NBA 2K21 is at an interesting place in the series’ cycle. While the games release like clockwork each year, it is not often that an entry in the basketball simulator gets to come out right before a new console generation. It would be easy for 2K to lay back and create a lackluster or feature-soft version of NBA 2K21 for the current generation, while working on something much bigger for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. After playing the game, two things are clear: there are indeed new implementations to the game, but they seem to either make the experience worse or simply don’t feel fresh enough.
2K has big plans for the next generation of NBA 2K, but before then the current-gen version of NBA 2K21 has arrived just in time for the NBA “bubble” Playoffs. Fans are assuredly happy that the new iteration of the popular series has arrived, and that the game is not simply a copy and paste of last year’s NBA 2K20. 2K has implemented a new dribbling and movement system, a change to the shooting mechanic, alterations to MyTeam, MyCareer, and more, and perhaps most exciting a new Neighborhood called “The Beach.” The amount of “new” in this version of 2K is great, but some of those features end up falling a bit flat.
New features inside of MyGM are great, but overhauling something like dribbling is something that will be felt in every single mode. The Pro-stick allows players to have more control over the basketball than ever. An NBA star (my MyPlayer) with great dribbling stats, combined with a player who learns the new mechanics, will be able to shake-and-bake nearly anyone on the court. Especially in The Neighborhood/Beach, where more eye-popping moves can be pulled off, the Pro-stick really shines. Players can now hold up on the right thumb-stick to set up defenders, hesitate with a flick to the left, spin, etc. It is fun to pull off an impressive move, but it comes with shortcomings as well. If a player has lesser dribbling abilities, the Pro-stick really doesn’t feel much different than in older games, and the moves can often feel slow and unresponsive.
Although a hotfix to NBA 2K21 shooting improved things, the mechanic still feels inaccurate and impossible at times. The pull and then push mechanic has to be done both at the right time and perfectly straight, which is not easy at all. Shooting a straight shot with the thumbstick while doing a layup that requires the stick to be held at an angle feels counterintuitive and awkward. Timing the layup can be a pain as well, because different types of layups require holding and letting go of the ball at different times (unlike a jump shot that tends to feel like a rhythm). The result of all of this is a lot of mistimed layups and jumpers, which cam make the game frustrating. A wide-open three-pointer with someone like Damian Lillard doesn’t seem like a guarantee anymore, and that’s a bummer.
A few of the other changes to the overall gameplay are great in theory. Smaller and leaner players are supposed to run more quickly and feel a bit more fluid, and this feels true in off-ball scenarios. But players still feel like they magnetize to each other when trying to get open, as opposed to a slippery player like Steph Curry being able to slide right past a defender for an open catch and shoot scenario. Defending is also remarkably hard at times, as players tend to drive to the basket with ease. The game looks remarkable and realistic, but it’s frustrating when a defender can magnetize to the player and throw off a shot.
When it comes to the most enjoyable modes in NBA 2K21, MyPlayer/MyCareer probably tops that list. It is a satisfying experience to start off with a low-level MyPlayer and train them into an NBA superstar. MyCareer starts off in high school and players travel through college ball and into the NBA. The college game is fun, giving players an opportunity to put up points and dominate against competition that isn’t as difficult as what the NBA will provide. Players have a little bit of agency in NBA 2K21, including choosing an agent, picking an NBA team to work out with, etc. As far as the cutscenes, adults may want to skip through the silly dialogue, but the younger audience will most likely enjoy it. Overall the journey to the NBA is fun, but once the NBA portion gets started, the game can be a bit of a drag.
Players start out making a MyPlayer by choosing from various prototypes with a ton of customization options. The issue is that it takes a very long time for the player to ever see that potential. The player that we created can eventually be a three-point shooting slasher, someone with 80+ overall shooting abilities and speed to get to the rim, but when drafted, the shooting stats are closer to 50 overall. It’s almost like it would make more sense to be drafted very late and become a star over time, because no NBA GM would want to pick a player who makes just about as many three-pointers in an empty gym as the janitor.
The only way to progress in MyCareer is to play games, participate in practices, and receive endorsements. This takes a long time and eventually, it is possible to have a superstar on the court. But it can be frustrating to play with a low-rated player and get crushed by average NBA players in the meantime. Unfortunately, the season cannot be simulated for progress points either. It does help to be able to play on The Beach with different opponents and take on the day’s challenges, but it is still a long journey, and mostly by design.
The Beach looks very cool, but it’s more of a change of scenario than a revolutionary addition. All the same trappings are in place, including a shop to buy basketball gear, places to take on competition online, and more. Overall, MyCareer really feels like very little has changed at all.
MyLeague and MyGM have some of the coolest additions to NBA 2K21. The Boom or Bust Progression system is very neat, as it creates a truly unique experience for each player. In the past, players had pre-designed ceilings for ability and overall rating, but the new progression system is totally different. In one 20-year playthrough of MyLeauge, perhaps Jayson Tatum becomes the next Kobe Bryant. In another, he could simply be an 85 overall type player and make a few All-Star games. It is enjoyable to take the reins of a team and make decisions such as trades, coaching changes, and more.
MyTEAM is basically the same as in previous years, which isn’t a bad thing. It is still a blast to collect cards and build up a team, and there are a few changes that impact the game for the better. The developer wanted to mix up the game by making more cards viable, and one of the ways they have attempted to do this is by changing the way players go head to head. Now, specific card types must be played to force teams to adapt. The mode hasn’t seen a total overhaul by any means, but it’s still a staple of the series.
NBA 2K21 has a plethora of things to do. Some will gravitate to MyLeague for grand-scale teambuilding in online competition. Some will play solo through MyCareer, slowly building up an NBA legend. Others will head to The Beach and spend tons of time breaking ankles and taking it to the rim in ProAms. In a year in which it would have been easy to copy and paste the last NBA 2K game, 2K21 has a lot of “new” going for it. However, once players dig deeper, additions like The Beach don’t really feel any different than the old Neighborhood from previous years. And other changes, such as the shooting mechanics, are a step in the wrong direction. Overall NBA 2K21 feels like a bit of an off-step, but it is still a solid basketball experience.
NBA 2K21 is out now on PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and mobile devices. A PS5 and Xbox Series X version is in development. Game Rant was provided a PS4 code for this review.
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