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
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
view
per page
  1. tomyvengeance7
    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
  2. Tomy666
    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.
  3. CRivera94
    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.
  4. 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.
  5. Arcadias
    Mar 15, 2022
    10
    Excellent basketball sim. Ignore the haters that always have something to complain about.
  6. 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
  7. JeepDaddyMac46
    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
  8. nickm575
    Nov 13, 2020
    9
    Good start to the next generation. Incredibly fast loading times and the city makes for an excellent addition.
  9. MinePlay512
    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
  10. Tresork0227
    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.
  11. chrono2395
    Nov 17, 2020
    9
    Great game not perfect but good start of next gen still needs a little work but overall 9/10
  12. MatisseThybulle
    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
  13. LukasBoii
    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.
  14. 6host
    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
  15. AzzyJ13
    Dec 17, 2020
    7
    It gets hate which is understandable, however the game itself is an improvement. Throughout the past few years 2k has released horrible sports games but this is a good start on a comeback. The introduction of the city is great as MyCarrer players have been begging a new park for ages. The graphics improvement is stunning, 2k added an entire 2nd casting team and the defense is alot moreIt gets hate which is understandable, however the game itself is an improvement. Throughout the past few years 2k has released horrible sports games but this is a good start on a comeback. The introduction of the city is great as MyCarrer players have been begging a new park for ages. The graphics improvement is stunning, 2k added an entire 2nd casting team and the defense is alot more realistic including manual help defence… Expand
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Capitals2018
    Jan 2, 2021
    6
    There is a lot in this game that could make it great, but it falls short. The new shot meter is awful and really affects the gameplay. AI could be better and proposes problems. And The City is a fun addition but is underwhelming in some parts. 6/10.
  19. SinceDa90s
    Mar 19, 2021
    5
    I bought the Ps5 version after reading both positive and negative reviews on this site and this game is a ripoff for $70. Presentation is nice but the actual gameplay especially on mycareer is bad, so bad I had to write a review. From a player since nba 2k5
  20. DannieB
    Nov 15, 2020
    5
    Same game as last gen with slightly better graphics. Not worth the $70 and still has a **** load of microtransactions.
  21. chantzcy
    Feb 23, 2021
    5
    Concerningly, this game has indeed turned into a churn and burn franchise. It's sad to see a game that has to potential to be so entertaining, turn into something much less so.
  22. l-vShadow
    Jan 12, 2021
    5
    The next gen graphics look amazing! But the overall Gameplay/Mechanics/Modes are pretty much a re-skin from previous games. No worth the $70 price tag considering is a pay to win game.
  23. Amauritroo
    Dec 8, 2020
    5
    This is one of the best 2k's since 2k16 the problem is that lag ruin the game experience you have to buy Vc just to get out of Rokieville Because nobody Is going to play with a 62 and everything else is just the same with better graphics besides mynba which is the best mode to me out of all
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
prev
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »