NBA 2K21

 PlayStation 5
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
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  1. Lluch
    Jul 7, 2021
    4
    I've been playing NBA 2k since 2008 for PS3, where 2k was, BY FAR, the best company developing a sports related game. You felt it in every detail, you could appreciate how hard they were working on the game...then PS4 arrived and the jump was high and noticeable, better graphics and physics but with a lot of monetization with microtransactions also better my player stories buuuuut...toI've been playing NBA 2k since 2008 for PS3, where 2k was, BY FAR, the best company developing a sports related game. You felt it in every detail, you could appreciate how hard they were working on the game...then PS4 arrived and the jump was high and noticeable, better graphics and physics but with a lot of monetization with microtransactions also better my player stories buuuuut...to recap and not make it too long... in PS3 2k games were very close to perfection 10/10 in ps4 they were less gamer friendly and less polished... 7/10 and now in PS5 i feel like there is nothing remarkable at all...better graphycs?...like come on its a new generation and i dont feel like its like that...players move in the same way...physics when you collide have not improved at all, dunks are the same as before...fans are like robots all doing more or less the same at the same time...they can work WAY HARDER...and they need to...i wont buy next year game at this rate. It doesnt justify a 70€ for just updated rosters. now lets talk about...MY PLAYER....I like it and at the same time I didnt...like they have worked a bit around it ....but it feels its not finished...l feel they tried to add some girlfriend relationship stuff but its not really deep or completely developed because you can do nothing around it...everything is scripted with her and doesnt add much in game, with your manager its the same again...is it that difficult to add a good developer that can add deep ROL decisions and that last for seasons in the game? we all sure feel empty after starting in the NBA and everything is gone, just a few emails and sponsorships...and thats it...we need more deep realtions and missions that last all your career...they should hire someone from CDPR that can teach them how to create something new in this IP...cz its weird how during your HS years the story is nice but then on your journet in the NBA its like playing a quick match...overall 4/10...wont buy the game next year at full price...max 25€

    OVERALL its an OK GAME, that could have been way better...    … Expand
  2. Benny12
    Jan 7, 2021
    4
    Graphics are FAR too cartoonish, yet despite this the frame rates are low and inconsistent. I played Live19 today and was amazed how much better the graphics were in Live19 -- a current gen game from EA released 2 years ago has FAR better textures, lighting and shaders.

    Gameplay is sluggish, but can be overcome in offline modes by adjusting game and character speed. Online park play    Graphics are FAR too cartoonish, yet despite this the frame rates are low and inconsistent. I played Live19 today and was amazed how much better the graphics were in Live19 -- a current gen game from EA released 2 years ago has FAR better textures, lighting and shaders.

    Gameplay is sluggish, but can be overcome in offline modes by adjusting game and character speed.

    Online park play suffers from poor servers, which, is, a, yearly, issue.

    Primary issue with the game is:
    1) cartoony art direction breaks immersion
    2) aggressive pay-to-win and marketing tactics
    3) poor servers (again)    … Expand
  3. WashedPotatoes
    Jul 21, 2022
    4
    the ps4 version isn't listed on Metacritic but that's what i am giving a 4. worst shot meter of any 2k and my team is no fun at all anymore. the update to myleague and gm is so insiginicant that they might as well have left it the same
  4. Nbiederman
    Jan 17, 2021
    3
    Good lord when can I start. So many bugs, so many issues, and so many infuriating moments you have to go through when playing this game. I hate to come off as negative and I appreciate everyone who puts in work for this game but I can’t remember the last time there’s been a patch and the game has only been out for 2 months. The most annoying issue that can be pretty easily resolved is theGood lord when can I start. So many bugs, so many issues, and so many infuriating moments you have to go through when playing this game. I hate to come off as negative and I appreciate everyone who puts in work for this game but I can’t remember the last time there’s been a patch and the game has only been out for 2 months. The most annoying issue that can be pretty easily resolved is the amount of contact dunks people get is just unreasonable. I get it, everyone has a high dunk rating but this doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t get dunked on every play of the game when in reality i’m playing great defense… Expand
  5. MarleyW
    May 18, 2021
    3
    A disappointing “next-gen” experience with adaptive triggers as a cheap gimmick instead of an actual feature that everyone turns off. The city has early ps4 era graphics at best, and is just empty space to annoy you while it takes 5 minutes to run across the city just to buy clothes. No new rep rewards, no new features, no new events. Costs over 60$ In micro transactions just to max outA disappointing “next-gen” experience with adaptive triggers as a cheap gimmick instead of an actual feature that everyone turns off. The city has early ps4 era graphics at best, and is just empty space to annoy you while it takes 5 minutes to run across the city just to buy clothes. No new rep rewards, no new features, no new events. Costs over 60$ In micro transactions just to max out one player… Expand
  6. dmoore93
    Jun 19, 2021
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bad gameplay. Random Algorithm just triggers random events during the game that don’t actually correlate to what’s happening on the court. Random fouls, random turnovers, etc. Even on Next Gen it’s terrible. The A.I has absolutely 0 intelligence. The passing lanes and ball movements are still cheesed. Inbound passing and alley oops are cheesed on a God like level. Unfortunately 2K developers have focused their game around trying to get as many micro transactions as possible; while the actual gameplay suffers more each year. And I’m not a MyPark guy Because I like real NBA basketball not cartoonish street hoops. I only play my career and play now online. And I’m pretty average you could say my online record is 115-107 so a little above .500… Expand
  7. Whotatguy
    Dec 2, 2020
    2
    Only giving it a 2 for graphics. There is scripts in this game just like madden. Also the game is just broken. Everyone's favorite feature of missing wide open layups is back!!! Gameplay is not improved just some more animations that suck you into players and make your experience overall terrible. Don't buy! We need to get other companies to make sports game because of this monopoly we areOnly giving it a 2 for graphics. There is scripts in this game just like madden. Also the game is just broken. Everyone's favorite feature of missing wide open layups is back!!! Gameplay is not improved just some more animations that suck you into players and make your experience overall terrible. Don't buy! We need to get other companies to make sports game because of this monopoly we are receiving terrible products… Expand
  8. btimbit
    May 12, 2021
    2
    At its core there is a solid sports game, but it is buried under layers and layers of frustrating mechanics and microtransactions
  9. MLGhost2015
    Nov 14, 2020
    2
    i could not even play the game. after loading up the game into the city can after getting in my game froze and basic ran at 1fps. its not just me because other people are getting the same problem. the fact that 2k20 had bad servers and they didn't fix that for 21 shows a lack of care as a game developer. also the fact that they want to make the city have more people in it when it cant eveni could not even play the game. after loading up the game into the city can after getting in my game froze and basic ran at 1fps. its not just me because other people are getting the same problem. the fact that 2k20 had bad servers and they didn't fix that for 21 shows a lack of care as a game developer. also the fact that they want to make the city have more people in it when it cant even run with the people in it now makes me not to sell this game for $5 which is what it is worth. $70 for a game that cant run, i can understand $70 on a game with no microtransaction, but for a game that almost relies on it makes my score go even lower.… Expand
  10. Bronisthegoat
    Dec 6, 2020
    2
    When ever I try to shoot the ball in the city I lag and it’s not my internet it’s the trash servers and it takes so much money to upgrade ur player and mycarrer dosent give out anything and I don’t buy vc so idk how u get vc
  11. Sofoklis
    Dec 18, 2020
    2
    This game is recycled every single year. It's been the same physics engine since 2K18. Basically from 2K18 and up every time they made a "new game" They copy pasted it with some changes to make it look like it's a new game. I was expecting that this game is completely made from the ground up but I was mistaken. Only change was the graphics and they basically slapped on a shader mod to makeThis game is recycled every single year. It's been the same physics engine since 2K18. Basically from 2K18 and up every time they made a "new game" They copy pasted it with some changes to make it look like it's a new game. I was expecting that this game is completely made from the ground up but I was mistaken. Only change was the graphics and they basically slapped on a shader mod to make the lighting look good. Textures remain the same and have not changed from last gen. Basically all animations are the same as current gen but slightly modified to look like they're "brand new". Please do not waste your money on this game. The developers have shown 0 effort in changing their ways nor actually trying to make a NEW game. They all in there for the money and they're actually succeeding at making money because so many people get brainwashed and buy the game every single year.… Expand
  12. Ralin1004
    Feb 1, 2021
    2
    I absolutely love basketball and the NBA so it’s really quite hard to frustrate me. But this game has done that. I bought it 4 days ago and I’m going to return it. The shooting is an absolute joke, the dribbling got worse from last generation and the defense is honestly one of the biggest mishaps I’ve ever seen. They literally just run as fast as they can around you and your guy justI absolutely love basketball and the NBA so it’s really quite hard to frustrate me. But this game has done that. I bought it 4 days ago and I’m going to return it. The shooting is an absolute joke, the dribbling got worse from last generation and the defense is honestly one of the biggest mishaps I’ve ever seen. They literally just run as fast as they can around you and your guy just stands there like a stick in mud. Honestly this game is beautiful but the gameplay is truly an embarrassment. I find 50 percent of the time I have no idea if my player is going to take a layup or dribble and if they choose to shoot which hand. I feel like I have no control over anything on either side of the ball. Just awful. PLEASE DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. ITS TRASH.… Expand
  13. PeteAmmo1225
    Mar 28, 2021
    2
    I have been playing the 2K games since NBA 2k10 on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. This is hands down the WORST 2K I have ever played on multiple levels. The MyCareer mode is yet another silly attempt at some sort of “compelling” story that falls flat on its face like years previous. The new “City” that replaced MyPark is an absolute joke. It’s about four times the size as MyPark and aboutI have been playing the 2K games since NBA 2k10 on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. This is hands down the WORST 2K I have ever played on multiple levels. The MyCareer mode is yet another silly attempt at some sort of “compelling” story that falls flat on its face like years previous. The new “City” that replaced MyPark is an absolute joke. It’s about four times the size as MyPark and about 66 percent of it is useless space that has absolutely nothing but buildings you cannot enter. Graphically this game would have been a joke on Xbox One and PS4 but it is just laughable how they looked at this game and said it was respectable enough to release with the way it looked. And not to mention the micro transactions are pumped up even more than years previous and they have now made it nearly impossible to progress and have any kind of fun in the game without paying to get your overall rating up. The gameplay is somehow slower and more lethargic than 2K20 and feels like a complete step down. You cannot create the type of build you want because there are about two builds per position that are overpowered as all hell and if you do not create one of those you are completely screwed. Disgusting game and not worth a purchase. It’s time we start speaking with our wallets to these corporations or else they will never learn their lesson.… Expand
  14. mdridsdale
    May 30, 2021
    2
    6 months into playing next gen 2k and they need to stop with the aesthetic stuff like the city and focus on gameplay and some sort of skill gap implementation
  15. Oenweani
    Aug 8, 2021
    2
    Aside from the constant “buy this buy that” that 2k is now accustomed to having art the menu screen, my biggest issue is most times when I want to play an online h2h game, I get this stupid “error has occurred and this game will not be counted” message. I could be up by 20 or down 5, and I’ll get this error. The game could be 10 secs in abs I’ll get this error. By far the worst gamingAside from the constant “buy this buy that” that 2k is now accustomed to having art the menu screen, my biggest issue is most times when I want to play an online h2h game, I get this stupid “error has occurred and this game will not be counted” message. I could be up by 20 or down 5, and I’ll get this error. The game could be 10 secs in abs I’ll get this error. By far the worst gaming experience I’ve had yet with 2k.… Expand
  16. 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 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.
  17. ender732
    Mar 29, 2021
    1
    Even with the new hardware and Sony forcing them to allow fast-loading without ads, 2k has managed to produce another steaming pile of sh*t. Just for the 0.000001% possibility that you might accidentally buy VC, they will erase your progress simply b/c their servers lost connection.

    This game is garbage, wait for it to drop to $20.
  18. Dare_Relaqz
    Jun 6, 2021
    1
    This game is an absolute disgrace at $70.

    The only real positive you can't take away from this game is the presentation. Visually the game makes an incredibly strong impression, and it's the only reason it even scores a point. Now the negatives: microtransactions. Why am I paying $70 for a game where I'm forced to pay additional money to even have a CHANCE at winning? Progress, across    This game is an absolute disgrace at $70.

    The only real positive you can't take away from this game is the presentation. Visually the game makes an incredibly strong impression, and it's the only reason it even scores a point.

    Now the negatives: microtransactions. Why am I paying $70 for a game where I'm forced to pay additional money to even have a CHANCE at winning? Progress, across the board in this entire game is unbearably, inexcusably slow. If this game was a free release, maybe I could understand this type of micropay **** but it isn't.

    The other thing that pissed me off even more is 2K's lies. When asked why you can't carry MyCareer progress over to next gen, they used a terrible, inaccurate analogy that "Halo 4 can't play Halo 5 online. We're in the same boat here", which is not true. When they said it's a new experience I thought we'd get a new story, but no. It's the same! I don't understand why you can't carry over progress. There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't be able to do it.

    Unlike other reviews, I won't touch on gameplay being the same as PS4. Or the numerous disconnect glitches and game-freezing bugs I had. This game deserves a 1/10 purely on it's **** YOU, GIVE ME MONEY!" Decision making process.

    I don't know why I keep buying these games.    … Expand
  19. Fotisarva
    Feb 3, 2021
    1
    Disgusting pay-to-win mechanics and micro transactions still plagues this game. Which is a shame because gameplay wise, it’s still the best sports game.
  20. Fhskjd
    Apr 13, 2021
    1
    Don't bother trying this game. There is nothing of value to be gained here.
  21. StubbornStanley
    Dec 16, 2020
    1
    An absolute broken mess. On franchise mode, you will see top-tier free agents not sign with anyone and just sit there on the free agent list for the whole year. They won’t even take your money because they demand an exact amount. In my current franchise, there is an all-star team worth of talent on the free agent wire DURING the season. That alone breaks the entire mode. GameplayAn absolute broken mess. On franchise mode, you will see top-tier free agents not sign with anyone and just sit there on the free agent list for the whole year. They won’t even take your money because they demand an exact amount. In my current franchise, there is an all-star team worth of talent on the free agent wire DURING the season. That alone breaks the entire mode. Gameplay wise, you have to adjust sliders to make it playable. The easier modes are too easy, but when you bump things up, the CPU will hit all catch and shoot 3s as if they were a bunch of prime Ray Allens. You, meanwhile, don’t have that luxury. Furthermore, your AI defenders are 100% moronic. Help defense is a joke. If you like playing a certain position, like center, you’ll also find that the CPU will routinely blow by your AI teammates, forcing you to play help defense on almost every play. If the CPU has a decent shooting center, it’s game over. The MyPlayer and MyTeam probably got most of the attention, and that’s what’s wrong with sports games in general. You fools have ruined the sports simulation genre by worshipping these money-leeching modes. I tried to get a refund and was denied. 2K feel free to get me that $100 for the last gen plus current gen purchase that I made. Hit me up when you want to make an actual simulation. Both versions suffer from the same AI problems.… Expand
  22. billister
    Aug 3, 2022
    1
    Almost zero. But I' ll give 1*, cause of the History of the franchise. Worst Basketball Game Ever.
  23. Drew2442
    Nov 28, 2020
    1
    This 2K is really unplayable. I’ve been playing 2K since 13 and I have no enjoyment with this game. They allowed people to have overpowered builds, which makes no skill gap in the game. The game is always laggy and there is nothing fun to do in the game. I’d rather play 21 on current gen than this Garbage of a 2K. This game is bad. It takes 30 minutes to go across this abnormally largeThis 2K is really unplayable. I’ve been playing 2K since 13 and I have no enjoyment with this game. They allowed people to have overpowered builds, which makes no skill gap in the game. The game is always laggy and there is nothing fun to do in the game. I’d rather play 21 on current gen than this Garbage of a 2K. This game is bad. It takes 30 minutes to go across this abnormally large city that does not need to be that big. Everyone hits their shots so you can’t play defense on people. The permitted defense is bad, which is crazy because defense is 50 percent of basketball. You put your hand in someone’s mouth and still score with no problem. This game is awful and should be ashamed of themselves for making something this bad. Don’t buy this game. #make2kfunagain… Expand
  24. Jgard_7
    Apr 24, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is terrible blocking animations and the fact that your not in total control means alot the animations make the game GARBAGE and the fact that online gaming makes it even worst only hard-core gamers who see alot of nonsense in the game both online and offline I've played this game since it came out and no improvementsits a dang shame people have to complain and this game so many issues they were in to much of a rush next gen is even worse rhe game play is to slow gives the opponent enough time to play defense … Expand
  25. Dak007
    Dec 17, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. They keep getting worse...........................................................… Expand
  26. NFluence
    Dec 27, 2020
    1
    As much as I appreciate the legacy of the 2k games they have been nothing short of disappointing for the last 3 years. This new generation version being no different. It is sad to see a game that used to be the leader in innovation in basketball games takeover the genre and thenbe purely lazy. This game is literally a copy and paste game from the days of 2k19 on. All animation drivenAs much as I appreciate the legacy of the 2k games they have been nothing short of disappointing for the last 3 years. This new generation version being no different. It is sad to see a game that used to be the leader in innovation in basketball games takeover the genre and thenbe purely lazy. This game is literally a copy and paste game from the days of 2k19 on. All animation driven with an algorithm that is out dated and terrible at its job. They care more about their customers spending money on add ons and VC then they do making an enjoyable game. I really wish tha t 2k would care about their fan base as half as much as they do their profit margin. Thanks but no thanks you lost a long time loyal customer after this one.… Expand
  27. StankMank
    Dec 30, 2020
    1
    This game is one of many lackluster and embarrassing failures by take two. They seem to think they can release a game that is unplayable, just to patch it and make it a working but still sub-par experience. Patience is fading for fans of the series and public opinion of the game is at an all time low. The release of a new console generation should have game developers salivating at theThis game is one of many lackluster and embarrassing failures by take two. They seem to think they can release a game that is unplayable, just to patch it and make it a working but still sub-par experience. Patience is fading for fans of the series and public opinion of the game is at an all time low. The release of a new console generation should have game developers salivating at the opportunity to make innovations and improve their product. 2K seems to have only used it as an opportunity to market their product to be new but simply release the same game once again that fans keep repeating they do not want. Two things are certain in life, death and that the next NBA2K game will be broken and horrible at launch. Why do I even bother.… Expand
  28. Aaron303030
    Feb 14, 2021
    1
    What a ripoff, overhyped game for a ridiculous price, especially if you already bought if on PS4. When you’re greedier than EA, you need to take a step back and evaluate.
  29. christsirtsis
    Feb 24, 2021
    1
    This game is easily the most frustrating game I’ve ever played. When playing a quick game against the CPU (difficulty level at Superstar), they make it almost impossible to enjoy the gameplay. The opposition continually makes tough jump shots or they miss just to get an offensive rebound and put it back up for a bucket. It is damn near impossible to get a stop on the defensive end, but godThis game is easily the most frustrating game I’ve ever played. When playing a quick game against the CPU (difficulty level at Superstar), they make it almost impossible to enjoy the gameplay. The opposition continually makes tough jump shots or they miss just to get an offensive rebound and put it back up for a bucket. It is damn near impossible to get a stop on the defensive end, but god forbid I take a jump shot on offensive. I have to wide open and even then it seems unlikely that I’ll make anything. This game is the definition of cheese and the animation have completely ruined the game. I would rate it a 0/10 but the only thing I enjoy is playing with the updated rosters and new rookies. Other than that, the game is absolute poop.… Expand
  30. Easukscawk
    Mar 22, 2021
    1
    It's been said before, and it'll be said again: you can put lipstick on a turd, but at the end of the day it's still a a smelly turd. Those represent my thoughts on this years "new" 2k title. Same piece of poo with a shinier new paint job. Feel bad having spent money on this game, and that's not even mentioning all the predatory practices that EA continues to shill despite the controversy.It's been said before, and it'll be said again: you can put lipstick on a turd, but at the end of the day it's still a a smelly turd. Those represent my thoughts on this years "new" 2k title. Same piece of poo with a shinier new paint job. Feel bad having spent money on this game, and that's not even mentioning all the predatory practices that EA continues to shill despite the controversy. There's almost nothing new, and what is, lacks depth or is littered with frustrations. Even previously (casually) enjoyable modes like MyCareer are absolutely decimated by the necessity of VC and the limitations that they create. Expect to spent good money on micro-transactions or enjoy the crapshoot like many of us have! Unreal that I see 80/100 reviews on here that admit you have to spend real money to progress in game. The price tag of 70 dollars should already more than suffice. Wish 2k was what it used to be. At this point, I won't ever spend a penny on this franchise again :) Don't get jipped, buy it 20 bucks on sale at best if you're a real hoop psycho, otherwise you're better off playing an old game or actually going outside.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Dec 14, 2020
    80
    This PS5 edition offers new ideas and swish next-gen presentation. It looks, plays, and feels a step above PS4 but is held back by a similar need to open your wallet. [Issue#183, p.80]
  2. SpazioGames
    Dec 10, 2020
    88
    NBA 2K21 on PS5 is a significant and stunning next-gen upgrade: this is the best title that fans deserve, and an absolutely great and genuine multiplayer experience.
    Read full review
  3. 4P.de
    Dec 9, 2020
    78
    Visually impressive basketball sim that is simply breathtaking on the court. In terms of game moeds you feel the old gen remains – as you do in the still annoying micro transactions.
    Read full review
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