Matching up for matches in The Neighborhood remains

Matching up NBA 2K21 MT for matches in The Neighborhood remains the same--it could be a slog, waiting for gamers to queue up and the match to cycle through all of the pre- and post-game animations. I find the Rec's 5-on-5 games a whole lot more satisfying with appropriate matchmaking (given that teams are balanced in ability and positions), and also you are able to take this basketball ethos a step farther in the organized Pro-Am league. But enjoyment from these competitive outlets relies on the players that you get matched with, and also how much your participant has progressed as a way to maintain up.

That is where virtual currency (VC) comes into play, yet again. It is no surprise that microtransactions mess every corner of NBA 2K21--and for me, I have moved on from being outraged to sense despondent. The game boundaries on a pay-to-win version, with progress tracks that are paced in ways to nudge you towards paying for VC instead of making it. Improving your stats nevertheless relies on paying VC, and the prices increase exponentially the farther you upgrade a certain ability. There are plenty of nice cosmetics to earn, and it is admittedly a ton of fun dressing up your participant in new kicks as well as the flyest Nike and Adidas apparel, however their exorbitant VC prices suck the life out of their adventure.

VC permeates the MyTeam way again, too. This mode functions as a fantasy-esque build-your-own-team endeavor where you make card packs to unlock players among a roster which spans numerous NBA eras. MyTeam can be captivating for long-time basketball fans such as myself who've Allen Iverson teamed up with Anthony Davis and can take this dream team roster into single-player or multiplayer matches. However, the loot-box character of making card packs--which can be acquired by gradually earning MT points through fresh avenues such as challenges, seasonal events, and Buy NBA 2K21 MT Coins turning in cards that are useless, or by buying them with VC--leaves the reliance on VC unsurprisingly egregious.