NBA 2K22
- September 9, 2021
- Visual Concepts
- 15h median play time
Despite the rough year 2K had to navigate, I’m impressed with how well made of a game NBA 2K22 is. The gameplay is the best it’s been in years, and the flagship mode MyCareer took big steps this year in ultimately realizing its vision.
"NBA 2K22's NBA 75th Anniversary Edition offers extensive content for MyTEAM and MyPLAYER, including 100,000 VC, 10,000 MyTEAM Points, sapphire player cards, and boosts. The game provides a realistic basketball experience with real NBA and WNBA teams and environments. However, note that multiplayer servers will be shut down by the end of 2023, affecting online functionality."
Reviews
- gameplay540 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay in NBA 2K22 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant improvements in mechanics such as defense and dribbling, leading to a more balanced shooting experience. However, some users feel that the core gameplay loop remains repetitive and lacks innovation compared to previous titles, with persistent issues like unresponsive controls and AI problems. Overall, while there are enhancements, many players express frustration over the game's reliance on microtransactions and the feeling that it is largely a rehash of earlier versions.
“Improved gameplay mechanics: NBA 2K22 makes substantial upgrades to core gameplay, particularly in defense and dribbling.”
“Balanced shooting mechanics: the shooting mechanics in NBA 2K22 are more balanced than previous years, with timing and skill playing a more significant role.”
“The gameplay is finally fixed.”
“Repetitive gameplay: despite improvements, the core gameplay loop can feel repetitive, especially for players coming from NBA 2K21.”
“The gameplay itself was a clunky mess.”
“Gameplay is the exact same.”
- graphics353 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics in NBA 2K22 have received mixed reviews, with many praising the impressive visuals and lifelike player models on next-gen consoles, while PC players express disappointment over the lack of next-gen features and outdated graphics. Despite some improvements, several users feel that the graphics are not significantly better than previous iterations, often describing them as "last-gen" or "dated." Overall, while the game showcases good visual fidelity, it falls short of expectations for a next-gen experience, particularly on PC.
“Next-gen visuals and presentation: on next-gen platforms, NBA 2K22’s visuals are impressive, with more lifelike player models, detailed courts, and enhanced crowd reactions.”
“The graphics are absolutely beautiful and the character animations, crowd, and everything is so detailed, you can tell they worked very hard on this year's 2K.”
“The graphics and gameplay are phenomenal, definitely top 1 sports game in the world.”
“The graphics, which should have been a highlight in this era of advanced gaming technology, looked more like something from a previous console generation.”
“The graphics are dogshit compared to next gen.”
“This game is just downright horrible.. movement mechanics have only gotten worse year to year, graphics are the exact same since 2k16, and the career/myplayer is unplayable your rookie year, never been such slow progressions.”
- stability221 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 99 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with users reporting numerous glitches, crashes, and matchmaking issues that render it nearly unplayable. Many players express frustration over persistent bugs affecting various modes, particularly MyCareer, and a lack of meaningful updates or fixes from the developers. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," leading to a consensus that it is not worth the investment, especially given its current-gen status and the prevalence of cheaters.
“Runs great with some visual settings configured on a GT 730.”
“Good game, runs great on my 1440p monitor with a 2080 Ti GPU and 3600 CPU.”
“This game is a broken buggy mess that treats customers like ass.”
“The game is filled with bugs and glitches, and they can't even get the simple things right, like my rewards actually going through after I play a MyCareer game.”
“MyCareer is literally unplayable; when I'm at the start and benched, it doesn't even let me sim to next appearance and it just goes into super slow mode where I waited 3 minutes to get in the game, just for it to do it again and the game then freezes and shuts down.”
- story208 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users criticizing it as repetitive, shallow, and lacking depth compared to previous iterations. Players express frustration over the forced grind for virtual currency (VC) to enhance their characters, which detracts from the enjoyment of the narrative. While some appreciate minor improvements and the graphics, the consensus is that the myCareer storyline feels like a rehashed version of past games, offering little innovation or engagement.
“The upsides are awesome graphics, decent story, and a fun grind to improve your skills.”
“I love the my career where they implement a story element.”
“The mycareer story is also the funnest I have had since NBA 2K12 and 2K17 respectively.”
“The storyline also sucks; I'd rather take 2K21's story (Junior and Archie) than a famous YouTuber with a casual manager.”
“The myCareer story mode has consumed me, and my wife hates it.”
“The story is lackluster and is at no point a thrill to make it to the league.”
- monetization122 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 45 % negative mentions
The monetization in NBA 2K22 has been heavily criticized for its aggressive microtransaction model, which many players feel prioritizes profit over gameplay quality. Users describe the game as a "cash grab," with constant advertisements and a pay-to-win structure that makes progression nearly impossible without spending additional money. Overall, the excessive focus on microtransactions has led to widespread dissatisfaction among the community, with many recommending against purchasing the game.
“The game's focus on microtransactions and loot boxes is particularly concerning, as it appears to prioritize monetization over player enjoyment and engagement.”
“The major change aside from rosters is how predatory 2K and Visual Concepts have become with incentivizing microtransactions.”
“I love the NBA 2K franchise when it comes to gameplay, but both the microtransactions and the fact NBA 2K24 is still last generation is incredibly frustrating.”
“One of the biggest issues with NBA 2K is the aggressive implementation of microtransactions.”
“The monetization and greed have gotten worse each year, making the MyPlayer games impossible without buying stats with real money.”
“This game is simply a cash grab not worthy of an NBA deal to make games based on their product.”
- grinding103 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
Grinding in this game is widely criticized for being excessively time-consuming and often feels like a forced mechanism to encourage players to spend real money on virtual currency (VC). Many users report needing to invest hundreds of hours to achieve competitive character stats, making it particularly unwelcoming for new players and casual gamers. While some find the grind enjoyable and rewarding, the overall sentiment leans towards it being a tedious and frustrating experience, especially when compounded by issues like bans for legitimate grinding efforts.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Grinding VC is slow, making it hard to progress your character or stay competitive in online modes without spending real money.”
“Your character is literally unplayable until you spend money on VC or just be terrible for 100 hours grinding VC; it's literally the Diablo Immortal sports version.”
“After hours of grinding just to realize I wouldn't be able to progress my character was a massive slap in the face.”
- music51 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the variety and quality of tracks, while others criticize it as mediocre or filled with "viral trash." Many note that the soundtrack feels recycled from previous installments, and the process of managing playlists can be cumbersome. Overall, while there are standout songs, the general sentiment leans towards disappointment with the music's inconsistency and the game's reliance on microtransactions.
“You can choose between different career paths, such as focusing solely on basketball or branching out into fashion or music, which adds depth and a sense of individuality to your character’s journey.”
“I has great music fit for balling, great graphics and a real NBA game feel.”
“Soundtrack is better suited for the game than before.”
“Con: some junk music in the game.”
“The soundtrack for 22 is garbage in my opinion, with the exception of only a handful of songs.”
“Terrible AI, terrible physics, terrible performance, terrible writing, terrible music = terrible product.”
- optimization50 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 58 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with many users reporting severe performance issues, including frequent crashes, lag, and stuttering, even on high-end PCs. Players have noted that the game is poorly optimized for PC controls and lacks essential updates, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, the consensus is that the game fails to meet current optimization standards, making it unplayable for many.
“Game runs smoothly both online and off with great visuals.”
“I'm pretty much satisfied with the optimization of the game and the content.”
“Game is more optimized, career mode is a lot more fun depending on your build yet still grindy as with any sports game.”
“The game is not optimized at all, lags all the time and crashes non-stop.”
“This game is poorly optimized for PC.”
“Complete trash, looks really old even on my 3090 in 4K with max settings, I was playing a match and my PC completely crashed because of the poor optimization.”
- humor32 mentions
- 97 % positive mentions
- -6 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often derived from its numerous glitches, absurd gameplay mechanics, and the unintentional comedic moments that arise during play, such as announcer errors and exaggerated character builds. While many players express frustration with the game's balance and AI, they also find enjoyment in the ridiculousness of certain situations, leading to a mixed but generally lighthearted perception of the game's humor. Overall, players seem to appreciate the game's ability to provide laughs, especially when playing with friends, despite its many flaws.
“Your 1st round draft pick player will be hilariously bad at basketball if you don't spend absurd amounts of VC on upgrading stats.”
“On my very first play; playing as the Bulls vs the Suns just to get a feel for the game, the announcer said 'Pacers 3!!!' and 'Pacers basket!' It was funny for being so confidently wrong; but then it happened again and again in multiple games; so it seems that the Bulls arena simply has a broken PA announcer.”
“Me and my friends say that this was the worst purchase we've made ever, and that we won't buy 2K23, but we all know deep down that we probably will buy it again next year because of how ridiculous and funny this game is.”
“The humor in this game is non-existent; it's more frustrating than funny. The AI is so dumb that it ruins any chance of having a good time.”
“I expected some laughs, but the jokes fell flat. Instead of humor, I got a headache from the ridiculous mechanics.”
“Trying to enjoy the humor in this game is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It's just not there, and the gameplay is more annoying than amusing.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is largely criticized, with players expressing frustration and anger, leading to destructive behavior both in-game and in real life. The narrative modes, such as mycareer and myteam, are noted for their poor writing and shallow character development, which diminishes players' emotional investment in the story and characters. Overall, the game fails to evoke meaningful emotions, leaving players feeling disconnected and dissatisfied.
“It made me feel like a champion.”
“The game's narrative modes, including MyCareer and MyTeam, lack emotional depth, making it hard to connect with the characters and storylines.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
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 further enhances the immersive environment, contributing to an overall revamped gameplay experience that has left players impressed.
“The graphics and atmosphere are top-notch, making you feel like you're actually playing basketball in real life.”
“The stadium announcers add so much to the atmosphere.”
“I was actually blown away by the atmosphere in this year's title.”
“This review is more about the revamped gameplay and overall change of atmosphere that I experienced while playing.”
“Stadium announcers also add so much to the atmosphere.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is criticized for being low due to persistent settings issues and lag, leading some to feel it lacks depth and value compared to other platforms. However, others find it enjoyable for all ages and note a high replay value, especially when purchased on sale. Overall, opinions are mixed, with significant frustration from some players overshadowing the positive experiences of others.
“A lot of fun for all ages, high replay value, catch it on sale!”
“I love how you have to go to settings every time you turn on the game because it never saves them. Major lag issues and it has less replay value than a console game. It seems that these types of games have become a quick cash grab for the companies.”
“Tic-tac-toe is more playable than this game.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The character development in the game's narrative modes, such as mycareer and myteam, is criticized for its weak writing and superficiality, leading to a diminished emotional connection with the characters and their stories.
“Furthermore, the game's narrative modes, including MyCareer and MyTeam, are plagued by lackluster writing and shallow character development, resulting in a lack of emotional investment in the game's characters and storylines.”
“The character arcs feel rushed and underdeveloped, making it hard to connect with anyone in the game.”
“Despite the potential for rich storytelling, the characters remain one-dimensional and fail to evolve throughout the gameplay.”
Critic Reviews
NBA 2K22 Review – Heat Check
NBA 2K22 makes some appreciated improvements to on-the-court gameplay and tries some refreshing, if not entirely successful innovations in MyCareer that make this year’s version feel like a bit more than just a roster update.
70%NBA 2K22 Switch Review
Too ambitious, too buggy, and literally unplayable in certain modes, portable 2K22 isn't even G-League ready.
58%NBA 2K22 Review
NBA 2K22 has the best offensive flow in years, matched by improvements to defense. Still, technical problems persist and microtransactions are hard to ignore in some modes.
70%