Links

CRITIK

NBA Playgrounds

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of NBA Playgrounds
Item: NBA Playgrounds
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresSide View Perspective, Sports, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableMay 9, 2017

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperSaber Interactive

Overview

"Classic NBA arcade action is back! Take your “A” game to the playground and beat the best in high-flying 2-on-2 basketball action. Practice your skills offline, play with up to three others, or take your talents online to posterize your opponents with acrobatic jams and ridiculous displays of skill."

Elsewhere

6.7

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of NBA Playgrounds has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers have highlighted the enjoyable and accessible nature of the gameplay. Critics like Video Chums and GamingTrend appreciate the intuitive controls and variety of moves available, making it easy for both newbies and experienced players to enjoy the game. The emphasis on arcade-style basketball with exaggerated mechanics like alley-oops and power-ups adds a fun and entertaining element to the gameplay, as noted by God is a Geek and PlaySense. The inclusion of unique features such as the card system for unlocking players, as mentioned by MondoXbox, and the Lottery Pick meter for power-ups, as highlighted by Game Informer, add depth and strategy to the matches. On the flip side, there are several criticisms regarding the gameplay of NBA Playgrounds. Many critics have pointed out issues with the shooting mechanics, with inconsistent shot results and challenging timing elements. Critics like NintendoWorldReport and ZTGD mention unbalanced power-ups and challenging dunk mechanics, leading to a rigid and repetitive experience. The AI behavior has also been a point of contention, with complaints about unresponsive AI, overly difficult opponents, and inconsistent gameplay, as stated by GameSpew and Windows Central. Additionally, the lack of depth, poor balancing, and unclear controls have been highlighted by Pocket Gamer UK and PC Games, impacting the overall gameplay experience negatively. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of NBA Playgrounds leans towards a mixed reception. While some appreciate the game's arcade-style approach, fun mechanics, and accessibility, others find issues with unbalanced gameplay, inconsistent mechanics, and lack of depth. The game seems to offer a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic arcade basketball games like NBA Jam, but falls short in terms of fine-tuning gameplay mechanics and providing a consistent and engaging experience throughout. As noted by Worth Playing, the game features familiar mechanics inspired by NBA Jam but with added complexities that may not always hit the mark. In conclusion, NBA Playgrounds provides an entertaining arcade basketball experience for casual play but may leave some players wanting more depth and polish in its gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

NBA Playgrounds gameplay receives mixed reviews: praised for fun arcade-style with intuitive controls and unique features, but criticized for issues with shooting mechanics, unbalanced power-ups, and AI behavior. Offers nostalgic arcade basketball experience akin to NBA Jam but lacks depth and polish. Overall, a fun casual play but falls short for some players seeking more refined gameplay.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics generally praise the Graphics and Visual Design of NBA Playgrounds for its colorful and charismatic art style. Critics like 3DJuegos, COGconnected, and Game Informer highlight the game's cartoonish character designs, oversized heads, and vibrant environments that create a fun and energetic atmosphere. The mix of classic and current players in an arcade-style setting, as mentioned by Areajugones, adds a nostalgic yet visually appealing touch to the game. Additionally, reviewers such as Digital Chumps and Worth Playing appreciate the arcade look and feel of the game, with smooth framerates and exaggerated animations contributing to the overall visual charm. On the downside, some critics express concerns about the graphics quality and visual variety of NBA Playgrounds. GamingTrend and DualShockers criticize the game for not delivering a visually impactful experience, with DualShockers specifically mentioning creepy character models and lackluster backgrounds. Additionally, App Trigger and Gaming Age point out issues with the game's performance on the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, citing a noticeable decline in image quality and blurry visuals. These criticisms suggest that the game may lack optimization for certain platforms and display modes, impacting the overall visual presentation for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of NBA Playgrounds. The game's vibrant and cartoonish art style, along with its arcade-like aesthetics, receives praise for creating a lively and engaging basketball experience. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and Video Chums commend the fantastic look of the character designs and environments, while acknowledging the game's homage to classic arcade basketball titles like NBA Jam and NBA Street. Despite some concerns raised by critics regarding graphical fidelity and platform optimization, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's charismatic visuals and fun atmosphere, making NBA Playgrounds a visually appealing choice for fans of arcade-style sports games.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics love NBA Playgrounds' colorful and charismatic art style, praising its cartoonish character designs, vibrant environments, and arcade-like aesthetics. While some critics raise concerns about graphics quality and performance issues on certain platforms, the overall consensus is positive. The game's mix of classic and current players in an energetic setting pays homage to classic arcade basketball titles, making it a visually appealing choice for fans of arcade-style sports games.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of NBA Playgrounds received mixed reviews from critics. Several critics praised the game for its entertaining commentary, with Hardcore Gamer even considering it one of the best parts of the game. Video Chums highlighted the spot-on sounds of dribbling and sneakers squeaking, enhancing the overall audio experience. TrueAchievements appreciated the soundtrack for complementing the game's cartoonish style, with music changing to reflect the street court locations. GameGrin also commended the cool soundtrack with a hip hop and R&B vibe, creating an immersive atmosphere. These positive aspects of the sound design and music contributed to the overall enjoyment for some players. On the other hand, many critics pointed out various negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of NBA Playgrounds. GameSpot and Gaming Age mentioned repetitive commentary that could become monotonous and jokes that fell flat. PlayStation Country and Windows Central criticized the underwhelming audio, with repetitive phrases from the commentators and a lack of excitement in the announcers' delivery. DualShockers and God is a Geek highlighted the annoyance of the repetitive soundtrack and commentary, which quickly grated on players. Switch Player and GamingTrend also expressed disappointment in the poor quality of the repeated commentary and soundtrack, suggesting room for improvement in these areas. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of NBA Playgrounds leans towards a mixed reception. While some critics appreciated the entertaining commentary and fitting soundtrack, others found the repetitive nature of both aspects to be a significant drawback. The lack of excitement and memorable moments in the commentary, as noted by TheSixthAxis, and the absence of a standout soundtrack were common points of criticism. Despite some positive feedback on specific elements like the spot-on sound effects and immersive atmosphere created by the music, the overall sentiment suggests that the Sound Design and Music of NBA Playgrounds could benefit from more variety and enhancements to elevate the player experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

NBA Playgrounds' sound design and music divided critics. Some praised the entertaining commentary and fitting soundtrack, while others criticized the repetitive nature and lack of excitement. Overall, opinions were mixed, with room for improvement in creating a more varied and engaging audio experience for players.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, NBA Playgrounds received mixed reviews. On the PS4, COGconnected and Digital Chumps praised the smooth gameplay experience with no stability issues mentioned. GameSpew also noted decent overall performance, despite occasional AI bugs. Moving to the Xbox One, ICXM highlighted the impact of TV response time on gameplay difficulty and mentioned noticeable rubberbanding in the AI. However, IGN and MondoXbox criticized the teammate AI in online play and the netcode issues in online multiplayer, respectively. On the Nintendo Switch, Cubed3 and GamingTrend appreciated the visual performance and smooth gameplay, while Gaming Age and NintendoWorldReport criticized the blurry visuals in handheld mode and long load times. Despite some positive aspects on each platform, there were notable technical issues across the board. The lack of four-player online play and limited online features on Xbox One, as mentioned by IGN, impacted the overall experience negatively. The Nintendo Switch version faced challenges with long load times, as highlighted by NintendoWorldReport, and the need for post-release patches, as noted by Switch Player. Additionally, the difficulty in teaching shooting timing on the Switch, as mentioned by DualShockers, added to the technical shortcomings. On PC, Riot Pixels suggested improvements in AI and offense-defense balance, indicating room for technical enhancements across all platforms. Overall, while NBA Playgrounds showed promise in terms of smooth gameplay and visual performance on various platforms, technical issues such as AI bugs, netcode problems, and long load times were prevalent. Critics like IGN and Gaming Age pointed out specific platform-related challenges that affected the overall gameplay experience. The consensus among reviewers suggests that while the game had its technical strengths, such as smooth motion blur on PS4 and smooth running on the Switch, the technical performance issues across platforms detracted from the overall enjoyment of the game. The need for patches and improvements, as highlighted by Switch Player and Riot Pixels, indicates that the technical performance of NBA Playgrounds fell short of expectations on multiple platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

NBA Playgrounds received mixed reviews for technical performance on different gaming platforms. PS4 praised for smooth gameplay, Xbox One criticized for TV response time and AI issues, Switch lauded for visuals but critiqued for blurry graphics. Despite some positives, technical issues like AI bugs, netcode problems, and long load times were prevalent. Lack of four-player online play on Xbox One and challenges on Switch impacted overall experience. Overall, while the game had strengths, technical shortcomings across platforms detracted from the enjoyment, prompting the need for patches and improvements.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the progression system and collectible aspects of NBA Playgrounds as factors contributing to its replay value. Critics like Areajugones and TrueAchievements appreciated the unlocking of new players through card packs and the leveling system, which added depth to player progression. The variety of modes, such as Exhibition, Tournaments, and Challenges, were also mentioned positively by critics like Push Square and Worth Playing, providing players with different ways to engage with the game and unlock content. The incentive to keep playing to unlock new content, whether through leveling up or winning tournaments, was seen as a motivating factor for players to return to the game. On the negative side, critics pointed out several aspects that hindered the replay value of NBA Playgrounds. The lack of diverse game modes and customization options, as mentioned by COGconnected and GameSpot, limited the variety of experiences players could have within the game. Issues with online multiplayer, such as unbalanced gameplay and the absence of features like playing with friends, were highlighted by critics like PlayStation Country and DualShockers as drawbacks that affected the overall replayability of the game. Additionally, some critics, like Digital Chumps and GameGrin, found the gameplay to become repetitive over time, leading to a decrease in long-term engagement with the title. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of NBA Playgrounds leans towards a mixed reception. While the game offers engaging progression systems, collectible elements, and various modes to keep players entertained, the lack of diverse gameplay experiences, issues with online multiplayer, and potential for repetitive gameplay were seen as limitations to its long-term appeal. Critics like Game Informer and New Game Network acknowledged the potential for future updates to address some of these concerns and enhance the overall replay value of the game. Ultimately, NBA Playgrounds seems to offer a decent amount of replay value for players who enjoy unlocking content and engaging in different modes but may fall short for those seeking more variety and depth in their gameplay experience.

TL;DR

replay value

NBA Playgrounds received praise for its progression system and collectible aspects, adding replay value. Critics appreciated unlocking new players and variety of modes. However, criticisms included limited game modes, issues with online multiplayer, and repetitive gameplay. Overall, opinions on replay value were mixed, with potential for updates to address concerns. The game offers decent replay value for players into unlocking content, but may lack depth for those seeking more variety.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

89%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of various critics on NBA Playgrounds, it is evident that there are several positive aspects that stand out. Critics like Digital Chumps and Hardcore Gamer commend the game for its arcade-like gameplay and entertaining aesthetic, which appeals to basketball fans looking for a nostalgic experience. The absence of microtransactions, as noted by 3DJuegos, is also seen as a positive feature that sets NBA Playgrounds apart from other titles in the genre. Additionally, Forbes praises the game for being addictive, strategic, and satisfying, especially considering its price point. The presence of licensed NBA players adds authenticity and appeal to the overall experience, as highlighted by critics like DarkStation and Riot Pixels. On the other hand, there are notable criticisms raised by critics regarding NBA Playgrounds. Issues such as unbalanced mechanics, lack of game modes, and repetitive gameplay are commonly mentioned drawbacks. GameSpot and TrueAchievements point out the lack of variety in game modes and the absence of certain features like unranked modes and online play options, which impact the overall experience negatively. DualShockers and Pocket Gamer UK criticize the game for lacking in graphics, sound design, and replay value, which diminishes its long-term appeal for players seeking a more immersive gaming experience. Furthermore, some critics like NintendoWorldReport and GamingTrend highlight specific flaws in gameplay mechanics and content that prevent NBA Playgrounds from reaching its full potential. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding NBA Playgrounds is mixed. While the game receives praise for its fun and entertaining gameplay, especially in multiplayer settings, it also faces criticism for its shortcomings in mechanics, game modes, and overall depth. Critics like Game Informer and GameCrate acknowledge the game's potential for improvement if gameplay issues are addressed and more content is added in future updates. The general sentiment is that NBA Playgrounds offers a decent arcade basketball experience for casual gaming sessions but falls short of being a groundbreaking title in the genre. Despite its flaws, the game is recognized as a solid addition for NBA fans seeking a lighter sports gaming experience, as highlighted by PlaySense and God is a Geek.

TL;DR

Critics praise NBA Playgrounds for its nostalgic arcade-like gameplay, lack of microtransactions, and addictive nature with licensed NBA players. However, they criticize its unbalanced mechanics, lack of game modes, and repetitive gameplay. While the game offers fun multiplayer experiences, it falls short of being a top-tier title due to its shortcomings in mechanics and content. Overall, NBA Playgrounds is seen as a decent option for casual gaming but has room for improvement to become a standout in the genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

108 reviews found

TrueAchievements

Xbox One

May 12, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised as a great arcade basketball game with a major flaw of lacking an unranked mode and invite options. The review suggests that if this flaw was fixed, the game would be one of the best of the year.

Read full review

Forbes

Xbox One

May 9, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that NBA Playgrounds is a fully licensed two-on-two NBA arcade title that does most things right. It is described as addictive, strategic, and satisfying, especially considering the price. The score given is 8 out of 10.

GameGrin

Nintendo Switch

Jun 19, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA Playgrounds is a really fun and quirky title. The lack of online play at launch is a big omission, but the arcade aesthetics, easy to use controls, and whirlwind gameplay make it extremely enjoyable in short bursts.

Read full review

Video Chums

PlayStation 4

May 11, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA Playgrounds is a great addition to the genre of arcade basketball. It appeals to players of all skill levels with its cartoony take on the sport, but lacks variety in modes and has a short single player campaign.

Read full review

Worth Playing

PlayStation 4

Jul 19, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA Playgrounds is a fun arcade sports game once you get used to its quirks. While it may not be a direct replacement for NBA Jam, it offers enough complexity to engage players. Worth a look for arcade sports fans.

Read full review

IGN

Xbox One

May 9, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that NBA Playgrounds comes close to revitalizing the arcade basketball genre and is enjoyable to play, especially online. However, the lack of online features and some frustrating difficulty spikes in tournament mode are mentioned as drawbacks.

Read full review

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

May 23, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA Playgrounds is praised for its arcade-like gameplay and appealing combination of NBA players. The game is considered a good addition to the genre, especially given its price and the fact that it is made by an indie developer.

Read full review

Push Square

PlayStation 4

May 11, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

NBA Playgrounds is a good modern take on the old-school arcade basketball game genre.

Read full review

Hardcore Gamer

PlayStation 4

May 15, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that NBA Playgrounds is a fun game with enough nostalgia and an entertaining aesthetic to make it worth a look for basketball fans. It is also mentioned that the game is priced at $20, which is considered a good value.

Game Informer

May 12, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a welcome newcomer to arcade basketball, with the potential for a healthy run if gameplay shortcomings are addressed and more ways to play are introduced. It is mentioned that the game does not revolutionize arcade basketball, but is a good alternative for those who don't want a sports sim.

Read full review