The aim-meter NBA 2K Coins mechanic is really difficult to grasp, but has already led to a really gratifying one-on-one isolation victories. It's nice being able to use the right stick exclusively as a sculpting tool until I am ready to pull back for a shot. The capability to size-up, which can be tied to unique dribbling animations for lots of the top players in the league, and isolate is much better than ever. I spent a few hours experimenting with various playstyles, like easing the pick-and-roll using Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. It's tremendously rewarding to utilize Doncic's size and footwork to create area - something I couldn't replicate with other defenses on the team, like Seth Curry. While it is not completely new, NBA 2K21's ability to entertain gamers' playstyles is exceptional this year.

That said, there are a couple annoying gameplay issues I have come across, too. Fastbreaks seem slightly enhanced, but participant spacing is still noticeably off. For example, even my finest three-point shooters will track within the three-point line on fast breaks when they would be better off locating space in the corner. In general, it seems like NBA 2K21 hasn't completely adapted to the emphasis modern NBA basketball has set on the three-point line. Quick catch-and-shoots are not as common as they should be, and closing out is still far too easy on defense.

Similarly frustrating is the CPU's capacity to make difficulties for itself. It functioned as a jarring reminder that I was not, in actuality, experiencing a real game of NBA basketball.

From a cursory glance, MyLeague appears to have received nearly zero upgrades. The mode has a decent set of features built into it already, but this is actually the second year in a row without noteworthy advancements. As someone who loves to deep-dive into franchise building, it's really disappointing that there is so little effort being placed into the mode.

Luckily, MyTeam has at least ditched its dreadful casino aesthetic out of this past year. Make no mistake, even however -- even though it looks different, it seems heavily dependent on microtransactions and buying packs. As I said in last year's review, it's apparent the MyTeam's central aim is to extract as much cash as you're willing to give up in order to prevent needing to grind out mundane Buy 2K21 MT challenges to advancement, and it doesn't seem anything has changed in this section.