NBA 2K21 Review: 4 Ups & 4 Downs

1. The Shooting System

Comfortably the most divisive topic of discussion surrounding this year's incarnation surrounds the overhauled shooting system, which has drawn the ire of those whiffing on shots they've been making for years. Critics were quick to hit social media after being confronted with the changes, ripping on what they called a "broken" system, prompting the developers to release a 7 September hotfix to ease things up at lower difficulty settings.

Going back to the old shot-stick aiming style requires greater precision, accuracy, and consideration of angles. There's definitely a learning curve and it creates a clearly-defined skill gap between those still getting used to the system and those who've mastered it. That this has sparked frustration is understandable, though the new method, like anything else, is a subjective experience. If you have the patience for it you will be rewarded.

The shooting switch-up has restored an element of challenge to the 2K series. Rather than diving in and employing the same old techniques, you have to take time to learn the new system, figure out what works and what doesn't works, and graft towards mastery. It takes a while, but it's immensely satisfying when you get there.