NBA 2K21 Review: The Good, The Bad, And The Bottom Line For the last Version
I could have paid for a pre-order of the Mamba Forever Edition of NBA 2K21 if I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if it was worth it to buy the current-generation edition of the game.
I responded to the query in the form of an article, but it doesn't properly explain the tale of the current-gen version.
This is a unique release that is difficult to assess for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it was mostly developed during a global epidemic, which is crucial. Despite the obstacles the hard-working development team had during the game's production, it isn't fair to grade on a curve because the product isn't discounted for the general audience.
Second, it comes out just two months before the next-generation version, which is expected to outperform it in every way.
Finally, the global epidemic has disrupted the NBA season, making it impossible to offer the customary roster update that comes with a new version.
With all of these considerations in mind, I must still judge NBA 2K21 on current-generation platforms as a standalone product, regardless of how world events have influenced it or what presumably spectacular version is going to make us forget about it in 60-80 days.
So, here's what's good, terrible, and ugly in NBA 2K21 on current-gen platforms.
The Good:
1- Everything about movement is more fluid. The dribble is the main attraction. It's as if the user's handcuffs have been removed, and some very remarkable and satisfying actions are accessible, but some skill is required.
2- Shooting is a huge point of contention in the NBA 2K21 community, and it is undeniably more difficult to drain threes in this year's game than in previous versions. There's a new shot meter that's throwing most of us off, but I'm seeing improvements in my own game, and I'm sure others are as well.
The increased difficulty appeals to me, and I suppose there is some logic to it. Shooters with strong qualities and related badges enhance accuracy significantly in offline modes and MyTeam. If they don't have enough badges, they'll struggle a lot with Neighborhood features. It won't be easy for the NBA 2K21 community, which might be one of the most privileged gaming communities, but it will happen. On Sunday, September 6, 2K21 will release a hotfix for the lower difficulty levels, which should meet newbies where they are.
3- The freelance offenses are stunning to see unfold, and they're all different depending on whose team you're on. Watching the various offenses work to get their top players the ball will be entertaining for true basketball fans.
the bad:
1- Running into the ball-handler rather than cutting them off and delaying their route to the basket is still a common defensive strategy. The cat-and-mouse duel between dribbler and defender is still a mystery to NBA 2K21. It's a tricky balance since they want to keep the rhythm that made 2Ka a more enjoyable game to play than NBA Live in the first place, but there needs to be a game inside a game in this component, and NBA 2K21 still falls short.
2- The meals are uncomfortably bland, bringing the basic and clean approach to its logical conclusion.
3- NBA 2K20's halftime performance, pre-show, intros, and national anthem are nearly identical.
4- Much of the comments are similar to that of last year's game. All of these undeveloped or unfinished aspects add together to make this aspect of the game more of a negative than a plus.
The Bottom Line:
There isn't much change between this and NBA 2K20 aside from the contentious shooting premise, a new appearance for the Neighborhood, and a completely revamped MyTeam mode. I'm not convinced this is a must-have for you if you're not a die-hard MyTeam fan–especially if you're getting it on next-gen.
Also, if this was a half-priced or free-to-play NBA 2K20 expansion, I would have given it a different rating. There are certainly good elements in place, but it doesn't feel like a brand fresh game in as many ways as it usually does.
- PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Google Stadia are the platforms available.
- Visual Concepts is the developer.
- 2K is the publisher.
- On September 4, 2020, the film will be released.
- The normal edition costs $59.99, while the Mamba Forever Edition costs $99.99.
- 7.25 out of 10 for the review.
- For the Xbox One version of this game, 2K offered a review code.