I can't say I'm surprised that the $70 next gen version is mostly just a few new features and better looking models and courts, but I am surprised that they made this happen while the game feels less fluid and actually has dips in frame rate at many times. While the MyCareer story addition of the G-League is cute, it lays bare yet again just how thin the actual MyCareer framework is after the story mode is completed. Oh also they made a whole bunch of the WNBA look like shit because they can't figure out hair color and whatnot.

Sports games for the most part are usually an enjoyable, fun experience alongside having a popping memorable soundtrack. I’ve played a few different sport games including various Basketball games, but this was my first time playing an actual 2K NBA game. As it was free with my newly fresh Xbox Series X, I was happy to get a free game even if it’s not one I would usually play. The NBA series has been around for a few console generations now, releasing year after year so it usually gets a mention, especially with the last few years with controversies such as the battle of microtransactions and glitchy games just to name a few. So, despite all this how many hoops did I shoot?

A few. I shot quite a few hoops;
There is a variation of game modes to play; including MyCareer which is essentially a main campaign, Park which is a casual street match, MyLeague, MyTeam, PlayNow Online, Blacktop and a quick play mode. You can also create your own NBA character and choose from Men and Women’s leagues which is cool to see.
I stuck to playing a few quick play matches, and logged a few hours in MyCareer which I thought was fine, nothing groundbreaking you just play matches and use social media to see fan feedback, things you can post to share to your social media which can boost your team’s popularity and text your team.

The gameplay itself felt fine to me, however it was sometimes a bit overwhelming with remembering what button does what; so I stuck to the basics (run n shoot). It took me a while to train myself to not use the a or b button to take a shot.

As mentioned before, sports games, at least to me, usually have a kick-ass soundtrack with a variation of genre and artists and NBA 2K21 was no exception, ranging from Hip-Hop, R&B and Rap just to name a few.

Pros: The Soundtrack and freedom to customise your character’s backstory/position on the court.
Cons: I believe this may have just been my TV as well, and I’m normally not one to nit pick with graphics but this game didn’t feel up to what the graphics should be in contemporary time.

I wouldn’t go out of my way to play the campaign again, maybe on the occasion I’ll boot it back up for a few quick game matches but other than that I don’t see any replay value.

I was a bit unimpressed with how it looked for an Xbox Series X game; although I feel my TV may have contributed to that as well.

I only stuck to MyCareer and quick game matches, so I can't speak on behalf of any other game mode.

I managed to get a few achievements but I wont go out of my way to get more or invest time. With some of these achievements or trophies, it requires a bit of time and effort.

Overall the game was fine, I had some fun, shot some hoops and found a few songs from the soundtrack to add to my spotify playlist.

2.5/5

I played the "Arcade Edition" released on Apple Arcade, technically a different game I guess? Anyway I don't feel motivated to submit a separate version on IGDB. It's funny how 2K has gradually ruined the series with pretty evil microtransaction garbage, some of the most intrusive and nefarious you'll see in boxed products, and that when they put out a version that has none of that they clearly don't have their heart in it because it's not going to make them way more money. "Arcade Edition" apparently just means stripping any life out of the game too. If someone was so desperate for basketball on a tablet or phone that they'd consider pulling this out... I dunno, maybe play Bouncy Hoops instead? I remember that being pretty neat.