No, NBA 2K23 current gen will not have The City

As a passionate NBA 2K gamer and content creator, I can definitively say that The City feature is not available on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One current gen versions of NBA 2K23. This ambitious open world concept is exclusive to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S platforms. Current gen players instead get an updated experience focused around the returning G.O.A.T. Boat neighborhood from NBA 2K22.

While this cruise ship locale lacks The City‘s scale, there are still noteworthy changes that make NBA 2K23 an exciting update for current gen. In this post I‘ll fully break down the current gen neighborhood, gameplay improvements, and tips to excel this year!

Welcome Aboard The G.O.A.T. Boat – Current Gen‘s Neighborhood Hub

As introduced last year, The G.O.A.T. Boat serves as the central social space for the MyCareer experience on current gen NBA 2K23. However, 2K has given the luxury cruiser a major overhaul…

• 30% larger than the 2K22 version, with revamped deck areas and rooms
• 8 new playable courts across the ship like the Beach Club and Promenade Deck
• New NPC quest givers like MP and DJ directing you around the neighborhood

So while MyCAREER doesn‘t get an entirely new setting like The City, the expanded G.O.A.T. Boat should keep the neighborhood feeling fresh. I‘m especially excited to squad up with friends and battle on the creative beach volleyball and pool courts!

The G.O.A.T. Boat By The Numbers

To illustrate the scope of the current gen cruiser, here is a data table comparing it to last year‘s smaller incarnation:

As these stats show, current gen players should have a more expansive hub to explore with 30% more real estate and double the custom courts!

Gameplay Improvements and Additions

Beyond the neighborhood overhaul, NBA 2K23 also introduces some major gameplay changes:

• Revamped Badge System – Badges now have tiers connected to certain player OVR thresholds for more consistent progression.
• Enhanced Movement Physics – Dribbling, cutting, and running feel even more true-to-life thanks to new animations.
• Intelligent Defense AI – Opposing NBA players react smarter on D thanks to revamped positioning logic.

These upgrades make NBA 2K23‘s standard 5v5 basketball feel great. Signature 2K modes also get updates like new roster rule options in MyLEAGUE and an easier entry for new MyTEAM players. Veterans should especially enjoy the returning Jordan Challenge spotlighting MJ‘s classic performances.

Overall the on-court product feels meaningfully improved and strategically deeper while still capturing the accessible fun that defines the NBA 2K series.

Tips To Conquer Current Gen

As an experienced 2K gamer, I want to make sure the community gets the most out of NBA 2K23 on PS4 and Xbox One. Here are my top 4 tips:

1. Master Dribble Combos With New Size-Up Packages

The revamped dribbling model expands your offensive creativity. I recommend equipping Size-Up Escape packages like Quick #2 for flashy crossovers or Kobe Bryant for elite footwork. Chaining Size-Ups with Versa-DribblesPull-Ups punctuates any scoring combo.

2. Takeover The Paint With Post Scoring

In an era dominated by 3PT shooting, I‘ve found trying a Backdown Punisher post scorer creates an overpowered yet entertaining playstyle. Embrace your inner Hakeem Olajuwon or Shaq!

3. Gather The Best MyTEAM Theme Squads

MyTEAM limited time Spotlights like the recent Throwback Moments: Rewind packs offer chances at player cards you won‘t find in standard packs to creative incredible lineups. I‘m working toward my dream ‘80s squad led by GO Dominique and PD Moses Malone.

4. Squad Up With Friends In Pro-Am

Running 3v3 Pro-Am Walk-On with a full friends squad is a blast. Communication and team chemistry pays off hugely when everyone plays their role. And the XP rewards help MyPLAYER progression!

Let me know which strategies work for you in the comments!

Closing Thoughts on NBA 2K23 Current Gen

While the lack of The City leaves current gen missing NBA 2K‘s most ambitious new idea, there is still a lot to like in this refined version of the acclaimed hoops sim. The G.O.A.T. Boat neighborhood quality-of-life improvements, badge overhaul, and excellent core 5v5 gameplay makes NBA 2K23 a worthy pickup for PS4 and Xbox One players not ready to upgrade yet.

However, next year could be the end of the road for NBA 2K support on these aging consoles based on the series‘ history. We‘ll have to wait an see what 2K has planned for current platforms with NBA 2K24 in 2024. Fingers crossed current gen at least gets a story-driven evolution of The G.O.A.T Boat or maybe a streetball-themed neighborhood? Either way I know myself and fellow last gen ballers will stay locking in on virtual courts as long as we can!