NBA 2K21 Review: 4 Ups & 4 Downs

2K's creative slump has never been more apparent.

by Andy H Murray
NBA 2K21 Review
2K

A new entry in almost every sports gaming franchise provokes the same annual conversations. Is it worth paying full retail price for what cynics invariably refer to as a glorified data update, with the developers touting subtle innovations over outright revolution?

The answer usually depends on said subtle innovations. Released on current-gen platforms on 4 September (with a next-gen version to follow sometime in Q4 2020), NBA 2K21 touts revamped shooting mechanics (with the controversial Pro Stick revived for the first time since 2K17), new animations modelled after leading NBA players, an updated badge system, overhauled dribbling, and more. These join the usual array of gameplay and mechanical tweaks, plus the ability to create a 6'8" point guard (!), in the 2K21 sales pitch.

For the most part, the game is still the same NBA 2K as it was before. 2K21 feels and plays largely like as its predecessors, something your mileage may vary on, though the new bells and whistles have bolted on with mixed results. Leading this is the highly divisive shooting system, though 2k Sports' 7 September hotfix has mitigated most of these concerns.

So is the game worth emptying your wallet this year? Let's find out...

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.