Cigar Funhouse

[Amerzone]

NBA 2K21 was among those handful of games which had a complete next-gen enhancement ready to go on launch day. Adding revamped graphics, as well as several noteworthy new features, NBA 2K21 actually seemed like a substantial update from its last-gen counterpart. The game even has a new cover, with Zion Williamson taking the ring up for next-gen with cheap 2K21 MT. However, upgrades weren't free unless players purchased the 100 Mamba Edition. Otherwise, they would need to purchase the match in complete for $70. After spending a significant quantity of time together with NBA 2K21 on next-gen it is hard to say that what's here really warrants the asking cost.

As with nearly every game on the next-gen consoles, NBA 2K21 loads incredibly fast. Fans of the series have grown accustomed to picking up their phone and scrolling through social media when loading into games or swapping modes, so the faster speeds are a wonderful treat. While playing the Xbox Series X, I never had to wait longer than a couple of seconds to get into a game. Navigating through the MyCareer menu, hitting on continue, and instantly being put on the court felt just like magic. Overall, the load rates of these next-gen consoles make 2K21 a much better experience. Hardcore players are used to marathoning games, and these snappy load times make everything easier. Even loading into the match's online manners, which have been notoriously slow in the past.

NBA 2K21's graphics get a facelift in its own next-gen version. The lighting is better, along with the faces look a lot more lifelike. Some of the characters in cutscenes still seem somewhat tough, but the players themselves seem better than ever. As far as mechanics, 2K21 does not reinvent the wheel using its next-gen edition. However, the developers used this opportunity to bring some more unique animations into the game. Including some new cartoons for alley-oops, that can be extremely satisfying to pull away. I also felt like dribbling and ball motion were just smoother overall when playing Xbox Series X.

Among the more welcome changes in next-gen 2K21 is that the addition of the G League. But when coming out of high school, players can decide to take the conventional path to the NBA and go to college, or enter the G League. While college will provide the players with greater exposure and fans, the G League can help them hone their skills quicker, with greater progression on badges and abilities. 2K21 also fixes one of those frustrating issues I brought up in my own review, as gamers are now able to alter the camera angle at high school, college, and the G League. Despite some solid changes and improvements, MyCareer still feels incredibly grindy. VC is hard to find unless you ditch a part-time project's worth of hours into the game, or crack open your wallet.

Players can now hop into The W, a mode that lets them create their own WNBA celebrity. It is an awesome piece of representation to an often ignored basketball league, although the mode isn't nearly as fleshed out as 2K21's other center modes. The City is a brand-new edition in NBA 2K21 on next-gen. Composed of a bunch of parks and regions, The City is almost a huge version of The Neighborhood. There's more courts, that is fine NBA 2K Coins, but the pros stop there. You still have to buy a chunk for 25k VC just to play with friends on a personal court, and the servers are still very shoddy.