NBA 2K21

 PlayStation 4
User Score
0.9

Overwhelming dislike- based on 546 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 546
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 546
  3. Negative: 500 out of 546
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  1. Bmax2224
    Sep 6, 2020
    1
    I wouldn't waste your money like I did suppose to be fun they made the shooting so bad you can't even have fun the 2k20 shot meter way better if you don't green your not hitting your shot horrible waste of 100 dollars
  2. eliasadaime
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. nba 2k21 is a same copy and paste game with a 60$ update which basically its a nba 2k20 dlc mode and this is ridiculous the shoting bar is trash and the glitches is back DONT BUY!… Expand
  3. ungallegomas
    Sep 7, 2020
    0
    Not funny. Worst game ever.
    If they don't make 3p easier i sell it.
    Mike Wang, wtf man
  4. Game20
    Sep 7, 2020
    0
    No fun, they first make impossible to score with shooters and all driving archétype so there is no fun attacking and now they patched the shooters and even at the easiest difficulty every IA makes the shot
  5. Regant2000
    Sep 8, 2020
    3
    what a load of tosh, gameplay is horrific and laggy even with fast Internet, alot of people are complaining about gameplay being delayed, lots of people are also getting error codes for different game modes so they can't play even after doing some troubleshooting steps, game needs to be better, shooting is terrible and hardly anyone can get any greens in neighbourhood, sort it out 2k!
  6. Maranho7
    Sep 8, 2020
    0
    Too many mistakes in shot icon, until the producers fix this the score is 0
  7. Random9
    Sep 9, 2020
    0
    Worst than 2k20 tbh.
    It is a copy and paste, but how can you make it worst?
    no more cutscenes like the interviews and stuff to get you chemistry or fans, everything were base on text (that’s cool for me). no ankle breakers? I have HOF ankle breakers badge and tight handlers badge, they were both turned off. AI of the opponent team were zombies, every time you get the ball (in mycareer),    Worst than 2k20 tbh.
    It is a copy and paste, but how can you make it worst?
    no more cutscenes like the interviews and stuff to get you chemistry or fans, everything were base on text (that’s cool for me).
    no ankle breakers? I have HOF ankle breakers badge and tight handlers badge, they were both turned off.
    AI of the opponent team were zombies, every time you get the ball (in mycareer), they will double team or triple team you so you can’t shoot (not to mention you have to AIM to shoot which i thought i was playing a shooting game). The AI of my team were stupid like before, missing all open jumpshot like westbook.
    If it’s not Kobe on the cover, I would never buy this. So yes, no 2k22 thanks.    … Expand
  8. Starscream96
    Sep 9, 2020
    0
    I actually open a Metacritic account just so I could leave a feedback for this game; that's how mad I am with NBA 2K21. The shooting system is abysmal and it's just unplayable. I've played more than 20 games and didn't won any of them; I'm not angry because I can't win though, it's because I've got 8% shooting percentage after the games ! The game is way too tough for casual players andI actually open a Metacritic account just so I could leave a feedback for this game; that's how mad I am with NBA 2K21. The shooting system is abysmal and it's just unplayable. I've played more than 20 games and didn't won any of them; I'm not angry because I can't win though, it's because I've got 8% shooting percentage after the games ! The game is way too tough for casual players and it's not fun at all and very frustrating when any shoot is a miss. It's so ridiculous, I hope they will fix it because eI pay a lot of money for the Mamba Edition and now I'm playing with 2K20 to get my Basketball fix ! Last time I pre order form 2K… Expand
  9. Games44un
    Sep 6, 2020
    8
    Don’t know what to think of the shot meter love or hate it is usually the response buts I think it’s great
  10. DinaSousa
    Sep 8, 2020
    0
    Everytime I buy a sports game, it seems like its last years version and has weird money spending schemes attached to it. Do yourself a favor and avoid this year. maybe every year to be honest.
  11. Frandawg
    Sep 7, 2020
    5
    The game definitely isn’t bad enough to get review bombed like it currently is, but it’s disappointing that a series that used to be absolutely teeming with innovation and pushing the boundaries of what made sports games great has become so stale. Unfortunately seems to suffer from this pre-nextgen syndrome where annual releases aren’t given a proper update. Everything is fine. Which isThe game definitely isn’t bad enough to get review bombed like it currently is, but it’s disappointing that a series that used to be absolutely teeming with innovation and pushing the boundaries of what made sports games great has become so stale. Unfortunately seems to suffer from this pre-nextgen syndrome where annual releases aren’t given a proper update. Everything is fine. Which is about as good as it gets really. Calling it nba 2k20 1.5 is probably a little off the mark, considering there haven’t been enough upgrades to warrant that Tagline...

    One issue I do have, however, is the inconsistency with shooting. It was pretty bad in 2k20 but has becomes even worse in this iteration. When you make shots vs when you don’t makes absolutely no sense. You miss sitters inside the rim when you’re timing is perfect and you’re barely covered, but make a 3 pointer on the fly when your timing is off and you’re far more covered. Makes the experience quite frustrating overall.    … Expand
  12. Jp3te
    Sep 6, 2020
    7
    People are overreacting about this game. It is not a blow you away game but make no mistake that this is a completely playable somewhat quality video game.
  13. Menmaatre
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    This greedy company keeps shelling out terrible games. The highest 3pt you can get in my career is 81!? What the hell is this, best you can do is grow to an average player. It died with microtransactions. 2k needs to be boycotted!
  14. drizzydrodrew
    Sep 7, 2020
    8
    Okay, where to begin. First of all I am a massive fanboy of 2k and have been buying since the goat 2k11. I have noticed the substantial dip in quality and lack of updates from the 2k franchise for some time now. I remember the days when 2k11 2k12 and 2k13 were such fantastic values in terms of gameplay and overall content compared to other sports games at the time. Now it seems that inOkay, where to begin. First of all I am a massive fanboy of 2k and have been buying since the goat 2k11. I have noticed the substantial dip in quality and lack of updates from the 2k franchise for some time now. I remember the days when 2k11 2k12 and 2k13 were such fantastic values in terms of gameplay and overall content compared to other sports games at the time. Now it seems that in order to play a AAA sports game you have to deal with the now-greedy companies of EA and 2k. This is simply something one must come to terms with when buying each year's new edition.
    I personally have not purchased a 2k since 2k17, and I thought that 2017 did a phenomenal job with the dribble mechanics and the shot meter. I did get to play 2k20 for awhile with gamepass and had an enjoyable time on MyTeam. Yet would not have considered paying over 20$ for that game. I completely faded 2k18 and 2k19 as they just looked not fun to play when compared to 2k17 gameplay.

    This year, I didn't know what to expect but I was getting absurdly impatient and wanting to jump in to a new sports game. and after witnessing the **** show that EA released with Madden 21 it became apparent that it was 2k or bust. I decided to preorder the game in hopes of developing a dope MyTeam over the next few months. My expectations were tempered but I did at least want to enjoy the gameplay and be able to grind towards my favorite players.

    I have had the game for 3 days now, and I can say that I am mostly pleased with the entire package of the game. There still is quite a lot of content and ways to play the game. Anyone here is likely not new 2k so you know exactly what to expect in terms of gamemodes.

    Let's talk about what is causing such a division in reviews from this community. THE SHOOTING.
    Yes it is definitely true that the dribbling and shooting mechanics have been tampered with. I feel like in the long run these will feel normal and potentially even preferred. I know that I had a few rage moments during my first few hours of play, seeing as the dribble moves and shooting combos take time to master and do not feel intuitive. The shooting is much much much less forgiving and it will take practicing your favorite players releases and figuring out their hot spots as you will have to run picture perfect plays to get them open looks from outside or set enough picks to blow by the defender for a layup. Layups and shooting in the paint is overpowered while outside shooting takes immense skill and patience. Get it?

    Yes the skill gap has gotten a substantialy steeper and yes the CPU players play like Monstars from Space Jam, but I truly believe that overtime a lot of these issues will get smoothed out and players will adjust to the new mechanics and whatever gamestyle that 2k seems to want to reward. I am not sure why 2k would want to punish the casual gamer, but this game is built for serious hoopers and experienced 2kers. Which honestly is fine with me, I love technical and skill driven games.

    All I know is that I can take the good with the bad seeing as its so early in the release, and I can say that I have had a ton of fun with the new MyCareer story and always love MyTeam. I actually enjoy the challenge of shooting and it really allows people with legit basketball IQ to thrive. When you do dominate it feels earned and its something to savor when you go on a shooting streak. This may not be popular opinion but I am fine with struggling upfront to learn new mechanics if it makes the gameplay more balanced and enjoyable in the long run.    … Expand
  15. nardokrazy
    Sep 5, 2020
    6
    It Very Good Game I do see the changes in gameplay I don't expect much from graphics but the gameplay is alot smoother than 20 l, shoot is high skill gap i was complaining alot but now messing with it even more i understand it and I will say gameplay has improved alot and I will enjoy this game for once this year snice 2k16, only way u give it a 10 is of they make the shot meter biggerIt Very Good Game I do see the changes in gameplay I don't expect much from graphics but the gameplay is alot smoother than 20 l, shoot is high skill gap i was complaining alot but now messing with it even more i understand it and I will say gameplay has improved alot and I will enjoy this game for once this year snice 2k16, only way u give it a 10 is of they make the shot meter bigger thats all I asked.… Expand
  16. GirlGoneGamer
    Sep 7, 2020
    8
    I’m giving this game a solid 8, I don’t care what the madden fanboys have to say about this game. They are too stupid to realize their football game is trash; and wanna review bomb this game. The only issues I have with this game is the shot meter and the stamina drain. Other than that the game is fun and is a little better than what 2k20 was and improved on something’s
  17. Gongbanza
    Sep 7, 2020
    5
    Same thing as the last 5 entries, Mycareer is okay not as good as last year's, and the soundtrack is good.
  18. Vdaboss69
    Sep 5, 2020
    8
    I think this is a big step forward from 2k20 which was awful. They improved passing not pass targeting though. The neighborhood/beach has a nice revamped design. Myteam has the new game mode which is pretty cool and feels nice and has a new good look and feel. Sadly myleague is pretty much the same but at this point that's expected. The Mycareer story is ok but better then last year andI think this is a big step forward from 2k20 which was awful. They improved passing not pass targeting though. The neighborhood/beach has a nice revamped design. Myteam has the new game mode which is pretty cool and feels nice and has a new good look and feel. Sadly myleague is pretty much the same but at this point that's expected. The Mycareer story is ok but better then last year and it's cool to play in high school and college again. I'm very excited for next gen 2k21 and so far really like the way this game is heading and is 100× better then 2k20… Expand
  19. Wedemboys
    Sep 6, 2020
    9
    This game is an upgrade from NBA 2K20, the gameplay has been upgraded and they have finally found a way to make the skill gap bigger with at what rate do the shots go in and so you need to have excellent release if you want to make jump shots consistently. The new comers to the game have been helped with this already when they changed the odds of making it bigger for rookie to all starThis game is an upgrade from NBA 2K20, the gameplay has been upgraded and they have finally found a way to make the skill gap bigger with at what rate do the shots go in and so you need to have excellent release if you want to make jump shots consistently. The new comers to the game have been helped with this already when they changed the odds of making it bigger for rookie to all star difficulties. MyTeam has many new features and although many people say it's pay to win you really cannot get that great of a team by spending that what you can get with grinding. Only thing that's not good about this game is the lack of improvements to the MyLeague and MyGM. MyCareer is good because you can finally play at college and high school. The neighborhood also looks good but they could have done more with how open space there is.… Expand
  20. MinePlay512
    Sep 5, 2020
    8
    What disappointed me the most is that there is no Create a Legend Mode and the lack of improvements for MyLeague and MyGM. I also am not happy that you can't even transfer MyCareer. But overall, NBA2K21 is a solid game that will bring in fun for Basketball Fans.
  21. thedaarkbatty
    Sep 13, 2020
    0
    These "games" are nothing more than glorified casinos. They constantly try to squeeze more and more money out of you. Oh and the devs are so lazy that there are some glitches that have been present in the games for years that they haven't bothered fixing yet. Pathetic.
  22. Serdar_captain
    Sep 16, 2020
    9
    The most realist basketball game ever. I’ve been playing 2K series since 2K06 which makes 15 years and I agree that this game ain’t easy. If you are struggling with new pro stick aiming function on shooting, go on a setup and do not use this function.
  23. Julio987
    Feb 11, 2021
    10
    me gusta mucho mejor que el del año pasado bravo 2k eres li mejor haciendo juegps no entiendo las criticas
  24. Lousyd
    Sep 10, 2020
    1
    Everthing is very terrible shooting career neighbourhood they literally destroy everthing they made good in 2k20
  25. TeShady
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    The only reason I choose NBA 2k over NBA live is the my career. I understand the NBA now is a shooters league, but that's only in the NBA. Every other league in the world relies on bigs, positioning, and coaching. With that being the case, this is the 3rd year in a row where its play the meta or go home, and i'm going home.
    My build is a 6'8 PAINT beast [red/blue] with max badges and 90    The only reason I choose NBA 2k over NBA live is the my career. I understand the NBA now is a shooters league, but that's only in the NBA. Every other league in the world relies on bigs, positioning, and coaching. With that being the case, this is the 3rd year in a row where its play the meta or go home, and i'm going home.
    My build is a 6'8 PAINT beast [red/blue] with max badges and 90 strength but I can't reliably hit post moves, dunk, or even score in the PAINT over non defensive builds, while playmaking shot-creators can make 100% of their fading shots, can spam behind the back dribbles behind one screen for the entire shot clock and green light their shots after the defender gets brick wall'ed 20 times(broken mechanic that has been in the game since NBA 2k19), they can score however they like in transition since chase downs are broken. you gave shooting a hot fix instantly when the babies with no badges couldn't shoot so how about you give the paint back to the builds that require it especially when they are maxed out.

    PAINT CAMPING IN THE PARK IS CANCER (only allow the defense to be in the paint for 3 seconds like other game modes)
    BRICK WALL SHOULD ACTIVATE 1-3 TIMES PER SCREEN (depending on badge upgrade)
    HEART CRUSHER IS BROKEN (1 steal results in the team being cold??)

    The moment you guys have competition in the basketball gaming market then i feel these issues will be resolved but this is the last 2k I will personally buy and i'm making my friends and viewers pick up and try NBA live for next gen because any other BS is better that the toxic BS you guys put out year after year    … Expand
  26. Mahoni87
    Nov 20, 2020
    10
    Best nba games of all time super interesting execute you will buy this gams
  27. Widden
    Jun 1, 2021
    0
    A horrible piece of garbage, that's what this is. 75 charssssssssssssssssssssssss
  28. LordMaster
    Oct 20, 2020
    0
    2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................2K has no shame, they're probably pedofiles.............................… Expand
  29. hernfc
    Oct 20, 2020
    0
    Most likely the worst in series yet. Personally tiired of this cash grab mentality. A shameful product full of bugs.
  30. vr1
    Jan 8, 2021
    0
    The graphics are bad. The AI is stupid and nonsensical. The halftime animations are bad. The commentary is from 2k16. This game should not exist.
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Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 50
  3. Negative: 0 out of 50
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Nov 15, 2020
    70
    It loses a point because of its Virtual Currency (VC) obsession, a recurringissue in 2K games. It’s supposed to ensure that all your actions in every mode – career, MyTeam, even watching 2KTV – secure rewards, but they’re often someagre that the entire game comes across as a grind, aimed at funnelling you towards the PS Store to part with real cash.Please don’t do that. The only way games like this and FIFA will change in the next gen is if their players make a sustainedeffort not to exchange any of their hard-earned dosh for digital trading cards. Otherwise this is solid, but on that front 2K (and EA, and the rest) must do better. [Issue#181, p.94]
  2. GamingBolt
    Oct 31, 2020
    60
    NBA 2K21 makes welcome improvements to its MyCareer and MyTeam modes, but the frustratingly inconsistent new shooting system and lack of changes elsewhere make it feel like it’s lost its step over other sports games.
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  3. Games.cz
    Oct 23, 2020
    70
    On the court, this is a brilliant basketball game that doesn’t change much. Why would it when it’s not really necessary? The microtransactions, however, are more annoying than Houston’s playstyle.
    Read full review
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