The aim-meter mechanic is really difficult to master

Notably: Bill Bryson, Pitch Perfect, and also the Streets Of Rage Collection. I've got two kids who aren't really NBA 2K21 MT old enough to play Madden yet. Shortly, thoug...

NBA 2K21 is officially available now, but I just got my full review copy yesterday morning, so this review in progress will trickle into next week (after the Labor Day weekend). However, I was able to devote a decent number of hours yesterday, and in that time NBA 2K21 has made it clear that it's claimed the franchise's record of stellar on-court gameplay. Most of the updates are relatively small, like loose rebounds looking and feeling a lot more realistic, however they also help add to an already solid base. The best part of NBA 2K21 so far is the controller tweaks, like the new goal meter, make for an all-new learning curve. Regrettably, updates to the encompassing game modes look fairly barebones.

The aim-meter mechanic is really difficult to master, but has led to some quite satisfying one-on-one isolation victories. It's nice having the ability to use the right stick exclusively as a dribbling tool until I am ready to pull back for a shot. The capability to size-up, which is tied to special dribbling animations for lots of the top players from the league, and also isolate is much better than ever. I spent a few hours experimenting with different playstyles, like easing the pick-and-roll with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. It is tremendously rewarding to use Doncic's size and footwork to create space - something I couldn't replicate with other guards on the team, like Seth Curry. While it is not entirely 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 marginally enhanced, but participant spacing is still clearly off. For instance, even my finest three-point shooters will track within the three-point lineup on fast breaks when they would be better off locating space in the corner. In general, it feels like NBA 2K21 has not fully adapted to the emphasis modern NBA basketball has put on the three-point line. Quick catch-and-shoots are not as common as they should Buy NBA 2K21 MT Coins be, and final out remains far too easy on protection.