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. 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
  2. Mahoni87
    Nov 20, 2020
    10
    Best nba games of all time super interesting execute you will buy this gams
  3. julic
    Sep 15, 2022
    10
    el videojuego mas realista en basquet que exite de esta compañia llamada 2k
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. roundtablegamer
    Oct 13, 2020
    7
    Hello everyone and welcome back to another exciting review from ICE at Gamers of the Round Table. 2K is back at it with another year of NBA action, does this year edition make a slam dunk impression or does it just become another air ball flop? Lets find out.

    I want to talk about the development team for this generations version of the game, (PS4 & X box one). The developer only had    Hello everyone and welcome back to another exciting review from ICE at Gamers of the Round Table. 2K is back at it with another year of NBA action, does this year edition make a slam dunk impression or does it just become another air ball flop? Lets find out.

    I want to talk about the development team for this generations version of the game, (PS4 & X box one). The developer only had half a team working on that while for next gen they had Two or Three teams working on it.

    Game play: The overall game play remains the same as it did in NBA 2K20, it feels more like a patch than a new game with some minor differences. First thing that is new is the shot meter which I feel like is a downgrade compared to 2K19 and 2K20 shot meter; it feel more like an arcade version which is rather disappointing you do have the option of turning it off though. Not only is the shot meter disappointing but the shooting is not as good as it was in 2K19 and 2K20 what I mean by that is it does not feel as good as it did in previous instalments, the only thing 2K added was new shot animations and more pie charts for your my player build. The game play itself is solid though but unfortunately it’s the only thing that is solid on this generations version.

    Controls: The controls are the same with a few minor tweaks such as the aiming stick for the shooting, which is really annoying because we did not need that in the first place it can mess up the ball handling. I myself went in to the controls and made them classic by taking the aiming stick off and using the right stick for the handling. The classic controls are what work if something is not broken 2K please do not fix it.

    Modes: There are many modes in this years installation of the NBA2K franchise, my favourite to this day is still my career. In this years my career you start off in high school and make you way through college and in to the NBA which is something I have wanted for a long time in a career mode.

    My Team: This year really is no different when it comes to this mode accept you can transfer your team and the virtual currency over to the next generation.

    The Neighbourhood: The neighbourhood got a huge cosmetic overhaul but that is all it got, it still takes about 10 minutes to get an actual game going, mostly people just stand around and it is incredibly frustrating, but that is OK I still enjoy it when I do get a game.

    NBA 2k21 just feels like a patch from NBA 2K20 in some areas it is good some areas is bad, but it is still fun.

    NBA 2K21 7/10    … Expand
  12. KingNyx
    Sep 5, 2020
    7
    I think this game will be a little more worth to play on next gen, I am upset about MyCareer not being able to transfer over to next gen, but I guess that's how it is. Gaining VC fast isn't a problem if you like to play 5 minute quarter games and all. I would say that this is a down year, 2k20 may have been better than this. I'll still get this game maybe, but I would look forward to 2k22
  13. 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.
  14. Easy_mode123
    Jun 9, 2022
    7
    i dont understand why some people still play this game like 2k22 is way better.
  15. Kingthunder94
    Sep 13, 2020
    6
    It’s an ok game. It’s all the same. The only thing I do not like is the park it’s all changed i have no idea where anything is. How can I find stuff in the park if it’s all changed
  16. 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
  17. Perpetualbored
    Sep 11, 2020
    6
    I haven't noticed as many issues with shooting As many others, but one huge gripe for me is the fact that 2k removed all cutscenes involving the player post draft. A lot of the beauty in 2k20 came from the immersion that gets built through the news conferences, interviews, and seeing your player interact with the team. Without them, your player is a robot, not an avatar, and all the workI haven't noticed as many issues with shooting As many others, but one huge gripe for me is the fact that 2k removed all cutscenes involving the player post draft. A lot of the beauty in 2k20 came from the immersion that gets built through the news conferences, interviews, and seeing your player interact with the team. Without them, your player is a robot, not an avatar, and all the work they put into the intro story will quickly be forgotten shortly after you join the league.… Expand
  18. Landwriter
    Sep 6, 2020
    5
    It’s it a pretty good improvement from the last game don’t expect any major improvements but is still better than 2K20 but I can’t say it’s a good game necessarily it does have micro transactions and my team is still Basically a casino and the shooting is impossible but don’t be expected for a major game hopefully we will see that in 2K21 next Gen
  19. 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
  20. Bloodnes
    Nov 4, 2021
    5
    Не являюсь фанатом этой игры, но есть опыт игры. В целом графика приятная, броски после фифы прям напрягают с этой шкалой, в целом только графа зацепила, на этом все 5/10
  21. 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.
  22. smoovelai
    Sep 7, 2020
    4
    Very dissatisfied and disappointed.

    Would not recommend for the first time in this series existence.
  23. Garden777
    Sep 8, 2020
    4
    the worst version of 2k20. The shooting is terrible. No changes at all. The only good thing about the game is the mycarrer prelude with college and high school, the rest it isn't worth it
  24. 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
  25. Sullyy
    Sep 6, 2020
    3
    2k games have come a very long way and to give this game a rating of 0 is just unfair because the state of this game is way better then let’s say madden. This game has depth and it looks like they do care about the game but there just isn’t much more innovation they can do with this generation of consoles. Only complaint is gameplay which is the same year after year which would be fine if2k games have come a very long way and to give this game a rating of 0 is just unfair because the state of this game is way better then let’s say madden. This game has depth and it looks like they do care about the game but there just isn’t much more innovation they can do with this generation of consoles. Only complaint is gameplay which is the same year after year which would be fine if it played like 2k16 or even 2k17 but the fact that they keep this awful gameplay and neighborhood ruins it… Expand
  26. 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!
  27. BlitZeR_95
    Jun 10, 2021
    2
    I have honestly never played a terrible game like this in my life. Very poor design, definitely not beginner friendly at all. In MyCareer mode, your character would constantly miss 80% of his shots, while the other team would constantly score a lot. The only way through this is by having shooting badge, and to get your shooting badge up you need to actually score, but as mentioned beforeI have honestly never played a terrible game like this in my life. Very poor design, definitely not beginner friendly at all. In MyCareer mode, your character would constantly miss 80% of his shots, while the other team would constantly score a lot. The only way through this is by having shooting badge, and to get your shooting badge up you need to actually score, but as mentioned before it's incredibly hard to score. Just very poor game design overall, it's like the game is created to make you lose constantly at the beginning giving you no chance. If you're a beginner to NBA2k games and you just want to enjoy career mode, you can forget about it. The lowest difficulty is pro, which is not beginner friendly at all.… Expand
  28. MaxCred
    Oct 19, 2020
    2
    The game has some redeeming qualities in the presentation and graphics. Gameplay is cartoonish garbage. Nothing makes sense. Shot meter is impossible, Butt steals are still regular, people can still reach and intercept the ball with their back faced towards the ball, centers can chase down point guards, court is too small. Just garbage.
  29. Cuban_kid15
    Sep 8, 2020
    2
    This game once again dissapointed Its almost as if 2K doesn’t want you to have fun and wants to create a much bigger skill gap for you to even be decent at the game.

    If you dont get a perfect green jumpshot on a three you can forget making it. ITS NOT POSSIBLE The game is not fluid at all with gameplay and not fun when you are bricking every jumpshot even if you are wide open. 2K has    This game once again dissapointed Its almost as if 2K doesn’t want you to have fun and wants to create a much bigger skill gap for you to even be decent at the game.

    If you dont get a perfect green jumpshot on a three you can forget making it. ITS NOT POSSIBLE
    The game is not fluid at all with gameplay and not fun when you are bricking every jumpshot even if you are wide open. 2K has taken huge step backs the past two years trying to create bigger skill gaps when forgetting the whole reason we all fell in love with the game in the first place. MAKING BUCKETS If you dont have 24/7 hours to play like a streamer then you can forget having any competitive my player in the game get your wallet out because they are going to bait you into micro transactions for sure.    … Expand
  30. FoYskimac09
    Sep 14, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I remember this thing on ps3 and yes it's even more worse. 3,190php (65usd) more expensive than AAA game more expesive than a fresh release avengers. The shot clock indicator on the floor and the shot meter is the only new thing the rest is all the same thing. Better wait for ps5. The copy paste era is began last year on current gen. Don't buy this if you have 2k18, 2k19 or 2k20. Save your money for the next gen console.… Expand
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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.
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