2K Sports’ signature sports series, NBA 2K21, is about to make the dramatic leap into the next- generation, headed to Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 sometime this holiday season. The company has already promised big things, making the game look even more realistic than it does now.
Before it takes that leap, however, it had to make yet another stop on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC, to please the millions that are already onboard with its slam dunk action. And I’m happy to report that, despite some bothersome microtransactions that continue to hang around, NBA 2K21 still hits that sweet spot when it comes to basketball goodness.
While most aspects of the game are unchanged, it does just enough new to warrant a purchase – especially if you snag the Kobe Bryant tribute Mamba Edition, which will automatically net you a free next-gen upgrade. That’s the way to go.
Let’s take a look at why the game’s still a hit, even with those microtransactions.
Shooting Like a Champ
First off, 2K Sports continues to pack NBA 2K with the best controls out there. Shooting still feels clutch, especially when you use a champ like Stephen Curry (newcomers are great too, depending on their timing), and there’s nothing more satisfying than nailing a dunk on an opponent.
There’s a new feature where you use the analog stick for shooting, and it’s an interesting process. It takes a good deal of timing, and is a bit trickier than using the traditional button to release your shot. However, some folks will feel it’s a natural edition to the game, and may turn to it as a default.
What’s more, defense still has great game, especially when it comes to key blocks in the zone (nothing beats a fresh denial for a quick dunk), and stealing the ball to get a quick score. There’s lots of balance here, just as there’s been in previous games.
There’s not too much that’s broken here when it comes to how the game plays, so NBA 2K21 continues the status quo, while doing just enough to keep from being a cut and paste.
Modes, Modes and… Transactions
The MyCareer mode continues to be a staple for this series, as you build your player up through the ranks and eventually become an NBA champion. There’s a terrific story here, one that has a lot of gradual build-up and some fundamental storytelling that the series could use more of. It’s really well written and keeps you involved with each step your player takes in the league. However, this ties in with the game’s upgrade system, which gives you two choices – grinding things out to get the gear you want and sacrifice certain attributes along the way, or, sigh, making purchases with real cash. This series has become more and more about microtransactions over the years, and it still shows here. They’re not absolutely necessary to progress, but they might save some folks a headache. And, honestly, I’d be much happier if they went away.
The rest of the game’s modes are fun. MyTeam continues to be a strong feature, as you build up your team and unlock some cool cards; and the Seasons mode is good fun, as you try to keep your players in line and, again, build up a solid deck. MyGM and MyLeague are good fun too, but hardly have that many new features outside of what we’ve seen over the years.
As for Playground, it’s back as well, in a new beach-style setting that’s sure to entertain the locals. However, its matchmaking is wayyyyy off, as you’re often put up against NBA pros that will school you every chance we get. If 2K were smart, it would introduce a matchmaking system where the pros go up against the pros, and the rookies stand a better chance.
Otherwise, you’re better off polishing your skills offline before you hop on and take on the world.
Overall, there’s a lot to do here, but the shadow of microtransactions is a bit tough to shake.
The Presentation Still Rocks
While the next-gen version of NBA 2K21 should be something special, the current-gen versions are no slouches, to say the least. The game still looks very good on the Xbox One, running at a beautiful speed and looking like a great simulation. Sometimes the players can look a wee bit too polished, but overall they’re pretty damn accurate; and their animations are a sight to behold. Also, I think it’s great that the WNBA gets some focus here as well, as they’re a truly underappreciated league.
Kenny Smith and his group of NBA commentators return for another round as well, and I’m happy to report that their banter continues to be the smoothest I’ve heard in a sports game.
They can miss a comment or two at times, but overall they capture the rhythm and excitement of the sport, right down to some key plays (read: a magnificent dunk) that can take them by surprise. I loved what I heard here.
Throw in some great soundtrack selections and sound effects that continue to capture the majesty of the game, and you have a basketball sim that continues to deliver.
It Can Still Buy a Bucket
NBA 2K21 still carries the bad habit of relying on microtransactions to truly make progress right away, and it hangs over the game pretty heavily. However, if you can shake that off somehow, you’ll find it laden with great modes and features, along with a rock solid presentation that continues to capture what makes basketball so special. The choice is yours, but this is a fun game to play as you await its eventual next-gen debut… which we’ll hopefully find out more about soon enough.
