NBA 2K22

The graphics of NBA 2K22 have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they are largely similar to previous iterations, lacking significant upgrades, especially on PC where next-gen graphics are not supported. While some users appreciate the detailed visuals and smooth gameplay, others criticize the game for its outdated graphics, bugs, and performance issues, leading to a perception that it feels like a rehash of older titles rather than a true next-gen experience. Overall, while the graphics can be visually appealing, they fall short of expectations for a modern sports game, particularly on PC.

The game's stability is heavily criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay across various modes, particularly in MyCareer. Many players express frustration over matchmaking issues, unresponsive features, and a lack of meaningful updates or fixes from the developers. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," making it largely unplayable for many users, especially in online modes.

The story aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing it as boring, linear, and lacking depth compared to previous installments. Critics note that the MyCareer mode's narrative feels recycled and unengaging, often forcing players to grind or spend money to enjoy the experience fully. While some appreciate minor improvements and the inclusion of quests, the overall sentiment is that the storytelling is shallow and fails to provide a compelling journey through a player's basketball career.

The monetization strategy in the NBA 2K series has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it a "cash grab" due to the overwhelming presence of microtransactions and in-game advertisements. Users express frustration over the necessity of spending real money to progress in modes like MyCareer, which detracts from the overall gaming experience and feels exploitative, especially given the game's high initial price. The lack of innovation and reliance on repetitive content further exacerbate these concerns, leading to a general consensus that the franchise prioritizes profit over player enjoyment.

The grinding aspect of the game is heavily criticized, with many players noting that it requires an excessive amount of time and effort to improve their characters, often leading to a "pay-to-win" environment. While some find the grinding enjoyable and rewarding, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, making it tedious and frustrating, especially for those who prefer a more casual playstyle. Overall, players agree that significant grinding is necessary to succeed, which may not appeal to everyone.

The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with many users reporting persistent lag, crashes, and poor performance even on high-end hardware. Players noted that it is primarily locked to 60 fps, with cutscenes dropping to 30 fps, and many experienced issues such as stuttering and input lag, particularly in online modes. Overall, the consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, lacking essential updates and support, making it unplayable for many.

The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it enjoyable while others criticize it as subpar or repetitive. Many feel that the soundtrack is merely a rehash of previous titles, lacking originality and depth, and some even describe it as "ear cancer." Despite these criticisms, a few users appreciate the menu music and note that it is better suited for the game than in past iterations.

The humor in the game is often described as unintentional, stemming from frustrating gameplay mechanics, absurd scenarios, and technical glitches that lead to laughable moments. Players find themselves amused by the game's inconsistencies, such as mismatched player sizes and erroneous commentary, despite their overall dissatisfaction with the game's quality. Many reviewers express a love-hate relationship with the game, acknowledging its flaws while still finding it entertaining enough to share laughs with friends.

The atmosphere in this year's basketball title is highly praised, with top-notch graphics that create a realistic experience akin to playing in a real-life stadium. The inclusion of stadium announcers significantly enhances the immersive quality, contributing to an overall revamped and engaging gameplay experience. Reviewers express being particularly impressed by the game's ability to evoke a genuine basketball atmosphere.

Players express a strong sense of frustration and emotional detachment from the game, citing poor writing and shallow character development that hinder emotional investment. The negative experiences have led some to destructive behavior in-game and ultimately to uninstalling the game altogether, indicating a significant disconnect between the game's intent and player experience.

The game's replayability is heavily criticized, with users expressing frustration over the lack of saved settings and significant lag issues, which detract from the overall experience. Many feel that the game offers less replay value compared to simpler games, suggesting it may be more of a cash grab than a well-developed title.

Character development in the game is criticized for its lackluster writing and superficiality, leading to minimal emotional investment in the characters and their storylines, particularly in the mycareer and myteam modes.