With next-generation gaming literally around the corner and the Xbox Series X & S as well as the PlayStation 5 slated for release in mid-November. The console wars are sure to heat up in the coming months and years with countless console exclusives to be released.
However, one cross-console game that has all gamers excited is the next installation in the NBA2K franchise, NBA2K21. One of the brand new gameplay modes on offer in this next-generation installation of NBA2K is the first-ever WNBA MyPLAYER Experience, The W.
Gamers playing NBA2K21 will be able to create their own fully customizable WNBA player and take her through a pro career featuring all 12 WNBA teams and the league’s brightest stars including Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and Diana Taurasi.
To get started players will have the option to customise their WNBA MyPLAYER. Players can either import their scanned face from their phone or completely customise their own unique created WNBA player.
After players have created their unique athlete. They will then make one of the crucial early decisions which will determine their player type. Player types have a progression system which begins at level one and goes all the way to level ten.
Player progression is only achieved by playing games and shining on the court. This is why picking the player type you think you will be able to make the most impact with is so important.
There are 18 player types in total. These include:
- 2-Way Playmaker. PG & SG eligible
– Good at ball-handling and passing. Good at defending the perimeter.
- 2-Way Point Forward. SF & PF eligible
– Good at ball-handling and passing. Good at perimeter and interior defence (SF perimeter, PF interior).
- Slashing Playmaker. PG, & SG eligible
– Good at ball-handling, passing and finishing near the rim.
- Slashing Point Forward. SF & PF.
– Good at ball-handling, passing and finishing near the rim.
- Inside-Out Playmaker. PG, & SF eligible
– Good at 3’s, finishing inside, ball-handling and finishing near the rim.
- Inside-Out Point Forward. SF & PF eligible
– Good at 3’s, finishing inside, ball-handling and finishing near the rim.
- 2-Way Slasher. PG, SG, & SF eligible.
– Good perimeter defender who is also good at ball-handling and finishing near the rim.
- 2-Way Slashing Four. PF eligible
– Good perimeter/interior defender who is also good at ball-handling and finishing near the rim.
- 2-Way Slashing Five. C eligible.
– Good interior defender who is also good at ball-handling and finishing near the rim.
- 3&D Point. PG, SG, & SF eligible.
– Good perimeter defender who is also good at shooting 3’s.
Once a player type is picked, players will then be able to complete their customised athlete’s attributes. Including height, weight and wingspan. These will all affect your MyPLAYER creations attributes as they slowly level up throughout the season.
The W will enable players to experience life on and off the court. With core progression tracked through the following;
- Player Progression
- Player Popularity
- WNBA Popularity
- Player Wealth
- Teammate Chemistry
Players will need to keep track of how they are progressing in each category to truly become a WNBA champion. Understanding that each pillar is equally important is crucial to their penultimate success.
Players will also need to focus on how they present themselves during off days and offseason. This is where the NBA2K21 gets really interesting. Players can choose from five categorised groups to decide where they want to focus their time while the WNBA is not in play.
These off-court activities are;
- Coach
- Entrepreneur
- Global Icon
- Fashion Icon
- Influencer
If you desire more control, get excited for MyWNBA mode which will enable players to go and create the league of their dreams. Control all 12 teams, or take their favourite team from the lottery to championship rings over as many seasons as it takes.
MyWNBA is completely customisable and allows players to create their own pathway.
This freedom includes:
- Creating a league of your own. From rules, to finances, CBA, draft, and everything in between. Use 2K pre-sets for a different experience, or download shared settings from the community.
- Skipping the season altogether and going straight to the playoffs in Playoff mode.
- Playing with friends by utilising Online Leagues.
- Turning on role-playing elements to experience the WNBA from a GM’s perspective.
NBA2K21 is set to revolutionise next-generation gaming and breath new life into the WNBA amongst the gaming community with The W and MyWNBA.
Pick up your copy on November 10 for Xbox Series X|S globally and on November 12 for PlayStation 5.
Check out the trailer here.