NBA 2K21 review, standard edition for PS 5, Xbox Series X, and Series S

The NBA 2K21 is not only a game, it’s more than a lives. The 22nd edition of the NBA 2K basketball game called NBA 2K21 is a video simulation game released on November 12, 2020, but it will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Series S game consoles. The NBA 2K21 is founded on the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the game was developed and published by Visual Concepts and 2K Sports.

You need to know this installment is facing criticism from real NBA game fans. If you plan on purchasing the NBA 2K21, it will be best if you first go through this NBA 2K21 review. In this article, we shall be taking you through the NBA 2K21, allowing you to understand better about this game.

NBA 2K21

NBA 2K21 has worked up its visual concepts to boost the gaming experience. The NBA 2K21 delivers better results; however, it was never a typical off-season for visual concepts. It was designed to take NBA 2K to another level and make it suitable for the next generation. Furthermore, it is the first sports game designed for both the new PS5 and the Xbox Series X. This resulted in a valiant effort that is full of incredible features and some top-notch visual leaps. However, there is some seasoning along with adjustments that need to be done to the playbook.

How much does the NBA 2K21 cost?

Standard Edition: $59.99
NBA 2K21 Next Generation:$69.99
Mamba Forever Edition: $99.99

NBA 2K21 standard edition

• When you purchase the NBA 2K21 standard edition for the current generation system, you will receive these digital items;
• 5,000 MyTEAM points.
• 5,000 virtual Currency.
• 10 MyTEAM Promo packs (these are delivered one per week).
• 5 pair Shoe Collection.
• 9 MyCAREER Skill Boots.
• 3 MyCAREER Gatorade Boosts.
• Damian Lillard Digital Collection.

The other thing that has gotten lots of attention is that NBA 2K21 PS5 and the Xbox Series X versions of the standard edition tend to cost $10 more compared to their counterparts’ current generation system.

• When you purchase the next-generation edition of the NBA 2K21, you will be able to have access to these digital items;
• 5,000 MyTEAM Points.
• 5,000 Virtual Currency.
• 10 MyTEAM Promo Packs (these are delivered one per week).
• 5 pair MyCAREER Shoe Collection.
• 6 MyCAREER Skill Boosts.
• 3 MyCAREER Gatorade Boosts.
• Zion Williamson Digital Collection.

NBA 2K21 Mamba Forever

• Just like the 2K21 standard edition, the NBA 2K21 Mamba Forever features both current generation and next-generation systems. When you purchase the current generation system NBA 2K21 Mamba Forever, you will have access to these digital extras;
• 10,000 MyTEAM Points.
• 100,000 Virtual Currency.
• 60 MyCAREER Skill Boosts.
• 10 MyTEAM Tokens.
• 40 MyTEAM Promo Packs (you will receive 10 at launch and three each week).
• 30 MyCAREER Gatorade Boosts
• Sapphire Damian Lillard along with Zion Williamson MyTEAM cards.
• MyPLAYER backpack.
• MyPLAYER Shoe Collection.

Kobe Bryant Digital Collection.

When it comes to the NBA 2K21 Mamba Forever edition, you will be able to get both currents as well as same-family next-generation consoles. In addition, on that, when purchasing this product, you will be able to have access to these digital items;

• 10,000 MyTEAM points.
• 100,000 Virtual Currency.
• 60 MyCAREER Skill Boosts.
• 10 MyTEAM Tokens.
• 40 MyTEAM Promo Packs (you will receive 10 at launch and three every week).
• MyPLAYER Shoe Collection.
• Sapphire Damian Lillard along with Zion Williamson MyTEAM cards.
• MyPLAYER 72 Hours 2X REP Boost.
• Kobe Bryant Digital Collection.
• MyPLAYER backpack and ball

Promotion

On June 11th, 2020, the teaser was released when the PS5 Reveal Event was taking place. It features New Orleans Pelicans’ player model Zion Williamson. During this time, they released a few seconds of pre-alpha in the engine footage. In addition to that, they were able to show several effects, including shadow details and ray-tracing.

NBA 2K announced on June 30th, 2020 Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard will be covered in the standard edition on the current-generation system. Zion Williamson was also announced by NBA 2K on July 1st, 2020, as the cover athlete for the standard edition of the next-generation system.

On July 2nd, 2020, the final covers were announced, including honoring the late Kobe Bryant. The current generation system will have eight covers that will feature Bryant dunking with an afro and 24 covers for the next-generation console, which features him waving after his 60-point score in the NBA final game in 2016.

Gameplay

Generally, the NBA 2K21 features similar gameplay to the previous NBA 2K series. As a player, you will primarily play NBA matches with customized or real-life NBA players as well as NBA teams. Furthermore, NBA 2K21 games have been designed to follow the rules along with the objectives of NBA matches.

There are various game models available, and they feature several customizable settings. You will be able to create up to six expansion teams. You can use these teams in MyGM and MyLeague modes with a 36-team league possibility. Furthermore, several teams can be rebranded as well as relocated.

NBA 2K series, for the second time, features all the 12 WNBA teams for gamers to play. NBA 2K21 comes fitted with 67 classic teams, including the 2015-2016 Cleveland Cavaliers 2016-2017 Golden State Warriors, and 2018-2019 Toronto Raptors.

Reception

According to the review aggregator Metacritic, The NBA 2K21 has received average or mixed reviews from critics. The game received a 6 out of 10 score from Michael Higham of GameSpot. According to Michael, NBA 2K21 is a full package; however, it demonstrates relatively low motivation to improve itself significantly. However, that does not take away that NBA 2K is a fun and rewarding game. You will get burnt out faster compared to other years when going through the same grind as well as the same process with superficial changes.

Just like Michael Higham, Ben Vollmer from the IGN gave NBA 2K21 6 out of 10 scores. According to Ben, 2K21 is more the same, and it is no good anymore, particularly when it features obstructive microtransactions. He added that it’s a shame that NBA 2 K’s focus isn’t on fun the gamer has on the court but on extracting money from their fans’ wallets in MyCareer and the MyTeam modes that tend to be less fun unless paid for. Furthermore, Ben added that maybe a new set of consoles would bring a fresh start for the NBA 2K franchise.

Almost 9K copies of NBA 2K21 were sold within the first week in Japan. This made it the seventh best selling retail game of that particular week. In addition to that, NBA 2K21 was nominated for the Best Sport/ Racing game category at the Game Awards 2020.