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Metareview: NBA 2K15
Another year, another entry in what may be the most consistent series in sports video games. NBA 2K15 follows a critically-beloved predecessor that we described as "gorgeous," before adding that "the on-court action is every bit as engaging and hospitable as it's always been, and the visuals are more impressive than ever." Can the franchise once again live up to its already lofty standards? If history is any indicator, the answer is probably a resounding "yes," but let's find out what the critics think anyway.
National League wins MLB 14: The Show All-Star Game simulation
Tomorrow night plays host to the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and just like EA's annual attempts to predict the results of the Superbowl via its latest Madden entry, Sony has simulated the game within MLB 14: The Show. According to this not-at-all-scientific prognostication, the National League will eventually win the All-Star Game, 5 - 3 over their American League counterparts in extra innings. The Cincinnati Reds' Todd Frazier and the LA Dodgers' Yasiel Puig lead the NL to victory, with both players each contributing a homerun and two RBIs. For those who prefer their ballplayers a bit less polygonal, the real MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for 8PM ET on July 15. Don't expect the results to mirror Sony's MLB 14: The Show, however. Unlike actual humans, those virtual players don't realize that the All-Star Game is totally inconsequential spectacle. [Image: Sony]
NBA 2K14 promo offers rare Nikes exclusively to virtual ballers
Acquiring the latest pair of Nikes used to be a simple process, requiring either lots of money or a handgun and poor impulse control. Would-be owners of Nike's special limited edition version of the LeBron 11, however, need to prove their skills on the virtual hardwoods of NBA 2K14 before the athletic wear giant will even deign to take their cash. Officially dubbed the "LeBron 11 2K14," the kicks you see above are essentially the same as the existing LeBron 11 line, only with a new (intensely gaudy) color scheme and a limited run of 2,014 pairs. To earn the right to pre-order a pair, players must spend roughly 80 hours with NBA 2K14, while completing at least 60 games in MyCareer Mode, earning an elite ranking and designing your own shoe in the Nike Innovation Kitchen, among other tasks. Once that's been completed, virtual ballers will then be allowed to give Nike $220 for the privilege of sporting basketball shoes with baffling tiger stripes and a gold Nike swoosh that would not seem out of place hanging from the neck of Rick Ross. Before you rush off to earn new shoes in the virtual NBA, you should know that despite the odd requirements for pre-ordering the LeBron 11 2K14, Nike has already selected owners for all 2,014 pairs. If you're among that lucky group, Nike should be sending you a notification shortly, and your shoes will follow quickly after. [Image: Nike]
Join The Golf Club on Steam Early Access, save 15 percent
Virtual golfers looking for an alternative to EA's simulation franchise can now take a swing at The Golf Club, a new golf game from developer HB Studios that just hit Steam Early Access. Though HB warns would-be players that The Golf Club is not yet complete - a caveat that should be attached to all Early Access releases - the developer notes that this version of the game includes "the full core experience." Not only can players hit the polygonal links, either solo or with online pals, they can also build their own courses to share with others. As development rolls on, HB Studios plans to add tournament support as well as full-fledged tours. Best of all, to celebrate the Early Access debut, HB Studios is offering a 15 percent discount on The Golf Club for a limited time. More details are available on the game's Steam page. [Image: HB Studios]
