Cyrus Langhorne
Let’s be absolutely clear – the NBA 2K21 experience on next generation consoles is insanely fun. While there’s the debate on whether or not you’ll notice key differences from gameplay to overall presentation – let me be the first to tell you it’s not even close for Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X/S gamers.
The next generation experience is a breath of fresh air and makes it nearly impossible to put down the controller once the games start up. From the smooth and lifelike basketball experience to having endless moves and controls, the crispy quality of NBA 2K21 is endless fun.
Getting a chance to load up the Xbox Series X/S version of NBA 2K21 around some family and friends, both folks – young and older – were in disbelief at the gameplay. There are times when you glance and think you’re watching a real, live action game.
While I could just freestyle about my Brooklyn Nets going up against stiff competition with the likes of the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, let’s crack into a few highlights the 2K folks point out with the next generation version:
Next-Gen Graphics, Next-Gen Realism – Experience the NBA game with an enhanced level of realism and immersion possible only on next-gen gaming platforms. The dynamic new Rail Cam presentation transports the player to the hardwood floors, providing a full view of the game and highlights the incredible visual fidelity of the players and arena;
Lightning-Fast Load Times – By utilizing the built-in solid-state drives (SSDs) of the next-gen consoles, NBA 2K21now features incredibly short load times that get players directly into the action;
The Arena Comes to Life – Step into a living, breathing arena with the all-new Lower Bowl presentation. Experience the sights and sounds of the arena floor and crowds powered by more than 150 AI characters: on-camera interviews from reporters, interactions between fans, vendors going about their duties and much more;
Smoother, Tougher, More Precise – Huge next-gen improvements across all aspects of gameplay blur the line between game and reality. Control the arc of your shot or the pace of your size-ups, execute step-back threeswith new foot planting technology, twist and turn in mid-air with the new Impact Engine and more.
That’s not the end. If you’re really about enjoying the perks of having a next generation title, then you’re going to freak out – in a good way – with the features and modes.
Welcome to the City – Leave the Neighborhood; enter the City. A map that is many, many times larger than previous Neighborhoods, a towering Event Center for all basketball activities and multiple districts and factions, the City invites you to live out a much-expanded, more seamless basketball life -possible only on next-gen gaming platforms;
Introducing the W – Greatly expanding on the WNBA experience introduced last year, The W is the first-ever WNBA MyPLAYER experience for the NBA 2Kfranchise. Create your own fully customizable WNBA player and take her through a pro career featuring all 12 WNBA teams and the league’s brightest stars. Experience the thrill of competition and go head-to-head in The W Online, featuring intense 3v3 MyPLAYER competition set on a beautiful newcourt exclusive to the game mode;
Your Own Basketball Journey – Take your MyCAREER destiny into your own hands with all-new player choices and dynamic career paths. Start your budding basketball career in high school, get the full four-year college ball experience in one of 10 authentic US universities or head to the NBA G League;
Revamped League Management with MyNBA and MyWNBA – This is your NBA and WNBA, and this is your franchise mode, with an unprecedented amount of control over every aspect of the game. Expand your custom NBA league to 36 teams or reduce it 12, watch and control player growth through the boom/bust system and share your setups and scenarios with the community;
Industry Leading In-Game Soundtrack – The largest and most definitive collection of music ever assembled in NBA 2K, with more than 350 tracks available to players throughout the life of the game.
If you had any doubts, rest assured the upgrade to the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X/S is 100 percent ready for non-stop NBA 2K21 gaming with all the perks and crystal clear quality you’ve come to expect from the 2K team.
