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. lilduke
    Sep 11, 2020
    2
    why would yall do yall fans like that and change the shot meter whoever came up with that idea is a idiot and needs to be fired also u can even block like u could on 2k20 and 2k19 like yall just mess the game up when Damian lillard gets on the cover yall did yall fans bad this year and took our money
  2. xste93
    Sep 12, 2020
    0
    The game is trash. Shooting is impossible. Bonus content I paid £84.99 to receive is missing since release (8 days). Unless your a competitive player you will HATE this game. I enjoyed 2K16 it’s what got me into the series but this game is HORRENDOUS
  3. Knaptronic8368
    Sep 12, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is easily the worst game that 2k has ever made. They copy and pasted most of the game, which I expected due to covid and the move to next gen. But then they decided to revamp the shooting system, which is the worst idea ever conceived. Not only do they add a new system, but they heavily penalize you for using the old system (square button) instead of removing it all together… Expand
  4. FrederickhughH
    Nov 7, 2020
    0
    Anybody that thinks 2k21 is better than 2k20 got to be retarded in all senses. This is the worst game I ever played I want my money back. Whoever produced this game need to take out to the barnyard and deep down with a rubber hose. We all deserve our money back .
  5. Fuk2k21
    Sep 13, 2020
    0
    Buggiest trash game I've ever played. Riddled with microtransactions. They wont fix a bug that prevents you from earning currency, thus trying to force you to pay them for vc. The whole current gen dev team should be fired and forced to work a minimum wage job.
  6. Ite31
    Sep 13, 2020
    0
    A garbage company and garbage game as expected, NBA 2K20 3.0.
    Never asked for a refund from Sony before but this is probably the first time they honor my request.
    Save your headache, wait till it's deeply discounted or come to PSPlus for free. Smarten up and stop supporting these parasites.
  7. steamboi
    Sep 14, 2020
    0
    To let you know how bad this game is, I made an account here just so I could rate it a zero. This is a complete downgrade from 2k20, which really wasn’t the best game itself, so that’s saying something. As everyone has said, the shooting is horrendous. I also think the dribbling has seen a massive downgrade and the animations as a whole are just way worse than 2k20. You think theTo let you know how bad this game is, I made an account here just so I could rate it a zero. This is a complete downgrade from 2k20, which really wasn’t the best game itself, so that’s saying something. As everyone has said, the shooting is horrendous. I also think the dribbling has seen a massive downgrade and the animations as a whole are just way worse than 2k20. You think the animations would get more realistic as the years go on, but this is far from the truth. Overall, this game has probably the worst gameplay of any game I have ever played. Luckily I went 50/50 with my friend to buy the game so I don’t feel as ripped off as I would if I paid $60 for this piece of **** game. If you respect yourself and don’t wanna play a game for the sole purpose of being angry and stressed, stay away from 2k21.… Expand
  8. travvvy121
    Sep 14, 2020
    0
    Made an account this morning to review this game. Initially I was put off by the new shot meter, but after some practice, I actually saw it as a great new addition (HOF MyTeam player).

    However, this morning the patched it, changing a core mechanic 2 weeks after the games release. This is absurd. You cannot introduce a drastically new shooting mechanic, and change it once players get the    Made an account this morning to review this game. Initially I was put off by the new shot meter, but after some practice, I actually saw it as a great new addition (HOF MyTeam player).

    However, this morning the patched it, changing a core mechanic 2 weeks after the games release. This is absurd. You cannot introduce a drastically new shooting mechanic, and change it once players get the hang of it 2 WEEKS AFTER RELEASE. This is my last outing with 2K. It's a shameless money grab made by designers who overcomplicate things. Video games are meant to be fun.    … Expand
  9. elitecom4
    Sep 14, 2020
    0
    This is the worse 2k ever made. I deleted the game to save space for something else. I will make sure I never pre order this game ever again.
  10. PrimusBlitz
    Sep 15, 2020
    4
    I'm going to give 2k Sports the benefit of the doubt here, NBA 2k is honestly better than Madden NFL 21 and other sports games out there despite not being the most popular sport in the world. But other than that, this game doesn't have anything new here to offer (besides MyCareer and the new Neighborhood). MyLeague and MyGM are still the same but nothing new is added. The gameplay feelsI'm going to give 2k Sports the benefit of the doubt here, NBA 2k is honestly better than Madden NFL 21 and other sports games out there despite not being the most popular sport in the world. But other than that, this game doesn't have anything new here to offer (besides MyCareer and the new Neighborhood). MyLeague and MyGM are still the same but nothing new is added. The gameplay feels much like the same except the shot meter is way different and much harder to master. There also new historic teams added including the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors and 2018-19 Toronto Raptors, but there are some players on the historic team's missing. So overall, this game is pretty much the same as last year. I only recommend this game if you are a hardcore NBA fan and want to play some MyPark with your friends or if you want to play with your favorite NBA team online or in MyCareer. Or just you pass on this version and wait for the PS5/ XBOX Series X/ XBOX Series S comes out.… Expand
  11. Dhaum10
    Sep 16, 2020
    1
    I feel this game has the potential to be good, but 2k just doesn’t seem to care. Jump shots are no more, they are impossible to make, no exaggeration. I order the 100$ Black Mamba edition and got it on the release date, and have not been able to play online ONCE because of the terrible lag. Every other game I own works fine online, just 2k. Support has been no help, and I haven’t heardI feel this game has the potential to be good, but 2k just doesn’t seem to care. Jump shots are no more, they are impossible to make, no exaggeration. I order the 100$ Black Mamba edition and got it on the release date, and have not been able to play online ONCE because of the terrible lag. Every other game I own works fine online, just 2k. Support has been no help, and I haven’t heard back from them, despite my consistent persistence on needing help. I use an Ethernet cord and have very fast internet, so the problem lies in the game itself. Just terrible, and even worse coming from a loyal member of the community for so many years. I have no defense for them now, they just don’t care. Money hungry is how I would describe it. The next gen version may be good, but based on this experience, I better get a full refund for the garbage they’ve thrown at me.… Expand
  12. IhsanAlii
    Sep 17, 2020
    1
    This is the first game to charge you $70 for this trash on Next gen consoles. Its the same reason with Madden NFL 21 that its cash and grab game, copied and pasted from last year 2K20, alot of bugs this time, focus too much on microtransactions and the story is so embarrassing and cringe. Also even worse and insulting that if you buy this current gen port, you cannot upgrade to Next gen onThis is the first game to charge you $70 for this trash on Next gen consoles. Its the same reason with Madden NFL 21 that its cash and grab game, copied and pasted from last year 2K20, alot of bugs this time, focus too much on microtransactions and the story is so embarrassing and cringe. Also even worse and insulting that if you buy this current gen port, you cannot upgrade to Next gen on PS5 And Xbox series X (only myTeam collection and stats) charging you $70 to buy the game again! I don't understand why this company are doing this tactic when other companies like CD Project Red are letting their games upgrade to next gen completely for Free.… Expand
  13. gliedman
    Sep 17, 2020
    0
    instead of fixing one of the many broken things from 2k20, 2k decided to **** up something new. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH SHOOTING IN ANY 2K. WHY IS THAT WHAT YOU CHOSE TO REVAMP? I've been a competitive 2k player for years, and can went 12-0 multiple times last year. This year, I played 1 game of domination, shot 15 percent from three, threw my controller at my wall, and left the room.instead of fixing one of the many broken things from 2k20, 2k decided to **** up something new. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH SHOOTING IN ANY 2K. WHY IS THAT WHAT YOU CHOSE TO REVAMP? I've been a competitive 2k player for years, and can went 12-0 multiple times last year. This year, I played 1 game of domination, shot 15 percent from three, threw my controller at my wall, and left the room. Devs, you ****ed this one up like you do every year. You do not see your players as customers, but as dollars. I will inevitably play this game, but you better deliver with next gen.… Expand
  14. Gman124
    Sep 17, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of the worst releases of a title with a big regression since the last NBA2K20. The only real change has been with the environments for the neighbourhood and court ls and pointless Mycareer story.  MyGM has been completely and deliberately ignored and nothing further to add as nothing has been added.

    Now Mycareer, another story which has no influence or bearing on you getting to the NBA. The story has some good moments buta lack of a combine and obvious team of choice workout that leads to you, surprise ,surprise being drafted by that team is just weak.  Once in the NBA the story just stops, no follow on, no endorsement tasks, no interviews, no NOTHING. The pointless draft of you and your friend getting drafted No1 & No2 felt like something could happen, but the story just stops. There is no follow on, no content, no build up to a long history of rivalry or story regarding why he was traded, it's just trash.  Even winning the NBA has no winning cut sceen anymore, the season it ust ends. Now in the progression of Mycareer it feels pointless with no way to increase Team chemistry as its tied to interviews which aren't in the game. Stupid emails from your agent saying "you killed it" at your last endorsement event which never happens as its been taken out of the game. The game has so many issues its unreal and smacks of contempt to their customers. This is not a patch as a patch adds or improves on a game. This is a regression as the things that made Mycareer in 2K20 has been deliberately left out for NO REASON. For 2K to come out and say they are focusing on next gen is one thing, but dont release a game worse than the last with less content and development and demand the same cost as a new title. Please do not buy this game, get 2K20 and you will have a better game for less money. This is the worst I have seen in blatantly ripping you off for nothing since EA regarding Madden and FIFA.    … Expand
  15. Halfberry
    Sep 18, 2020
    0
    Playing against the computer who can hit every shot but I can't make a wide open jumper. This is trash.
  16. wearetristan
    Sep 18, 2020
    1
    As of this moment, the MyTeam section of the game is nigh on unplayable. It is absolutely infuriating and boring trying to compete in the current meta, let alone against the AI. 2k has gone out of their way to make the game inaccessible to new players and even franchise veterans. MyCareer has its own gamut of problems and until a new patch comes out, this has been a $100 waste of money. Not cool.
  17. In_
    Sep 19, 2020
    1
    It’s truly sad that the game doesn’t meet expectations. Then again 2K doesn’t always meet expectations. The dribbling seems fine but everything else; horrible.
  18. Maleekowens503
    Sep 19, 2020
    2
    Just read the rest of the comments. This game SUCKS! Don’t Buy 2k, if you did get a refund.
  19. Yankeeboy2335
    Sep 21, 2020
    1
    The game is very difficult to play with the new shooting stick. The MyTeam Triple Threat Offline is a joke. When you cannot score on a Guard with Shaq because the difficulty is insane. The only way you can hit an outside shot is by hitting a perfect green release. I have enjoyed the new One Will Rise and leveling up for prizes, but it forces you to play games I don't usually play as itThe game is very difficult to play with the new shooting stick. The MyTeam Triple Threat Offline is a joke. When you cannot score on a Guard with Shaq because the difficulty is insane. The only way you can hit an outside shot is by hitting a perfect green release. I have enjoyed the new One Will Rise and leveling up for prizes, but it forces you to play games I don't usually play as it pairs you with players that are professional players. My biggest frustration is buying boxes of cards to better your team. I recently spent $150 for Back-to-Back and Idols boxes and received at least 12 Scola's and even more Mills and 1 Porzingis. I will not be buying boxes any longer unless I save enough from MyPlayer. The dribbling mechanism is great though and I like that we can put on badges again, but there useless if they help when playing Triple Threat offline.… Expand
  20. Osmosis_34
    Sep 23, 2020
    1
    So disappointing that they took away all good things from nba 2k20 and they added new/illogical things into the new game. I don’t have post game interview in mycareer mode for god sake. I’m not sure how many people plays mygm mode but i like to play that and its all the same since 2019!!! Even the text on chit chat section with my players are the same! I don’t want to see the conversationSo disappointing that they took away all good things from nba 2k20 and they added new/illogical things into the new game. I don’t have post game interview in mycareer mode for god sake. I’m not sure how many people plays mygm mode but i like to play that and its all the same since 2019!!! Even the text on chit chat section with my players are the same! I don’t want to see the conversation about burgers in the vending machine anymore! I simply wish it was true but no, that’s not the way when you introduce a brand new game for the next year’s title. Additionally about shot meter, normally I’m playing with button when i shoot the ball just because of the new shot logic i had to change difficulty one level lower so i can shoot something when there is no one around me! I’m catching that small bar in the almost middle area and I can’t make the shoot. I have nothing but all the annoying things about this game. Wish I didn’t buy it right after it launched.… Expand
  21. Ken85
    Sep 23, 2020
    0
    Feels like a game made for ps3. Really bad graphics. EA nba games was way smoother then this ever can be. 2K games is stuck in the early 2000..
  22. pierretg
    Sep 24, 2020
    1
    Shooting is impossible. Worst NBA 2k in years. Haven’t had a green in about 50 myteam offline games, even a free throw.
  23. billister
    Sep 27, 2020
    0
    If I could rate with -10, I would have done it. Every shot in neighborhood is out, even if you have a good release. Piece of junk. Stupid algorithm.
  24. Moobilizer790
    Apr 6, 2021
    1
    I paid £13 for this title in a sale and feel that's about £12.50 too much!! What even is this
  25. Vanbooment
    Sep 30, 2020
    1
    Would get a 0 but it is better then madden 21 so there is that. The micro transactions in these game are on the predatory side and would second guess getting this for any children cause how aggressively game pushes to spend real money beyond its initial purchase.
  26. Rushrush
    Oct 7, 2020
    0
    If I could give this game a negative score I would! Easily one of if not the worst nba 2k games I have played. This game is a literal copy and paste of 2k20 and they somehow made it worse. For shooting is inconsistent even if you know your release. I’ve seen releases from not only myself, but other players be released right on the line to only get slightly early/late and miss a wide openIf I could give this game a negative score I would! Easily one of if not the worst nba 2k games I have played. This game is a literal copy and paste of 2k20 and they somehow made it worse. For shooting is inconsistent even if you know your release. I’ve seen releases from not only myself, but other players be released right on the line to only get slightly early/late and miss a wide open jumpers. The defense in this game is also horrible. You can make a lockdown defender with maxed out defensive badges and your assignment will slide off of you as if you bathed in grease before the game. Lateral quickness regardless of rating doesn’t matter, you’ll feel as if you’re playing in molasses. If you plan on buying this game I suggest you keep on playing 2k20. This was the first game I have ever requested a refund for from Sony.… Expand
  27. ecank
    Oct 18, 2020
    0
    This is just an exact copy of NBA2k20. I can't believe I spent €60 for this update package.
  28. 6ix_
    Oct 11, 2020
    0
    The game is literally the exact same game as last year (maybe even before last.) The shooting is awful, the online play is filled with cheese. There has been literally no improvements made, in fact the only thing I can see is new faults. As a long time fan of the 2k series (been playing seriously from 2k9) this is the most disappointed this series has ever made me. At $60, 2k should beThe game is literally the exact same game as last year (maybe even before last.) The shooting is awful, the online play is filled with cheese. There has been literally no improvements made, in fact the only thing I can see is new faults. As a long time fan of the 2k series (been playing seriously from 2k9) this is the most disappointed this series has ever made me. At $60, 2k should be ashamed of themselves for releasing an inferior version of last year's copy at fully price. The only sliver of hope would be next gen improving but at a $70 price tag, I may skip the jump to next gen because I am mortified with 2k at the moment… Expand
  29. Jonaslivebella
    Oct 12, 2020
    0
    The Absolute Worst NBA2K ever.. 100% don't recommend!!!
    Career mode lack of cutscenes!
    MY TEAM no fun , disgusting gameplay !
    letting this **** game going back to 2k16
  30. ChrisChrz
    Oct 20, 2020
    0
    They added unskippable ads??? That is disgusting! I will NEVER buy another 2k game again, EVER! The game isn't even really that much different than last gen. They could done these updates via an update to 2k20. YOU SUCK!
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Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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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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