concepts is too concerned with sweat and not focusing enough on other aspects of the annual basketball sim."

"On the court, the best change is the game's new motion engine, which follows from last year's new dribble engine and 2K24's introduction of "ProPlay," a system NBA 2K uses that transposes real-life basketball footage into in-game animations. The changes to the motion engine this year are obvious if you're an annual player. Movements are smoother and more authentic to the real world, and thus look better on the screen and feel better in your hands."

"The transitions from one movement, like cutting through the paint, to something like stepping back and shooting a floater, are excellent. This change cuts way down on instances of players sort of floating to where they need to be, like they might in past games at times. Movement feels more physical and dynamic overall, and comfortably lends itself to the way Visual Concepts already mimics the unique play styles of its stars."

NBA 2K26 introduces a new motion engine that builds on last year's dribble engine and 2K24's ProPlay system to deliver smoother, more authentic player movement. On-court transitions, such as cutting through the paint to a stepping-back floater, feel more physical and dynamic, reducing instances of players floating and improving responsiveness. Visual upgrades accompany the animation improvements, with lifelike perspiration and refinements in catch-and-shoot mechanics and other small details that collectively enhance realism. The development team emphasizes fine-grained polish to better replicate unique player styles and real-world footage, producing an experience that appeals to diverse basketball fans.

Read at GameSpot