What are the best basketball games for PC?
Right now, there are just so many different kinds of basketball video games available at our fingertips.
Whether you want to be the next star player like LeBron James, great coach like Greg Poppovich, or play the role of general manager, the options are seemingly endless.
That leaves us wondering just which games fit our desires most and which ones are the best overall. These are your ideal ten games and how to know which one to choose so you don’t get your layup blocked at the rim.
10. VR Shoot Around
“VR Shoot Around” Gameplay
We’ll start with a game that doesn’t feature any real NBA players, teams, or anything like that. This is a virtual reality basketball shoot around that allows players to experience a realistic take on basketball. It features a rare first person outlook on basketball and uses calculations to provide gamers with realistic physics. There are several mini games, including a three point shootout, and many customizable features.
Kick it old school with an ABA style ball.
Customize your own court to rain down threes on.
9. Trivia Vault Basketball Trivia
Here’s a basketball game that you typically might not consider. In this one, you don’t control the players on the court, the coach calling the plays, or the general manager making the roster moves. Instead, it works for those of us who are big fans with a lot of knowledge about the sport and the simple concept allows us to answer rapid fire trivia questions about basketball in order to earn rewards. There are 250 unique questions in total.
Some questions are bound to be as easy as this.
One of the greatest coaches ever for the greatest player ever.
8. Draft Day Sports: Pro Basketball 2018
“Draft Day Sports: Pro Basketball 2018”
Basketball fans all over the world play the role of armchair general manager. We talk with friends about trades and signings that our favorite teams should have made and believe we know what’s best. This game gives you the opportunity to put that theory to the test. You get to draft, sign free agents, make trades, and build the ultimate dynasty.
Close enough to the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic.
It's not exactly Shaq and Charles Barkley at halftime, but it's still a full show.
7. Draft Day Sports: College Basketball 2018
“Draft Day Sports College Basketball” Tutorial Ep 1
This is basically in the same vein as the Pro Basketball game previously listed. However, general managers aren’t really a thing in college sports. Here, you take on the role of head coach as you attempt to reach the glory of making it to the “big dance.” Along the way, you get to recruit players, hire your coaching staff, and coach the team to victory.
If you can't be the Kentucky Wildcats, might as well be a Tiger.
Coaching your team to the top.
6. Basketball Classics
“Basketball Classics” – Editing Team Names & Short Names
Who doesn’t love the feel of old school games? Just released about a month ago, “Basketball Classics” takes you back to the golden era of retro sports games. From the graphics to the side-scrolling camera angle, to the simplified three button gameplay, this will be the nostalgia trip you’re craving. With rosters spanning multiple decades, you’ll have replay value that could possibly last as long.
Glorious graphics.
Not exactly the game to come to for facial expressions.
5. Watch Me Jump
“Watch Me Jump” Available Now
The most recent game on this list, as it was just released on April 19th. “Watch Me Jump” describes itself as “a different kind of basketball game’ and that’s about as true as it gets. It’s a story driven tale where you play as Audra Bee Mills, who is about to become the highest paid women’s player in the world. Before the Playoffs begin, a scandal comes up that threatens everything she’s worked for and you spend the night making decisions to get her through it.
Hopefully, it's not a marriage or else this would be one weird basketball game.
Don't worry, you still get on the court.
4. Freestyle 2: Street Basketball
First Time On “Freestyle 2: Street Basketball”
Now we’re getting into the more arcade feel of basketball games we’ve played for years. The street ball style allows the game to not feature NBA players, yet still pack a very fun punch. In this game, you can completely customize everything about your character, from their looks to their gear to their signature moves. The online addition sets you up to play with friends, while the cel-shaded graphics give it a unique look. Best of all, it’s free to play!
Three on three games with completely unique characters.
There's no other basketball game that looks anything like this.
3. NBA Playgrounds
“NBA Playgrounds” – Part 1 – THE NEW NBA STREET?!
We’ve reached the licensed area of the list. “NBA Playgrounds” is arguably the most fun experience you can have with real NBA players. The roster is ripe with current and retired NBA stars, while featuring all official teams. The two-on-two gameplay, wide array of moves, and giant heads of the characters make for an incredibly enjoyable playground experience.
Talk about big headed egos.
Seriously, look at the size of LeBron’s head!
2. NBA Live 18
10 Minutes of “NBA Live 18” Gameplay
For a long time, EA Sports’ “NBA Live” franchise was the king of basketball games. They began to struggle and took some time away before returning with this year’s installment. While it hasn’t taken back its crown, “NBA Live 18” gave us an alternative, realistic NBA game and was the first to ever include the WNBA. The addition of ESPN analysts like Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman was the icing on an impressive comeback cake for the series.
Rookie of the Year. Possibly.
This is how Russell Westbrook looks at every opponent.
1. NBA 2K18
“NBA 2K18” | PC Gameplay | 1080p HD | Max Settings
The franchise that wrestled the top spot from EA Sports was “NBA 2K”. Each year, this is considered the best basketball game and has been the case for over a decade. From the strong gameplay to the deep franchise mode to the incredible presentation to the much heralded MyCareer mode, “NBA 2K18” remains the best around. Judging by how the series has gone over the past number of years, that doesn’t look like it will change any time soon.
PG-13 in OKC.
Not just on an NBA court, but take it to the street too.
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