NBA 2K21 Reviews
NBA 2K21 does the bare minimum in most areas, but it still offers the best (and only) basketball gaming experience on the market today.
While there are issues, which are worst in MyCareer, it still is enjoyable.
NBA 2K21's current-gen version isn't necessarily the biggest step forward the series has taken, nor should it be expected to be. But what's there is still fun, even if it is more of the same. 2K's reliance on microtransactions still feels incredibly out of place, and the game still doesn't necessarily respect the player's time. If you're a fan of the series, chances are you're already playing the game. If you're on the fence, it may be worth waiting to see what the next-gen version offers.
NBA 2K21 is a tough game to review. On the court, the game is mostly very good. The passing and dribbling feels excellent and the My Career mode is certainly well-acted. It could easily be a high 8 or 9 if the whole progression system didn’t feel so broken.
In pursuing pro players, NBA 2K21 may be a little too intimidating for more casual players. Nevertheless, this is an obscenely detailed simulation that captures the ebb-and-flow of real-world basketball with unrivalled authenticity. It's also enormous, and while some aspects have been left untouched, the likeable story and revamped MyTeam modes mean that it's worth the upgrade. The in-game economy, which is heavily influenced by lucrative microtransactions, continues to be a sour spot – and it remains to be seen how much life this release will have with a next-gen successor right around the corner. Still, even with all of these drawbacks, it's comfortably one of the best sports games available on the PS4.
NBA 2K21 is a solid update of NBA 2K20... but with a strange and unpredictable twist. The new shooting meter is made for online competition and, in the end, follows the metagame rather the basketball flow. Maybe it's good for the pro gamers, but it feels unbalanced and frustrating for the bastketball lovers.
Review in Italian | Read full review
NBA 2K21 still delivers the thrill of being on the court and producing spectacular plays, but it lacks innovation and fresh ideas
As it is, there are some strong components, but it doesn’t feel like a completely new game in as many aspects as usual.
If you want to transfer it to the next generation NBA 2K21, it may be the right choice to buy NBA 2K21 now. However, if you are not interested in the new generation, it would be better to continue playing NBA 2K20.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
NBA 2K21 despite the criticisms is an enjoyable game for those who love the world of basketball. With a convincing career and a new shooting system, difficult but rewarding, he manages to entertain well even for several hours. Too bad for the presence of microtransactions that, at times, wink a little too much at Pay-to-win.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The series has not taken significant steps lately and each new title manages to bring small improvements to the gameplay compared to last year.
Review in Greek | Read full review
There aren't much changes in the latest entry in 2K's NBA series, and it seems that the developers are finally out of ideas, at least for this generation. If you already own the 2020 version, there is not much sense in paying the full price to get your hands on the new game, and maybe it's best to wait and see how the series will go forward when next gen arrives.
Review in Persian | Read full review
While the demo lowered my expectations, admittedly because of the copy and paste presentation, 2K21 is enough of a change from 2K20 to stand on it’s own.
Overall, one does not have to be a massive fan of basketball to appreciate this game. Being a fan of basketball only adds to the enjoyment. If you enjoy playing sports games and are looking for a good basketball game NBA 2K 21 is undoubtedly that game to add to your collection.
In a generation where NBA 2K had border on excellence as the norm, a last-minute change in gameplay due to a new shooting mechanic makes its farewell bittersweet. Hopefully in the face of a new generation they'll return to what worked in the past.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
But if you're like me, playing every year, then know this: NBA 2K21 is the best basketball game around, but it's also the only one. And as any high-level competitor will tell you, that's never a good thing for long.
As it was predictable, the news of NBA 2K21 in the current gen version are not so many with the team who preferred to keep much of the base of the predecessor by focusing on the refinement of some mechanics and other aspects of the game. To see a step forward we’ll have to wait until the end of the year when it’ll be possible to admire the title in its next gen version, which will be accessible free of charge only for owners of the Kobe Edition, which, in addition to a renewed graphics sector, will contain a new story.
Review in Italian | Read full review
NBA 2K21 entertains with a strong gameplay, but the new shooting system lacks precision and may feel frustrating.
Review in Italian | Read full review
While it doesn’t feel like a big step from last years entry, 2k21 brings it’s own subtle changes, but it doesn’t wildly change the formula to be honest, but it is still the best sports simulator out there.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Gameplay wise, NBA 2K21 is once again an excellent product, and the best basket videogame on the market (also due to lack of competition). While very similar to its predecessor, it is also evolved and revised. However, being a 2K title, microtransactions are inescapable.
Review in Italian | Read full review