NBA 2K22isn’t like most video games which need to be compared to other games that are roughly similar. Gamers can stack the merits of the game up directly next to its previous installment year after year and see what changes (or lack of changes) worked and didn’t work.
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There is a lot to like about the improvements to the technical side with the next-gen consoles coming out, pushing players deeper into an immersive basketball simulator. Unfortunately, many of these advancements also came with a whole host of other issues that are making fans think less ofNBA 2K22.
10Loved - Post Moves
Until this year, going into the post was just the complicated way of saying, “I don’t want to score, please take the ball away.” Shooting from the post was nothing more than a way to get the team angry for turning the ball over because there was virtually no way of making the shot.
This year, thanks to some upgraded animations and a flat increase to shot percentage, the post is just as dominant as stretch bigs have been for the last three years.The best power forward buildis finally relevant again, and that’s a win for the entire game.
9Hated - Same Player Creator
A few years back, when the new player creator came around, it was really something quite special. There were a thousand different combinations of skill attributes, athletic abilities, and physical shapes that resulted in tons of creative builds.
Unfortunately,the best center build in the gameis the same as last year because the system is the same. Going from a flat point-buy to this deluxe point-buy was a step in the right direction, but players have waited too long for the following step to occur.
8Loved - Three-Point Guards
Anybody who has played the game online knows that stretch bigs have been every team’s bread and butter for way too long. Honestly, it got to the point where building a guard or a defensive center was a waste of a player.
This year, the game has finally allowed guards to be effective at shooting threes in the catch and shoot and off of the dribble once again.The best three-point shooter build in MyCareeris finally achievable for a guard, just as it has been working in the NBA.
7Hated - Same Gameplay
It’s astounding to think about how muchNBA 2Kmade sweeping changes to each game in the series using older technology. Now, with massive upgrades in hardware and software, fans are wise to think that the game could be completely revolutionized every year.
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Although there are a few official changes to a few animations and effects, the game requires a sizeable microscope to detect any differences. Any issues with the gameplay last year are likely issues with the gameplay this year. And it’s a shame because the series has all the tools to verify huge strides.
6Loved - Defensive Animations
Interior defense has needed a boost in their abilities for a while now. Because screens are so ridiculously overpowered, defenders are constantly playing, and losing, a game of catchup against offenses that have so many ways to get around defenders.
While steals and blocks could still use an overhaul, there were some extra animations made toward stripping the ball and blocking shots against slashing players this year. It’s nice to see those players who use this same tired tactic finally forced to try other strategies.
5Hated - Next-Gen Exclusives
Look, it’s fine to have Next-Gen exclusives that are cosmetic. Or even improved graphics due to the upgraded hardware. But completely gutting the MyCareer mode was a chump move that merits ire from all the PC and last-gen players who paid good money for the game.
These new featureshave absolutely nothing to do with better hardware. There are stats that only next-gen owners are allowed to see? Really? In many ways, especially in MyCareer and in online play, the game is a downgrade from last year. Whoever came up with and approved this idea should be embarrassed.
4Loved - Seasons And Quests
Some of theseNBA 2Kstories were getting pretty cheesy, so replacing much of the experience for much simpler and tangible quests was a great idea. It’s exciting to log in every day, see what activities there are to do, and then be rewarded based on personal performance and cumulative statistics.
This is also low-hanging Virtual Currency to grab every day, making it easier for players who don’t want to spend money on the game to have a reasonable path to hitting that magical 99 OVR. It’s nice to see a system where hard-working players can realistically earn their way to the top.
3Hated - Disconnections
When deciding to rake a chunk of the game that was ordinarily single player and make the experience mostly online, that should have been a message that servers need to be prepared for all of those campaign players from last year to show up as online players this year.
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Predictably, the servers have not been able to handle the heat, disconnecting players so frequently that it’s become impossible to play ball online. Below is an actual screenshot of the online courts as of the moment this article was being written.
Yes, those are completely, 100% empty courts. Not a single one is in use and not a single player, besides the author’s, is on screen. And every single court is pictured in this image. Yikes.
2Loved - New Badges
The new badges in MyCareer mode have felt like a breath of fresh air to some builds that just weren’t quite feeling it. Shooting off of the dribble got several badges that have improved the experience. And dunkers got two new badges that enable them to perform dunks from further out while also executing the move faster.
With a wealth of badges to choose from, it adds a layer to every player’s build. Two small forwards that are 100% playmakers with the same body time and same potential skills will likely play offense and defense differently based on how they allocated their badges.
1Hated - MyTeam Greed
What was once a cute concept is now a full-blownMadden Ultimate Team-level of corporate greed. There is absolutely no reason to play the mode unless possessing enough money to set on fire. Talent exists, but it takes a firm backseat against cash.
Spending one thousand dollars on the game can’t even buy all of the top-level cards right now and certainly won’t buy all of the highest-rated cards later. The mode is fun in concept and was a nifty new addition and now it threatens to destroy the entire franchise. Looking at how little effort was put into MyCareer this year, MyTeam may have already done exactly that.
