User Score
2.7

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 208 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 208
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. Nov 13, 2020
    9
    Good start to the next generation. Incredibly fast loading times and the city makes for an excellent addition.
  2. Nov 13, 2020
    9
    Overall Score: 9.5
    In my review with the PS4 version, I am not happy that there's no create a legend mode. And new legend mode. Come on now. However, in the PS5 version, It's awesome, improved gameplay, the city is great, MyNBA is an W and other things that makes NBA 2K21 a very good game. The graphics are great, like they did in NBA 2K14 for PS4. They also bring back some old UI. A great
    Overall Score: 9.5
    In my review with the PS4 version, I am not happy that there's no create a legend mode. And new legend mode. Come on now. However, in the PS5 version, It's awesome, improved gameplay, the city is great, MyNBA is an W and other things that makes NBA 2K21 a very good game. The graphics are great, like they did in NBA 2K14 for PS4. They also bring back some old UI. A great start for next gen and I can see a good future ahead.
    Expand
  3. Nov 15, 2020
    10
    Amazing game pure realistic and looks like real Next gen game, the arenas looks great , fans are more real and players OMG
  4. Nov 17, 2020
    9
    Great game not perfect but good start of next gen still needs a little work but overall 9/10
  5. Nov 21, 2020
    10
    I dont get IT the low scores !!!NBA 2K21 FOR PS5 IS AMAZING SPORTS VIDEOGAME GRAPHICS, GAMEPLAY,SOUND,AND SIMULATION IS ALMOST PERFECT.
  6. Mar 6, 2021
    9
    Ok, I know you all hate VC, but this game is far from a copy of 2K20. Player movement is greatly improved and it plays much more like a real NBA game than any other NBA game we have had in a long time. Visually the game looks crisper. Controls are much smoother. Animations are significantly improved and players play much more like their real life counterparts. I’m not playingOk, I know you all hate VC, but this game is far from a copy of 2K20. Player movement is greatly improved and it plays much more like a real NBA game than any other NBA game we have had in a long time. Visually the game looks crisper. Controls are much smoother. Animations are significantly improved and players play much more like their real life counterparts. I’m not playing MyTeam, it’s the same thing every year and I’ve been there and done that. MyPlayer is okay, like always. Gameplay is where it is at. Franchise mode is great and highly polished. Expand
  7. Nov 24, 2020
    9
    Just a phenomenal game. Fan Favorite Features such as park affiliations returned with a more simulation based game style in the game as compared to its predecessors. All while keeping the hardcore gamer satisfied with a deeper than ever MyNBA Mode.
  8. Dec 17, 2020
    10
    I got this because I was tired of EA hasn't been doing anything.with madden for years even now on next gen it's terrible. Coming from that to what 2K has is night and day. I get that 2K fans are upset at things with in 2K but it's light years better than the other sports games.
  9. Dec 13, 2020
    8
    Visual Concepts has done it again with making a true next-gen game for the PlayStation 5. This game not only looks better, but plays better than last generation version, by leaps and miles. The graphics are absolutely stunning, gameplay feels as authentic as you can get to the real life thing, and some new additions have been made to MyCareer. MyCareer has extra options in the story modeVisual Concepts has done it again with making a true next-gen game for the PlayStation 5. This game not only looks better, but plays better than last generation version, by leaps and miles. The graphics are absolutely stunning, gameplay feels as authentic as you can get to the real life thing, and some new additions have been made to MyCareer. MyCareer has extra options in the story mode of the game including going to the G-League rather than College, but the big addition is "The City". The City is an updated version of The Park. The City offers a large area where there is a ton of different options to explore, it's still a work in progress from a navigation stand point, but the ambition is going in the right direction. Only real constructive things I can mention that I would like improved is some more upgrades to MyLeague which is a great mode, but would benefit from extra addition such as the ability to play G-League games. I really like this game and do strongly recommend any fans of the NBA to check it out. Expand
  10. Dec 18, 2020
    8
    Play Now: 9/10
    MyCareer: 8/10
    MyPlayer/City: 7/10
    MyTeam: 7/10
    Overall Score: 7.8
    Not too bad of a game.
  11. Mar 11, 2021
    9
    Yet another overhated 2K game. I understand that micro transactions are frustrating, but nobody is forcing you to buy them, if you actually play the game you'll find out VC is pretty easy to come by. Graphics look amazing, a true leap was made. Animations do feel basically the same, which was a little disappointing, but the game just plays and looks smoother. The modes outside of MyCareerYet another overhated 2K game. I understand that micro transactions are frustrating, but nobody is forcing you to buy them, if you actually play the game you'll find out VC is pretty easy to come by. Graphics look amazing, a true leap was made. Animations do feel basically the same, which was a little disappointing, but the game just plays and looks smoother. The modes outside of MyCareer were deepened, with MyNBA being a better experience and the WNBA being added and giving more representation ( I don't play as them but it's neat nonetheless). Load times are almost instant, and the game is just fun. Expand
  12. Sep 3, 2021
    10
    I love the depth and creativity that 2k has in MyLeague. The ability to upload team designs from the internet was the best idea they've had. I wish madden would learn a thing or 2 from 2k. Their was a couple of minor issues like the abbreviation color on the scoreboard wouldn't match your team color sometimes but all in all I like what 2k is doing with their MyLeague mode, it keeps me entertained.
  13. Mar 15, 2022
    10
    Excellent basketball sim. Ignore the haters that always have something to complain about.
  14. Apr 7, 2023
    10
    I love feeling you in game haptic feedback control and graphic amazing and I recommend pick one up in store
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. 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. 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.
  3. 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.