The new-generation NBA looks fantastic and makes numerous improvements, but it also introduces some

The addition of a pro hop button and the separation of the shoot and dunk buttons would make the game even better, but even without those additions, ESPN NBA Basketball is still the best-playing basketball game available this season in terms of overall performance. For the first time in history, basketball fans have a legitimate reason to be watching a game at 4 a. m. The life of a baller is a 24-hour job.

This version of the game features an entirely new broadcast team, which I'm not sure why 2K needed the power of the Series X and PlayStation 5 to pull it off. Brian Anderson, Grant Hill, and Allie LaForce add to what is already the best play-by-play and color commentary in sports video games, thanks to their contributions. A break from Kevin Harlan every now and then is welcome, especially because the new team brings a slightly more grounded approach to Harlan's dazzle and enthusiasm than the old one. Anderson and his crew, on the other hand, deliver the thrills when it counts. Having some variety in the booth is especially beneficial for those of us who spend a lot of time in the play-now or franchise modes.

In many ways, the new-generation version of NBA 2K21 shoot tip some of the issues that have plagued the franchise for years.

The new-generation NBA looks fantastic and makes numerous improvements, but it also introduces some new issues and does not address microtransactions.

Usually, when we play cross-generational games like this, we expect to see the exact same game on the new, shinier boxes, only prettier. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions of NBA 2K21, on the other hand, take advantage of the opportunity to make the bold leap forward that the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions did not. Everything, from the jaw-dropping variety in presentation to the massive City that can be explored in MyPlayer, appears to be newer and larger than ever before. It doesn't do anything to change the bad habits that have robbed the existing version of greatness: we're still stuck with pointless grinding, rotten pay-to-win microtransactions, and a slew of other issues that appear to be a direct result of NBA 2K21's ambition. There is a lot to be excited about, but, much like a fast-break dunk gone wrong, flash can be overshadowed by substance at times.

But, my goodness, it looks absolutely stunning. In NBA 2K21, everything on the court – and everything that revolves around it – is a technical marvel. The player models are extremely detailed, to the point where I would frequently pause the game and watch a replay just to take it all in and appreciate it more. As players make contact with each other in the air or fight for position off the ball, it is truly impressive to watch the expressions on their faces change. Even beyond the players, the sidelines have taken on a much more vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. It's one of the first things I noticed about NBA 2K21 after years of sitting courtside and watching static (or sometimes non-existent) movement. The unfortunate side effect of all of this realistic glitz is that when things go wrong, such as when a player stands at the free-throw line staring blankly into space, it appears even stranger than it would have otherwise. Despite this, NBA 2K21 is a good representation of what the new generation of consoles is capable of in terms of graphics.

In Nba 2K21, everything on the court – and everything that revolves around it