NBA Playgrounds Update 1.1 on PS4 Adds Challenge Mode

Adding the Challenge Mode feature, 15 new players that can be unlocked through player packs, five new versions of Shaq, a shot-meter, a penalty for those who quit matches, and more, NBA Playgrounds update 1.1 is now live on PlayStation 4, Saber Interactive has revealed.

With Challenge Mode, you’re able to directly challenge another player online. You do this by agreeing on a code (your challenge code is your nickname by default), opening the online mode, switching to Challenges, and entering the code to face each other.

Here’s the full list of patch notes for today’s NBA Playgrounds update on PS4:

New Features

Toxicity system/Disconnection Manager, which penalizes players who abandon matches in any other way than surrendering

5 new versions of Shaquille O´Neal in various teams from his career (Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic)

15 new players join the roster: The following players were added: 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, Pete Maravich

A shot-meter was added to help finding the perfect timing for shots, dunks etc. The shot-meter can be disabled in the options and it takes the distant to the hoop and the player’s statistics into consideration.

‘International English’ with metric units was added as default language in case none of the supported languages is the user’s native system language

The Challenge Mode feature, which allows you to challenge other players to online matches:

You can now switch between unranked challenges and ranked games in the online mode

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.

Notable Changes

Adjusted: Shots were adjusted to make the system more accessible and unified throughout all variations

Adjusted: Timing for layups and 2-pointers from under the hoop was adjusted. Layups are now easier to perform, and players with low stats for 2-pointers are slightly better than before

Adjusted: The steal action was adjusted to better fit the intended gameplay
— It is now possible to perform a steal action when behind an opponent

Changed: The Stars Lottery Pick will only be awarded if a team is at least 6 points behind

Changed: 3 pointers no longer fill lottery pick bar

Improved: Rebounding accuracy improved

Improved: The online matchmaking algorithm

Increased: The duration of the 3 points x2 Lottery Pick was increased

Increased: The difficulty of 3 pointers was increased

Reduced: The duration of the Stars Lottery Pick was reduced

Reduced: The number of steals required for the Las Vegas Challenge Nr.2 was reduced to 10 (was 15)

Reduced: The number of 3-pointers needed for the Paris Challenge Nr.4 was reduced to 6 (was 7)

Reduced: The number of 3-pointers needed for the London Challenge Nr.1 was reduced to 6 (was 10)

Reduced: The number of 3-pointers needed for the Las Vegas Challenge Nr.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

An issue that occasionally caused the ‘Lighting Ball Lottery Pick’ not to score from longer distances was fixed

A misspelling of a player’s name was corrected

An issue that prevented users from seeing off-screen markers sometimes was fixed

Several desynch issues in bad network connection scenarios were addressed

A problem where a dunk could score after the match ended was solved

Several problems that made the ball getting stuck on the top of the backboard were fixed

A problem that prevented the ball from stop spinning after scoring was fixed

A problem in which failed dunks could score if the teammate was performing an alley-oop was fixed

Issues related to the strength of the force feedback effects were addressed

Saber adds, “Thanks again for all your great feedback and support. Update 1.1.0 is the beginning. We’re already making the game better thanks to your feedback. You rock!”

We reviewed NBA Playgrounds earlier this month and said, “The debut installment of NBA Playgrounds gets the fundamentals right, but fails to impress elsewhere.”

NBA Playgrounds is available through the PlayStation Store for $19.99 USD.

[Source: Playgrounds Game, NBA Playgrounds]

20 PS4 Co-Op Games That You Need to Play Now & in the Future

Here are twenty co-op games that you can look forward to or play right now!

20 PS4 Co-Op Games That You Need to Play Now & in the Future
Destiny

Few games have been as polarizing as Bungie's co-op focused first person shooter. Destiny, despite its many shortcomings, is still one of the best multiplayer experiences found on the PlayStation 4. It is just plain fun to dance with friends, shoot enemies and going on raids.
Battleborn

While not a ton is known about Gearbox Software's upcoming game there is no doubt that it is ambitious. Battleborn will attempt to combine the gameplay of a first person shooter with the trappings of a MOBA. Whether or not this will be the first-person equivalent to League of Legends is still up in the air but we can't wait to find out.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

Borderlands has been a multiplayer stand-out ever since it debuted in 2009. Now the co-op fun has been extended to four player split-screen in Borderlands: The Handsome Collection. It is hard not to get excited about playing through Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! with four of your best friends.
Broforce

Self described as a "cooperative patriotism simulation", Broforce offers up some of the wackiest fun on the system. Up to four players can play as Rambro, Snake Broskin and other action heroes inspired by 80s films.
Dying Light

Techland's successor to Dead Island brings four player co-op to the forefront. While parkouring to survive in the zombie apocalypse is already fun by yourself, it is even more-so with friends. Dying Light can breath life into a boring afternoon, especially with others.
Evolve

Turtle Rock Studios came to prominence working on multiplayer classics such as Counter-Strike and Left 4 Dead. Now they have released Evolve which pits four players against a player-controlled monster. It's one of the most compelling co-op experience (if played with the right group of friends) to come out in recent memory.
Far Cry 4

Ubisoft had a controversy-filled 2014 but they also released some great games. Few games offered up more fun than Far Cry 4 which allows players to explore Kyrat with a partner. Grab a friend (and an elephant) and you are sure to have a blast.
Killzone Shadow Fall Intercept

Killzone Shadow Fall Intercept added class-based co-op fun to one of the PS4's most popular launch titles. Available as DLC and as a standalone download, four players can take on the Helghast and transmit data back to headquarters.
LittleBigPlanet 3

LittleBigPlanet has always been fun to play with others, but since everybody played as Sackboy there was no way to offer up unique play-styles. Developer Sumo Digital has changed that, however, in LittleBigPlanet 3 by introducing new characters to the mix. With four unique roles, everybody has something to offer in multiplayer.
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, the follow-up to 2010's Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, allows four players to experience the game's story. Players will have to work together to solve puzzles and defeat enemies in this downloadable title.
LEGO Jurassic World

Few developers have made more fun co-op games than Traveller's Tales. Their latest title, LEGO Jurassic World, allows players to relive the first three Jurassic Park movies and this year's blockbuster Jurassic World.
Mercenary Kings

Mercenary Kings manages to combine the gameplay of Monster Hunter and Contra to create one of the best co-op experiences on the system. Up to four players can take on the game's over 100 missions both locally and online.
Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare

One of 2014's pleasant surprises was EA's Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare. The game features fun multiplayer and a great wave-based survival mode that combines the game's strategy roots with the new outing's third person shooting gameplay. Since it was free after the PlayStation Experience there is a good chance you already own this title. Give it a play!
Resident Evil: Revelations 2

Resident Evil: Revelations 2 features a fully fleshed out co-op campaign. Players will be able to play as Claire Redfield or Moira Burton as they try to escape from zombies. Throw in an excellent Raid mode, and there is a lot of fun to be had!
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected + Gat out of Hell

Both Saints Row IV: Re-Elected and its standalone expansion, Gat out of Hell, feature hilarious co-op action. The already ridiculous games manages to become even more of a mess when playing with friends.
Warframe

Few free-to-play titles are as full featured as Warframe is. Players can join up with others to shoot and slice enemies through several different planets. With a lot of content and loot to collect, Warframe is a game that will keep you coming back.
Assassin's Creed Unity

Assassin's Creed Unity allowed players to link up with three other assassins to take on missions. Teamwork is key during these segments and it is fulfilling to assassinate a target due to proper planning.
Child of Light

Child of Light is one of the most gorgeous games ever released and can be experienced with a loved one thanks to its co-op mode. While it isn't the greatest cooperative experience (the second player can only help out outside of combat), it is more engaging than playing alone.
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Ultimate Evil Edition

Blizzard managed to not only successfully port Diablo III to consoles, but to also offer up one of the best multiplayer experiences on the system. With online and local co-op there is no reason to explore Sanctuary together.
TowerFall Ascension

Thanks to the advent of Share Play, the fantastic co-op mode found within TowerFall Ascension can be played both locally and online. Players can take a break from battling each other to team up and take on waves of enemies.
Minecraft

Minecraft became a cultural phenomenon thanks to the ability for players to visit the worlds of others. Needless to say it is one of the best co-op experiences on PS4. It is so much more fun to make crazy buildings and tunnels with a friend!
Helldivers

Helldivers is one of the best co-op games on the market, but it is also one of the hardest. You might lose some friends due to the game's friendly fire, but it will be so satisfying when you beat a level with your besties!
Magicka 2

When played with other smart players, Magicka 2 is a blast. This fantasy action game requires multiple players to be in sync with each other, or its high difficulty will conquer. If you have three friends, or don't mind taking a chance with random players online, then this is definitely one to check out.
Gauntlet Slayer Edition

Arrowhead Game Studios, the developer behind Helldivers, had a busy 2015, as they also released Gauntlet Slayer Edition. While it may not be quite as polished as their other PS4 offering, Gauntlet is still good fun if you need a break from other co-op titles.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

MMOs are built around playing with friends, and the best MMO on PS4 is Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Players can team up to grind out experience, go on raids, and finish quests. This is one journey that is better with others!