Prior to launch, NBA Playgrounds looked like a promising return to an era of simple, accessible sports games like NBA Jam. Unfortunately, the final product was a bit of an air ball, with frustrating shooting mechanics, lacking presentation, and a dearth of options. You can check out WWG’s mixed review, right here.
Thankfully, a major NBA Playgrounds patch has been released that addresses some of the game’s issues. Shooting has been overhauled, new online multiplayer options have been added, and a whole bundle of new players are ready to hit the court. This update may not make NBA Playgrounds a must-have, but it should make people who have already picked up the game feel better about their purchase.
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Here’s what you can expect from NBA Playgrounds update 1.1.0:
New Features
– Added: The Challenge Mode feature, which allows you to challenge other players to online matches
To challenge another player, you must switch to the challenge mode in the online menu and define a challenge code. By default, your challenge code is your nickname, but you can change it to your own, personal code. The person you are challenging must enter your code. If you have been challenged, please enter your challenger’s code and press “Accept”. All challenges are unranked and your ranking/ELO will be unaffected by the results of the challenge.
– Added: Toxicity system/Disconnection Manager, which penalizes players who abandon matches in any other way than surrendering
– Added: 5 new versions of Shaquille OยดNeal in various teams from his career (Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic)
– Added: A shot-meter was added to help finding the perfect timing for shots, dunks etc.
– Added: Steam Cloud Save support
– Added: Steam Big Picture keyboard management
Notable Changes
– Adjusted: Shots were adjusted to make the system more accessible and unified throughout all variations
– Adjusted: The steal action was adjusted further to better fit the intended gameplay
– It is now possible to perform a steal action when behind an opponent
– Changed: 3 pointers no longer fill lottery pick bar
– Increased: The difficulty of 3 pointers was increased
– Reduced: The number of steals required for the Las Vegas Challenge #2 was reduced to 10 (was 15)
– Reduced: The number of 3-pointers needed for the Paris Challenge #4 was reduced to 6 (was 7)
– Reduced: The number of 3-pointers needed for the London Challenge #1 was reduced to 6 (was 10)
– Reduced: The number of 3-pointers needed for the Las Vegas Challenge #3 was reduced to 8 (was 12)
– Reduced: The inbound time was reduced to adjust it to the overall style of the game
Notable Fixes
– Fixed: Issues related to the strength of the force feedback effects were addressed
In addition to the above changes, 15 new players have been added to the game, including Dennis Rodman, Isaiah Thomas, Larry Bird, Giannis Antetokoumnpo, Kenny Smith, Gary Payton, Klay Thompson, Devin Booker, Tony Parker, Kemba Walker, Seth Curry, Tiny Archibald, John Starks, Tracy McGrady, and Pete Maravich.
NBA Playgrounds update 1.1.0 is currently available for PC, with an Xbox One and PS4 version coming soon. Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch are still waiting for a patch that will add basic online play.
