NBA 2K22 Review: Is Good or Bad?

Was NBA 2K22 a great game? Or bad? For diehard fans of the series, this one is a must-have. Since the game is significantly better than last year's version in every way, a lot of work has been put into making it better where it is essential, namely on the court. Let's take a look at what good improvements NBA 2K22 has brought.

MyTeam: Draft

The most significant change coming to NBA 2K22 MyTeam is the return of the new Draft mode. Players can cherry-pick top-rated National basketball players, thus building their dream team. And what's more, is that competing with the team created with the MyTeam function earns additional rewards for the team to boot like 2K22 MT, VC, Tokens, etc.

More MyTeam Additions: New Challenges, Modes, And More

Drafting isn't the only new addition available for MyTeam fans. The famous Triple Threat Online mode is getting a new way to enjoy 3-on-3. 2k22 introduces the 100, which is all about rewarding your defensive game.

Challenges were prevalent for single-player MyTeam games. In 2K22, they're replacing weekly and moment challenges with pick-up and skill challenges.

Other additions include brand-new card events, holo player cards, the ability to craft shoes in the MT shoe lab, and expanded customization options.

The City

The City has been dramatically improved for NBA 2K22. It is an online hub that allows the NBA 2K22 online community to interact. The new City feature also has many match types and different modes that enable players to start and complete the matchmaking process much quicker.

The 2K Cruise

The revamped 2K Neighborhood comes for previous-gen console owners, where they can show their skills in an all-new, dedicated basketball community. The 2K Cruise lets players participate in shoreside events with limited availability and various special events.

The new neighborhood design packs a punch

The PC (as well as PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One) version has changed scenery as players could roam around a cruise ship instead of city streets.

Onboard is a European-inspired shopping district, filled with art museums and a garden-filled walkway, breathing more life to a game that desperately needed one.

It was good that the developers decided to separate the basketball courts from the shopping areas.

It also didn't help that going from one store to another could be a grinding experience given the long distances of each store. But with the decision to place the basketball courts and other gaming areas in the different parts of the cruise ship, the developers could conveniently give players an easier way to traverse the shopping district to spend their virtual currency.

Improved storytelling improves the career mode

When it comes to storytelling for the career mode, the latest iteration does an excellent job of lessening the dragging nature of the previous narratives and improving on the overall progression of the plot.

The latest edition shortened the introduction sequence through a straightforward plot, focusing on a character that needs to prove that he is more than just a social media sensation.

And, upon reaching the NBA, the storyline still keeps its foot on the gas. Instead of the bland, drama-less progression centered on the player's goal of getting the starting 5, Visual Concepts introduced an immersive story that adds more intrigue to the narrative.

And the changes don't just end there. NBA 2K22 has introduced a quest system, incorporating an open-world RPG gameplay style, adding more character interactions and additional story arcs.

Console Cross-gen Progress Transfer

Even though the online hubs and visuals differ between the current-gen and last-gen versions of the NBA 2K22, you will be able to transfer your progress between them effortlessly.

Improved Defensive Gameplay

The defensive gameplay experience has seen significant improvements, mainly focused on touching up the shot and blocking system with more precise and accurate controller input that makes the players feel much more in control. This way, NBA 2K22 makes making and blocking shots feel like a much more skill-based process.

Reworked Offensive Gameplay

A lot of effort has been put into changing up the offensive gameplay on the court, and this is arguably one of the best new features of NBA 2K22. There is now a lot more precision when dunking in traffic, combos, signature moves, and so much more.

Graphics and Presentation

This year's game takes advantage of the next-generation power in the presentation department. There are notable new halftime shows for those players who don't just jam the buttons to skip and get back to the action.

More horsepower means more realism, too, as each stadium now has its accurate in-house announcer over the PA.

Given the realness factor to almost everything here, even down to details like body proportions, sweat, and jersey sway, players could probably fool somebody walking into a living room that it's a live broadcast of a game.

It's worth pointing out two entertaining, engaging elements of the overall presentation package. The "First Fridays" feature will keep expanding the game's playlist each week. And a "Producer Series" promises to let players submit verses over beats the game provides.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to realistic sports simulations, NBA 2K22 is one of the best I have seen. Not only is the gameplay impeccable, but the graphics and presentation add an element of immersion that other sports games often fail to replicate. The City and MyCareer offer something completely new. The MyTeam has also made changes that fans will love. In short, the NBA2K22 is an excellent improvement from the previous versions we've seen, and with the latest additions, you're sure to have a better gaming experience.

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