Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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NBA 2K21 (PS5) Review
Launched alongside the PS5 in 2020, NBA 2K21 was the first in the series built from the ground up for next-gen hardware. While it maintains the core gameplay that fans expect, it also introduces The City, a new MyCareer hub, enhanced visuals, and gameplay refinements that aim to push the franchise into the new console generation.
🏀 Gameplay & Mechanics
NBA 2K21 on PS5 delivers a noticeably improved gameplay experience compared to its last-gen counterpart:
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Shooting mechanics were overhauled with a new shot meter, making timing more skill-based and initially controversial among fans.
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Player movement feels smoother, with enhanced foot-planting and momentum-based motion that makes games more realistic and less floaty.
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AI has been improved, particularly on defense, with smarter rotations and more realistic off-ball movement.
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Haptic feedback via the DualSense controller adds immersion, with triggers tightening to simulate fatigue and contact.
While dribbling and post-play are more fluid, theres still a learning curveespecially with the updated shot system.
🧢 MyCareer & The City
The MyCareer mode offers a revamped story that takes your custom player from high school to the NBA:
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The story is fine but relatively predictableits the player progression and customization where the mode shines.
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The real draw is The City, a sprawling open-world hub replacing The Neighborhood.
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You can explore boroughs, complete side quests, participate in events, and rep one of four in-game affiliations.
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Its an ambitious feature, but some players may find the large space overwhelming or cumbersome to navigate.
Microtransactions remain a sore pointupgrading your player without buying VC (Virtual Currency) is a grind.
📆 Modes & Features
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MyCareer / The City
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MyTeam The collectible card game mode, with packs, challenges, and online play.
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MyNBA A merger of MyLeague and MyGM with full franchise control.
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Play Now and Blacktop for quick games and streetball
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Online play across all modes
MyNBA is a standout for franchise fans, offering in-depth customization and management tools.
📺 Graphics & Presentation (PS5)
NBA 2K21 is one of the best-looking sports games on PS5:
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Player models are highly detailed, including facial animations, sweat, and signature movements.
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Arenas look vibrant, with dynamic lighting, reflections on the court, and realistic crowd behavior.
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Cutscenes and broadcast-style camera angles replicate an actual televised NBA game.
Load times are drastically reduced on PS5, creating a seamless gameplay experience.
🎧 Sound & Commentary
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Commentary is deep and varied, with multiple teams, updated dialogue, and contextual reactions.
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Arena sounds, sneaker squeaks, and rim effects are incredibly lifelike.
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The licensed soundtrack is large and varied, catering to both mainstream and hip-hop fans.
