With the release date for NBA 2k21 nearing, trailers continue to drop showcasing the gameplay mechanics and graphic components of the game. Today I’m going to break down what we know about the gameplay experience of NBA 2k21 as of the first gameplay trailer drop for current generation consoles. 

Brand New Shot Meter

YouTube Breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2cP1kDypO0

Showcased briefly in the official current generation gameplay trailer, a new shot meter is going to be introduced in 2k21. Players in the community and in the NBA gaming league have mixed ideas about the mechanics of the new meter as well as mixed feelings about the new meter itself. The Indiana Pacers Esports & Gaming Team do a great job breaking down what this new shot meter means for 2k going forward and overall just go into more depth. For that video visit the link above. 

Overall I personally have mixed feelings about this change as well. I feel that it will take some practice to get used to the new mechanics even for the players in the 2k Esports League. 

Current Gen vs Next-Gen Graphics

YouTube Breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8lxoN3Wq10

Revealed at Sony’s PS5 event, the next generation official trailer was dropped featuring Pelicans star Zion Williamson. Ronnie Singh (better known as Ronnie 2k), the Digital Marketing Director at 2k revealed in a video that the trailer showcased next-generation in-game footage directly from 2k21. In his YouTube video, creator JumpmanGerm breaks down this footage in comparison to 2k20 on the PS4 (link above).

Throughout the years, when a new console comes out the improvements to graphics within the coexisting 2k game have improved drastically. That seems to be the case with enhanced graphics for next-generation console players. Although it was a change that we all saw coming, this is one to be excited about if you are looking to secure a new PS5 or Xbox Series X, but don’t fret current generation players, graphics will be enhanced to some degree for us too. 

New MyCareer Story

YouTube Breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX1BZvd1S34

Certainly one of the highlights of the current generation gameplay trailer was the tease to the MyCareer storyline. With college players and teams being showcased in the trailer, fans are certain that players will have the option to play in college during their MyCareer experience. In his breakdown video, Eric Rayweather discusses what the addition of college basketball will mean for the MyCareer storyline (link above). 

I think that this is a great addition to the gameplay experience of the 2k franchise. In the past 2k has tiptoed around the idea of your MyPlayer’s college year(s)  but now it seems that we will get the full college experience. 

New Neighborhood

YouTube Breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5a_gVuleJA

Showcased for just a split second within the current generation gameplay trailer, 2k developers teased a new addition to the neighborhood. In his trailer breakdown video, ShakeDown2012 does a great job of speculating what this could mean for the multiplayer park experience (link above). 

Although we don’t know much about the neighborhood and most of the leaks are speculation, it is refreshing to see that the neighborhood experience will be fresh and new in some capacity in 2k21.

Dribble Animations

YouTube Breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5a_gVuleJA

In his breakdown video of the 2k21 current generation gameplay trailer, ShakeDown2012 does a remarkable job discussing the addition of dribble size-ups. What was once a beloved addition to 2k games was noticeably absent in 2k20. As discussed in ShakeDown’s video, the addition of these size ups will bring much-needed variety to dribbling in 2k21. 

I am personally really looking forward to this in 2k21. Dribbling was almost downright boring in 2k20 and with a more versatile set of dribbling options, players can be more creative with that aspect of their game. 

Despite all of the new information and leaks coming out about 2k21, there is still so much left for us to speculate. However, based on what we know now, NBA 2k21 is going to be a fresh and new take on the world of NBA basketball. To take advantage of all of the new gameplay aspects of NBA 2k21 be sure to purchase your copy of the game when it comes out on September 4th.