While NBA 2K remains a top, albeit only, option for basketball simulation, the lack of improvements to previous versions is what holds NBA 2K21 back. While it remains to be strong in visuals and still fun in the gameplay department, it’s missing that special something. Perhaps the arrival of 2K’s next-generation version (which owners of the “Mamba Forever” version will receive upon release) will give the 2K series a rejuvenation it so desperately needs.
Overall, it’s nice to have a game that actually features PGA branding and gives players of all skill levels a fun, realistic experience. Add that to the fact that players have access to thousands of custom courses and you have a game that you can play endlessly for years to come. If you’re looking for a new golf game, PGA Tour 2K21 should still satiate that need.
As said before, as a standalone experience, MLB The Show 20 is fine. However, as part of an annual series, it falls short from hitting a home run.
RBI Baseball 20 feels like it’s forcing itself in a position where it wants to be a middle ground between a simulation game like The Show series and an arcade experience like Mario Super Sluggers. Because of that, I feel like there could be so much more done with it. The game is still fun for the casual fan. Unfortunately, it needs to have more actual “arcade-like” aspects if it wants to become a truly great game.
Overall, the enjoyable gameplay and reliably fun game modes are what make NBA 2K20 great. However, I still find myself waiting for 2K to create a new and exciting game mode in the future that will essentially make it the perfect game.
As a sports game, Madden NFL 20 isn't necessarily a bad game. The gameplay flows at a good pace and playing basic one-on-one matchups with your friends is just as fun as ever. It's really the constant repetitiveness that hurts Madden.
(MLB The Show 19) provides updated, more realistic gameplay, along with new and revamped game modes that baseball fans and gaming fans alike will have a great time with.
At $29.99 MSRP, the game is a great buy for those who are into baseball. Just don't expect it to be a full $60 experience like MLB The Show.