NBA 2K21

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. Vgames
    Nov 19, 2020
    70
    The game looks miles better than its PS4 and Xbox One counterparts, but a fresh coat of paint and better animations can't fix the biggest issue NBA 2K21 and every other 2K game in the past 4 or 5 years have: Microtransactions.
  2. PlayStation Universe
    Nov 19, 2020
    70
    NBA 2K21 nails the 3 when it comes to gameplay and performance, all but sending the PS4 version to the annals of history. However, game mode choices and lack of MyPlayer transfer keep the PS4 version relevant when it comes to time investment and previous playtime. With The City being more spread out and barriers put up between modes, NBA 2K21 on PS5 feels disconnected. Consider what your needs and wants are with this game before choosing which version to buy.
  3. IGN
    Nov 16, 2020
    70
    NBA 2K21 for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 is more than just a gorgeous graphical upgrade and it includes some fixes that've plagued the series for years. On the downside, it introduces some new problems and still includes ugly microtransactions.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2020
10
#10 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
2.7

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 208 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 208
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 208
  3. Negative: 150 out of 208
  1. meatball13
    Dec 19, 2020
    0
    NBA 2K21 is yet another atrocity from the pitiful 2k company. There is no improvement at all to the gameplay, and if anything, it's gotten farNBA 2K21 is yet another atrocity from the pitiful 2k company. There is no improvement at all to the gameplay, and if anything, it's gotten far worse. Jump shooting is the least reliable thing next to the constant blown layups and the screens your AI teammates set might as well be nonexistent. Defense on your team is played with chained balls attached to your feet while the CPU defense mirrors every dribble move you do. Why put in so many different dribble animations when they're all useless in getting by defenders? As has been the case year over year, the CPU can decide when it wants to take over and leave the user in a baffled state of "what's the point of me even playing this game?". Exploiting the user-base for virtual currency is nothing new, but it's also nothing to continue scoffing at. It's a distasteful business model (at best) that grabs at the wallets of those that love the sport of basketball and want to enjoy it in a gaming environment. I tried giving 2k another chance after that pathetic excuse that is 2k18 but, once again, nothing ever changes with them. I'm done lying to myself and I'll never buy another 2k game ever again.… Full Review »
  2. brewskii
    Nov 29, 2020
    0
    Absolutely appalling. The most shameless display of money grubbing in the gaming world and it’s not even close. Not only is 2K21 one of theAbsolutely appalling. The most shameless display of money grubbing in the gaming world and it’s not even close. Not only is 2K21 one of the only (the only?) PS4/PS5 games to not offer a free upgrade, but there’s not even a discount! $70 for a game with microtransactions that affect almost every facet of the game is a complete joke. By supporting this game, you are enabling 2K to continue being the plague to gaming that they are.… Full Review »
  3. Kanazawa
    Dec 3, 2020
    1
    They keep catering to online. You couldn't pay me to play my park stop that garbage. This has fallen a long way since 2k12 where I fell inThey keep catering to online. You couldn't pay me to play my park stop that garbage. This has fallen a long way since 2k12 where I fell in love with the sport because the game. No rookie difficulty, jumpshots are absolutely impossible to hit contested or not. I can't play rookie mode and enjoy this game I can't believe how bad they messed it up.… Full Review »
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