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. juniortiger
    Apr 7, 2023
    10
    I love feeling you in game haptic feedback control and graphic amazing and I recommend pick one up in store
  2. hector_bcn98
    Oct 31, 2022
    7
    +
    Las bondades de todos los 2k, con el rendimiento de nueva generación.
    Amplitud de modos de juego para todo tipo de jugador.
    Inclusión de nuevos equipos clásicos.

    -
    La misma jugabilidad de hace 5 años, la saga necesita una revolución urgente.
    Casino online, no es mi problema porque no lo juego, pero para el que sí... políticamente insultante.
  3. Jonben3215
    Aug 27, 2022
    0
    I did not but this game, I bootlegged it. After even bootlegging and playing it I still wanted a refund from EA. Since the game that I had was not the official game I can't say anything about the online, so I stick with the CO-OP. I play on a PC with a PS5 controller and I got to say the game sucks really bad. Shooting: even if you are wide-open your still miss if your release is notI did not but this game, I bootlegged it. After even bootlegging and playing it I still wanted a refund from EA. Since the game that I had was not the official game I can't say anything about the online, so I stick with the CO-OP. I play on a PC with a PS5 controller and I got to say the game sucks really bad. Shooting: even if you are wide-open your still miss if your release is not excellent, unless you are Stephen Curry. AI's during a game my team would be on the other side of the court while the enemies team is already on the other side shooting. Blocking: every time I blocked it's a foul but when the enemy block me it's okay. In fact, I can guarantee that none of EA's engineer for this game have never played basketball let alone touch grass. All they know how to do is leetcode with no coding skills. As I mentioned I bootlegged this game and still felt cheated.… Expand
  4. billister
    Aug 3, 2022
    1
    Almost zero. But I' ll give 1*, cause of the History of the franchise. Worst Basketball Game Ever.
  5. 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
  6. kioyt
    Jun 2, 2022
    0
    yo no se que clase de desarrolladora con mas de 3 punto de IQ se atrevería a crear mierda y despues comercializarla por $1500 MX yo que hoy en día la industria de los juegos pasa por un bajón tremendo de calidad puesto que los juegos buenos de hoy en día se cuentas con los dedos de una mano, si realmente crees que este juego vale 1 solo minuto de tu tiempo te aconsejo mejor que golpes tuyo no se que clase de desarrolladora con mas de 3 punto de IQ se atrevería a crear mierda y despues comercializarla por $1500 MX yo que hoy en día la industria de los juegos pasa por un bajón tremendo de calidad puesto que los juegos buenos de hoy en día se cuentas con los dedos de una mano, si realmente crees que este juego vale 1 solo minuto de tu tiempo te aconsejo mejor que golpes tu cabeza una y otra vez contra la pared porque será mas divertido que esta basura de juego, pay to win, malos controles, inteligencia artificial tan mala que podría ser superada por un PC de los 80s, por favor no acepten este juego pero ni regalado.… Expand
  7. Arcadias
    Mar 15, 2022
    10
    Excellent basketball sim. Ignore the haters that always have something to complain about.
  8. Marcus-XXL
    Mar 7, 2022
    1
    Competing for the worst 2k in history this game offered nothing. The shooting was terrible, the finishing was overpowered the defense wasn’t good enough and u had dribble moves which were practically unguardable and spammers everywhere. They dug deep into your pockets for money and completely destroyed all the myplayers from the previous year to make this game as one dimensional asCompeting for the worst 2k in history this game offered nothing. The shooting was terrible, the finishing was overpowered the defense wasn’t good enough and u had dribble moves which were practically unguardable and spammers everywhere. They dug deep into your pockets for money and completely destroyed all the myplayers from the previous year to make this game as one dimensional as possible. The devs cared about this game more than some previous games that actually had potential simply because of the micro transactions. On top of that u had people using devices to make them shoot perfectly everytime.… Expand
  9. FilipeGoncalves
    Dec 22, 2021
    0
    Avoid

    Wanna play slotmachines? Go to a real casino. You have better chance to win something
  10. 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
  11. Frostmirror
    Dec 9, 2021
    7
    This game does not deserve as much hate as it gets. Sure the micro transactions are stupid and awful and online is arse but its a fun game with deep modes filled with creativity for players. It’s not a 10/10 but its a solid and fun game.
  12. Aoplob
    Nov 14, 2021
    0
    The game sucks because i have really good badges and its inposible me to miss i dont why in mising the shoting is not good in this game
  13. Sellabit
    Oct 30, 2021
    1
    At first glance NBA, 2K seemed to give me the fix of NBA action I had been looking for in a video game. This was going to finally be a game that would scratch the itch for a basketball sim I’ve been fiending forever since I watched Giannis dominate the NBA finals. I picked up NBA 2K21 on a whim hoping that the reviews were just a blind bandwagon of hate and slander towards the lazyAt first glance NBA, 2K seemed to give me the fix of NBA action I had been looking for in a video game. This was going to finally be a game that would scratch the itch for a basketball sim I’ve been fiending forever since I watched Giannis dominate the NBA finals. I picked up NBA 2K21 on a whim hoping that the reviews were just a blind bandwagon of hate and slander towards the lazy replaster that 2K seems to release every year on the PC console. Well unfortunately for me they were all true, the money grab is still 2K’s top priority even with the new features introduced in the next-gen version of the game, PC users aren’t shown any love yet again. If you’re looking for a game that gives you a thirst for a grind in the beginning by dangling their badge system over your head like a carrot on a stick only to become a repetitive maelstrom of the AI pulling off impossible moving shots while 100% smothered, while the slightest misstep will result in a missed three wide open on a fastbreak with HoF shooting badges maxed out, then NBA 2K21 is your game. But for those who wish to watch and play real basketball something, we actually enjoy since we are all stuck with this knockoff monopoly that 2K seems to have on the basketball gaming industry since EA is…well EA. Then do yourself a favor save your money on something nice, maybe a nice date with a girl or an only fans subscription, whatever you’re into.… Expand
  14. leon_ovid
    Oct 3, 2021
    0
    I really can't unterstand what game critics are playing if they rate this piece of garbage 79.
    I kinda stick to it since i don't know any other NBA simulation, but this game should be forbidden for it's lack of everything.
    I played MyCareer and MyTeam the past weeks and both are pure junk. In the career mode you start with a player (got drafted #2 in the NBA) who is not able to make open    I really can't unterstand what game critics are playing if they rate this piece of garbage 79.
    I kinda stick to it since i don't know any other NBA simulation, but this game should be forbidden for it's lack of everything.
    I played MyCareer and MyTeam the past weeks and both are pure junk. In the career mode you start with a player (got drafted #2 in the NBA) who is not able to make open layups. I mean yeah, you are at the start of your career, but if you can't make open layups without a perfect timing this just sucks. The menu is trash like always, 2k leaves no chance to let you know that they give a **** about players who want to play single player only, they kinda try to force you to playing online.
    Let's get to the MyTeam mode. This - i am not exaggerating - is the worst thing that i have ever seen in games in my life. First of all you can't really come far without playing online. Seriously, if they want people to play online they can drop a F2P version of their game, just give players the option to choose how to play! Especially since this is pay2win, like pay tons of money to get the best players because you can open thousands of packs. If you don't want to spend money you have to play like 10-15 games to get ONE single GOAT pack for example. And in that you don't even get a safe GOAT or Invincible. For that kind of pack you can't even pay with the MyTeam currency, only with VC (which is again the currency you buy from real money or earn in other modes). So you can choose to either earn VC very hard on MyCareer and play like 20+ games for one pack and have NOTHING left to spend on your player or you just buy this **** which i will never do. Can anyone explain to me what the point of a special currency in a mode is (like the MT points) if you can buy like 1 or 2 packs from over 15 different packs? I think there are only two themes of packs which you can buy with MT.
    Over the past 3 games i made 16 videos of how horrible and absurd the game ist. I got an team with a 97 rating, trying to beat the Mav's on "domination best of" (also 97) for the past 5 games. Sure, i am not the best 2k player, but i only filmed moments that had nothing to do with me. A few examples: my players running outside the line while receiving a pass -> turnover. Players with a 99 3pointers rating not being able to shoot open 3s (i rarely get the perfect timing, but i'm always in the green). At the same time the opponent CPU team hitting 3s however they like with players with 85 ratings and hitting every single one of them. Changing tactics to protect the perimeter -> my team mates randomly getting away near the paint sometimes leaving the shooters open, that's like the OPPOSITE of protecting the perimeter. Players like Stockton (98 rating) not being able to hit layups if the defender is protecting, at the same time PGs and SGs dominating my 99 Ewing in the paint again and again. Passes that end up being a turnover because you press the button while having a clear passline to a player, but the receiving player running so stupidly that the pass comes directly into the direction of a opponent player.
    Seriously, my 99 players play like they are toddlers so you can give NOTHING on the ratings.
    All in all the game is so rigged. Have you for example noticed, that the chance of a 3pt or a "and one" is incredibly high if the point difference is odd? Whenever the score difference is odd something will happen that makes it even again - freethrows (like you missing one of two with a 99 rating player and good timing OR the enemy getting an"and one"), the opponent hitting 3s or anything like that. The camera sometimes work so badly that if you are on the line you can't see the shootingbar cause the camera seems to be stuck in cutscene mode. I could go on like that for hours, this game is frustrating and builds up so much anger because no matter how you play, the game has it's ways to make you lose. And all that would be not so much pain if it weren't those damn contracts. Every single game you lose a contract and you have two chances to keep your team: buying packs and getting contracts from there or playing perfectly, like winning every game since you can get some from earning prices. The auctionhouse also trashy like hell. The number of the highest bid is never right, whenever i bid it says the highest bid is higher.
    The big problem is: i WANT to play basketball so i must play this junk or nothing. But if that is not the case do yourself a favour and eliminate the game from your life, i promise you you will feel better that way.    … Expand
  15. Luahanseng
    Sep 22, 2021
    0
    I owned like 3 units for this game which caused me almost 200 dollars. positives : it were able to retain the features of current Gen plus its upgraded graphics and the negative is that i hope they did just updated the graphics and not destroyed the gameplay. its not immersive at all it is more robotic than the current gen and its gameplay is unbalanced they didnt bother fixing it. YouI owned like 3 units for this game which caused me almost 200 dollars. positives : it were able to retain the features of current Gen plus its upgraded graphics and the negative is that i hope they did just updated the graphics and not destroyed the gameplay. its not immersive at all it is more robotic than the current gen and its gameplay is unbalanced they didnt bother fixing it. You will be impressed in your first 2-3 games but afterwards everything is a scam… Expand
  16. AC1986
    Sep 18, 2021
    0
    This game is garbage. MyNBA is unplayable due to fact that there are only 3 camera modes and Rail mode is the only sideline camera which is great for watching a NBA game but not playing a video game. Another reason is its trash is that if you take a contested shot with your back to the sideline you will fall into the crowd. Even if the shot is 15ft from the sideline. It then will take 5This game is garbage. MyNBA is unplayable due to fact that there are only 3 camera modes and Rail mode is the only sideline camera which is great for watching a NBA game but not playing a video game. Another reason is its trash is that if you take a contested shot with your back to the sideline you will fall into the crowd. Even if the shot is 15ft from the sideline. It then will take 5 seconds to get back in defense. Lastly the AI defense in MyCareer is ridiculous. Unless you dump $40-100 on your player you aren't getting out of the first round of the NCAA tournament. The graphics are decent but game play is trash! I'd rather have a little less graphics for better game play!… Expand
  17. matthius
    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.
  18. Basketballfan
    Aug 11, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is just so incredibly bad. MyTeam is the definition of pay-to-win. On top of that this is the least realistic 2K to date. There is a Ben Simmons card with a 99 3 pointer. There’s a Giannis card with a 99 free throw. This game is so unrealistic that mid range shots don’t even exist when you play online. Anything inside the 3 point line is a bad shot. MyCareer is terrible with a horrible story line. You cannot get drafted first overall for whatever reason. You can score 100 points with 30 rebounds and the best you can do is get drafted second. Oh… and the person who gets drafted first goes to the same team as you and plays the same position as you! Because every GM thinks it’s a great idea to draft the exact same position with the first two picks in the draft. Also… has a single team EVER had the first and second pick in the draft in NBA history? The game is just terrible.… Expand
  19. 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
  20. LDKDodge
    Aug 5, 2021
    1
    In myteam I should not be missing wide open layups agents any of the teams and they can hit fully smothered shots from half court
  21. Matt3333
    Aug 2, 2021
    1
    Didn't pay money for this game, but feel like I deserve to be payed to play this **** So much down time in game where u do absolutely nothing but press the x button waiting. The game runs worse than 2k16.
  22. Stenken2
    Jul 31, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not recommended. Same like 2k20 just new rosters. Better save your money...… Expand
  23. billsfan913
    Jul 27, 2021
    1
    Total trash. The mycareer basically decides if you have a good game or not. There is no consistency game in and game out. One game you will have an amazing game with good stats and play well. Next game you play the same exact way and shoot all the same shots and miss 3/4 of them. Bought this game for $20 and it is still a total waste of money.
  24. SiegeManic290
    Jul 27, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. DONT BUY THIS TRASH ASS GAME IT IS **** TERRIBLE THE 2nd worst 2k ever created next to nba2k18… Expand
  25. bomani
    Jul 17, 2021
    1
    same regurgitation every year . horrible game in my opinion 2 stars at best for the graphics but gameplay is horrible and shotty
  26. Tails26
    Jul 14, 2021
    0
    Both Next Gen and Current Gen versions add nothing to a formula that has been rinsed and repeated for an exhausting amount of time now. Micro transactions fuelling seemingly every choice made in the game’s production. MyCareer has fallen so far in a handful of years. 2K again focused on the wrong things that no one cares about and have provided such a restrictive created tool, purelyBoth Next Gen and Current Gen versions add nothing to a formula that has been rinsed and repeated for an exhausting amount of time now. Micro transactions fuelling seemingly every choice made in the game’s production. MyCareer has fallen so far in a handful of years. 2K again focused on the wrong things that no one cares about and have provided such a restrictive created tool, purely focused on generating micro transactions and worrying about online balance. No thought given to those who would want to just create a player and become the greatest the NBA has ever seen.

    MyTeam is essentially a cash grab exercise. Challenges and collecting so deep no one would ever get through it all, catching every Pokémon would be a far easier challenge. Nothing new added to the MyLeague experience for what feels like a decade now. The lack of effort here makes my attempts to get to the gym three times a weak look like I have Kobe Bryant like dedication.

    And nothing knew added. Scratch that, content we used to have is still missing. No creating a legend mode. Not challenges related to the cover athlete like with LeBron different challenges back in 14. Missing legends still. The fact that 2K increases micro transactions and pay to win every year and still can’t find the cash to meet Reggie and Charles halfway is ludicrous. Not really any new teams no thought put into creating older season rosters to play.

    I hate myself for knowing I’ll go buy it again next year     … Expand
  27. dahurtbizness
    Jul 14, 2021
    0
    trash shot meter, microtransaction vc, pay to win mechanics, lootboxes, glitchy and broken gameplay 2k has slowly became EA NBA 2K IS OVERRATED anyway
  28. 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
  29. EvNiktheGreek
    Jul 2, 2021
    1
    By Far the worst 2k experience.I play since 2k13,and this year i decided to skip.I bought it on sale 2weeks ago,and i am very happy that i didn't spend time on this game,and i am very sad that i spend 20€ to buy it.The new player builder is super ,you can make literally your favorite player.But then on 60 ovrl ,it is completely trash.You have to spend the 50$ to upgrafe him,otheewise theBy Far the worst 2k experience.I play since 2k13,and this year i decided to skip.I bought it on sale 2weeks ago,and i am very happy that i didn't spend time on this game,and i am very sad that i spend 20€ to buy it.The new player builder is super ,you can make literally your favorite player.But then on 60 ovrl ,it is completely trash.You have to spend the 50$ to upgrafe him,otheewise the grinding os painfull.On play now online. the netcode is trash.Literally every game i played the players are like ice-skating.I didn't bother playing my team,cause its gonna be a combination of both..So it is a huge NO,an I recommend to casual olayers avoiding it.And i am ginna skip tlnext year too,cause I don't see 2k changing in the upper future.… Expand
  30. adam30
    Jun 25, 2021
    0
    this game is a cheat the cpu cheat so bad on myteam it looks like an actual person is playing and does not want you to win your items in the game.trash garbage.
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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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