NBA 2K21

When it’s clicking, NBA 2K21 has some of the best gameplay in sports video game history. But that’s been true for several years now, and though this year’s iteration improves on a handful of things, most notably the aimed shooting mechanic, there hasn’t been much movement. At the same time, it’s a shame that 2K’s focus isn’t on the fun you can have on the court, but instead the money that can be extracted from your wallet off of the court in the MyCareer and MyTeam modes, which just aren’t fun to grind through without paying. Maybe the new set of consoles on the horizon will bring a fresh start for the NBA 2K franchise, but right now I feel more pessimistic about the series’ future than ever.

-- As reviewed by IGN
NBA 2K21 1

Product details

  • NBA 2K21 is the latest release in the world-renowned, best-selling NBA 2K series.
  • With exciting improvements upon its best-in-class gameplay, competitive and community online features, and deep, varied game modes, NBA 2K21 offers 1 of-a-kind immersion into all facets of NBA basketball and culture - where Everything is Game.
  • MyCAREER - Embark on your own personal, cinematic basketball journey to reach your ultimate destination: The National Basketball Association.
  • MyTEAM - Assemble your G.O.A.T. NBA fantasy team of current players and historic legends and compete against the world.
  • NEIGHBORHOOD - Live out your virtual, day-to-day basketball life in a neighborhood that doesn’t sleep and that always offers something to do.

PROS

+ Fast and fluid play
+ New shooting adds depth
+ MyCareer is a great story

CONS

- Massive over reliance on VC
- Too many MyCareer restrictions
- MyTeam lootboxes still unfair

Expert reviews and ratings

By IGN on September 10, 2020
When it’s clicking, NBA 2K21 has some of the best gameplay in sports video game history. But that’s been true for several years now, and though this year’s iteration improves on a handful of things, most notably the aimed shooting mechanic, there hasn’t been much movement. At the same time, it’s a shame that 2K’s focus isn’t on the fun you can have on the court, but instead the money that can be extracted from your wallet off of the court in the MyCareer and MyTeam modes, which just aren’t fun to grind through without paying. Maybe the new set of consoles on the horizon will bring a fresh start for the NBA 2K franchise, but right now I feel more pessimistic about the series’ future than ever.
60
By TechRadar on September 07, 2020
NBA 2K21 is the best NBA game, perhaps the best sports sim ever, for raw on-the-court play. But off the court, NBA 2K21's emphasis on microtransactions makes it difficult to love.
70