With only six days remaining until the next generation version of NBA 2K21 launches, developer, Visceral Visions, appears ready to lift the lid on arguably the most anticipated launch title on Xbox Series X and PS5. It’s been slowly unveiling exciting new tidbits, but none are perhaps as big as the next-gen version of The Park.
Executive producer at Visceral Visions, Erick Boenisch, has detailed stunning new details related to the next-gen version of NBA 2K21, focusing on The City, a natural evolution of the NBA 2K‘s franchise’s most popular mode.
“Imagine a map that is many, many times larger than previous Neighborhoods,” Boesnisch explains. “A design that resembles a modern metropolis, complete with towering skyscrapers, sprawling plazas, and a city center.”
The new Neighborhood will also house “four distinct boroughs”, which will be controlled by four rival Affiliations. Meaning that, yes, Affiliations are returning in the next-gen version of NBA 2K21.
NBA 2K21 City features
The City will be broken up across a number of key features, each promising to offer different experiences.
Rookieville will be where those new to NBA 2K21 will start their journey. Your created My Player will start here first, and will have to prove their worth against other rookies in isolated courts. Once you reach the requisite action, you’ll be able to progress into The City.
Boroughs will be divided into four distinct areas — North, South, East, and West — to be controlled by each of the new Affiliations.
Event Centre will be the heart of The City, hosting key events and competitions.
Garage Hoops are hoops hidden across the city, where you can simply stop and have a shoot around at. Players passing by can also join in, either for a casual shoot around, or for a casual game of 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, or HORSE.
People Of The City will be quest/objective giving NPCs. Every 4-6 weeks, new objectives will be added.
“Generally speaking, there are two lines of quests,” Boenisch explains. “The first is a series of single player 3v3 games you will be challenged with in the Warehouses found in the court area of each affiliation. Some of these can be pretty challenging as you’ll be facing off against some of the best players to ever lace up a pair of basketball shoes.
“The insides of the Warehouses are actually very cool. Astute players who enjoyed NBA 2K20’s Neighborhood will appreciate the throwback efforts within them!
The other line of quests will encourage you to get out and play games in The City, and reward you for doing so. Simple as that. Complete all of the quests and you will earn some unique clothing items/accessories that are not sold in stores. Get out there and ball, my friends!”
The Gatorade Training Facility will be the “mecca” of MyPLAYER physical training, as we’ve come to know. The second floor houses a great new feature in The City: Rental Courts. Want an uninterrupted run of games with your friends or other ballers you just met? Rent a court in the Gatorade Training Facility and play games however you want!
Special Courts will offer a couple of full-sized courts for 4v4 and 5v5 matches.
“One of these courts was built to commemorate and celebrate the late Kobe Bryant. The surface is textured beautifully with Kobe’s signature snakeskin design, and his numbers 8 and 24 mark the restricted areas at the opposite ends of the court.
“And overlooking the grounds is a gigantic mural of an iconic Kobe moment, where he stood triumphantly on the scorer’s table as he celebrated his 5th NBA championship. I know you all are picturing the pose. What you are thinking is correct; and it is immortalized right here in NBA 2K21’s The City. This is a location where you will find me playing, as I celebrate my Laker and Kobe fandom!”
There will also be Fire Ball, with which a literal ball that is on fire will be used when your team wins 10 games in a low on Affiliation courts. Pink Diamond Plaza will be decked out in fluorescent lights and with music orchestrated by a resident DJ, Pink Diamond Plaza hosts the entirety of the MyTEAM Triple Threat Online experience.
Finally, Apparel Stores will stock the likes of Nike, Jordan Brand, adidas, Under Armour, Puma, and many more.
What are your thoughts on the new City? Sound off in the comments below!
NBA 2K21 launches on Xbox Series X and PS5 from November 10.
