football scores today

When I first dusted off my PS4 copy of NBA 2K17 last month, I honestly didn't expect much from a game that's nearly seven years old now. But let me tell you, I've been absolutely hooked - and I think there are some solid reasons why this title still holds up remarkably well in 2023. The question "Is NBA 2K17 still worth playing on PS4?" kept popping in my head during those late-night gaming sessions, and I'm here to walk you through exactly what makes this vintage basketball sim worth your time today.

First things first - let's talk about getting started. If you're like me and prefer physical copies, you can usually find NBA 2K17 for under $10 at used game stores, which is an absolute steal compared to newer titles. The digital version occasionally goes on sale too, though I'd recommend checking the PlayStation Store during seasonal sales. Once you've got it installed, my number one tip is to immediately download all the available roster updates before you do anything else. The game won't have current rosters obviously, but you'd be surprised how many community-created rosters are still floating around that can get you reasonably close to modern team lineups. I spent about twenty minutes searching for the best current roster file and it completely transformed the experience.

Now here's where things get interesting - and I'm going to draw a slightly unexpected parallel from the boxing world. Remember that reference about the fighter on a three-fight win streak after his ninth round stoppage against Takuma Inoue? Well, NBA 2K17 represents something similar in gaming terms - it's a champion that took some hits but has proven its staying power. Just like that boxer who found new success moving up to super-bantamweight, 2K17 has found its second wind in the retro gaming scene. The game mechanics still feel incredibly polished, and I'd argue the player movement is actually more realistic than some recent entries where everyone moves like they're on ice skates. When you're controlling Steph Curry coming off screens, the weight and momentum feel just right - something I think the newer games have overcomplicated.

The MyCareer mode remains surprisingly engaging, though I'll admit the story feels dated compared to what we get today. What it lacks in cinematic cutscenes it makes up for in pure, undiluted basketball gameplay. I've sunk about forty hours into my point guard's career, and the progression system just feels more rewarding than the VC-grind fest we see in recent versions. My pro tip here: focus on upgrading your player's primary attributes rather than spreading points too thin early on. I made the mistake of trying to create an all-around beast initially and struggled until I respeced into a three-point specialist.

Graphics-wise, yeah, you'll notice the difference immediately if you're coming from 2K23. The players don't have that hyper-realistic sweat glistening under the arena lights, and the crowds are definitely more cardboard-cutout than living entity. But here's the thing - the core basketball action still looks fantastic. The animations hold up remarkably well, and there's a certain charm to the slightly less busy visual presentation. I actually prefer the cleaner look during gameplay because it's easier to follow the action without all the visual clutter that sometimes plagues newer titles.

Where the game really shows its age is in the online features. Good luck finding a quick match these days - the servers are pretty much ghost towns except for the occasional dedicated fan. But if you've got friends who still play, the private match functionality works perfectly fine. My buddy and I have been running weekly one-on-one matches, and aside from occasional lag spikes, it's been smooth sailing. Just don't expect to dive into the Park mode and find it populated - that ship has long sailed.

The soundtrack deserves special mention - it's honestly one of the best in the entire 2K series with tracks from Kendrick Lamar, Bastille, and Vampire Weekend that still hold up today. I find myself humming along during timeouts, which is more than I can say for some of the recent forgettable playlists. Little touches like this show how much care went into the complete package rather than just the on-court action.

So circling back to our original question - is NBA 2K17 still worth playing on PS4? Absolutely, especially if you're someone who values gameplay over bells and whistles. It's like discovering a classic film that holds up decades later - the core mechanics are so solid that they transcend the dated presentation. Sure, you won't have the latest rookies or the flashiest graphics, but what you get is arguably the most balanced basketball simulation of the PS4 era. The game found its footing after the transitional period of earlier PS4 titles, much like that boxer who hit his stride after moving weight classes. I've personally shelved my copy of 2K23 in favor of this older gem, and I don't see myself going back anytime soon. The pure, uncomplicated joy of basketball shines through in ways that newer entries have somehow lost in their pursuit of realism. Give it a shot - you might just find yourself falling in love with virtual basketball all over again.