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NBA 2K21 Next-Gen Review: It Getting A Completely New Experience

NBA 2K21 has been out for a while, but the next-gen version is now here, players on PS5 and Xbox Series X getting a completely new experience. Here, let us review NBA 2K21 Next-Gen and see what new and good things it brings.


Graphics and Animations



1). Mostly Beautiful Visuals


Some of the renders and screenshots that you can pull are simply amazing. Even screens of objects, hands, legs, shoes, etc. will sometimes cause an even longer double-take than we've seen in previous games.


2). Smoothest Animations Ever in a Basketball Game


2K has actually added some cool new animations. Again, the full extent of these changes will be realized when the game is widely available. One of the coolest leaked clips is that of a bounce alley-oop. They have also fixed moves like the 'Curry Slide'.


3). Stunning Environments


It feels like the arenas are a living organism and if you've ever been to a live NBA game, you know how busy the building is all the while the players are on the field playing, and the coaching staff is doing their thing on the sidelines. 2K21 on next-gen accurately captures that hustle and bustle, and it's best appreciated during the pre-game festivities.


Gameplay, Realism, and Fun



1). Great Expressions of Speed and Weight


More than ever, I can feel the difference between bigger guys and smaller guards. Players run, dribble, jump and handle differently.


2). Sound Rebounding Tech


2K might have found the most realistic and balanced rebounding system they've had in series history. The best way for me to represent this aspect of the game is to say, every time a rebound goes to a player, I feel as though I understand how they came down with the ball.


3). Impact Engine is a Winner


A whole new physics engine for body collision is coming to the next-gen.


This will change the way the game is played at the rim and a whole new way of using screens and charges.


The collisions will also impact dunks, drives, and other aspects of the game, making for a more realistic game.


4). WNBA Gameplay Really Shines


Fans of the WNBA will be in for a treat as the game will be getting a host of modes, especially for WNBA. That's a big W for these talented women! Not only will it get a brand new MyWNBA season experience, but the game will also be getting a WNBA MyPLAYER and a 3v3 experience called W Online. Players will be able to sit in both the GM and commissioner's chair in MyWNBA to "drive the growth of all 12 WNBA teams and the entire league".


5). PARK play is as Good as It Has Been in Years



The NBA 2K21 park mode which is now set on the beach has a lot of room for the shiny new graphics to work their magic. Enhanced graphics on the court but off the court could add a new level of appeal for players looking to start their Park careers. Combined with the new graphics, the movement updates could add a much needed cosmetic upgrade to the park.


6). Shooting is More Balanced


NBA 2K21 will take on some big upgrades to shooting on next-gen. Shooting mechanics will be the biggest difference with updates including improvements to shot-aiming, bank-shot control, and the shot meter to improve realism and player-control. Next-gen hardware has also allowed them to improve 3-point line recognition to avoid awkward animations when trying to shoot those long-distance shots. The shot meter is larger, and there is still a way to use shot-aiming, but with even more control than before. Join now! But to become the core player of the Next-Gen of games, you need a lot of cheap 2k21 mt, look at U4GM.COM, and it won't disappoint!


7). Dribbling is Fantastic


There is an equally expansive section about the new dribbling options which include Sauce and size-up controls. There are several options and new layers to this aspect of the game.


8). Defense Isn't as "Grabby"


Most of what makes the gameplay improved wouldn't be possible in any mode if the action felt as "grabby" as it has in other versions. It isn't as easy to create the magnetic contact that inexplicably impeded a ball-handler's movement. In previous years, this had become the meta on defense, but now it's a little more about anticipation rather than riding the wave of a flawed mechanic. This isn't perfect by any means, but 2K has taken some strides in improving the collision balance between ballhandler and defender.


9). The Leniency in MyPlayer Building is Welcomed


The MyPLAYER builder has been entirely revamped, removing color pies, 16 badges, and more for a new system and brand new badges. Some of those restrictions are still there, but you now have far more control and this allows you to create players who are simply more fun to progress.


Sound and Presentation


1). Multiple Commentary Teams


The next-gen version has multiple commentary teams, and with them, there are special guests. This keeps the audio presentation in games fresh.


2). Arena Sights and Sounds Are Stellar


The environment around the arena is more alive than it has been before. There are now 150 CPU-controlled NPCs in the arena and environment. To go with the realistic look of NBA arenas, there's also enhanced sound. If you go with the broadcast look, you'll hear a great blend of floor sound effects with the crowd (boy do I miss that in real life) and the commentary.


Options and Modes


1). MyNBA is Insanely Deep


In MyNBA, players can create their own league and manage at both the GM and commissioner levels with unprecedented levels of control. Some of the new additions to NBA 2K21 include the ability to create leagues ranging from 12 to 36 teams, develop players in the G League and set new scoring rules like the ELAM Ending.


2). Roster Creation and Share Options Are Unrivaled


Roster creation and franchise mode kind of go hand-in-hand and both have seen noteworthy upgrades. The next-gen version allows fans to share their MyNBA setups and scenarios for nearly unlimited replay value for those in the community. The amount of customization in this family of modes has every other sports gaming community envying what 2K franchise fans have at their disposal.


3). The City is a Revelation



The Neighborhood has become The City, a massive new expansion of the game mode with Affiliations, new facilities, a huge new open-world city to explore, quests, and more.


The entire city is massive, and it reportedly takes about 45 minutes to walk through every inch of it. The number of things there are to do in this environment is layered enough to be its own game. It will be difficult for any other sports game to come close to this technological advancement.


4). The Return of Affiliations is Huge


Affiliations are back, and they make a lot more sense this time around. For some years now, one of the most requested features from the NBA 2K community has been Affiliation-based gameplay. The power of the Next Gen consoles has given 2K the opportunity to execute on this fully.


Also, there is a bit of an achievement element added because all players must begin their journey in Rookieville before being admitted into either neighborhood.


5). WNBA Experience is Great


The entire tile for the WNBA is packed with goodness. From the aforementioned gameplay excellence to the introduction of the WNBA MyCareer experience, MyWNBA, and the online play of The W, which delivers a 3-on-3 PARK-style feel, 2K has done the ladies of the community right. There is still room for more expansion, but 2K has established itself as the most inclusive sports video game series.


6). Tattoos Are Finally in for Offline CAPs


We're finally getting tattoos back on generated players and prospects in NBA 2K21! The tattoo system is a LOT more advanced than the one from many moons ago, and it has a base in the aforementioned MyPLAYER tattoo system. So with that, we can proudly say generated player tattoos are now officially back and better than ever!


The Next-Gen has arrived, hurry up and join! Also, for more information about the NBA 2K21 Next-Gen, please visit here.

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