The world's most famous and best-selling basketball game can add a new release to its list. NBA 2K22 is here and Visual Concepts shows that they have definitely taken the gameplay to a higher level. Dribble your way through this athletic game, here's what to expect.
The NBA 2K games have long been known as top tier in the Sports Games market. Visual Concepts always works hard to keep the gameplay as close to the 'real' basketball as possible. And it shows! Smooth gameplay with a variety of challenging modes for all basketball fans. Visual Concepts scored a well-deserved three-pointer with NBS 2K22 this year!
Something that immediately stands out is the adjustment to the stamina bar. Before, you had unlimited dribble, sprinting and shooting. This is a bit different in NBA 2K22. The shot meter is no longer the way it was in 2K21, making each shot feel more controlled. Which is good! However, the chance of a crappy shot is higher if your stamina is running low. It’s also no longer possible to shoot using your controller stick, which may also take some getting used to if that was your preference.
You could say this makes the game 'more difficult', but in our opinion it gives much more grip on the overall gameplay and makes your game more fair and challenging.
Another difference with the predecessor of 2K22 is the fact that the Curry Slide is no longer the only power move. You also play the Defense a lot easier. Partly due to new badges that will also take your Defense to a higher level. It's nice that your stats and badges actually influence the course of the game on the defense side as well! And that the focus is not only on bold attack moves as is usually the case. Constantly sprinting and dribbling no longer makes sense, because that quickly depletes your stamina bar and you don't want that. These changes somehow make the game feel more realistic and fluent in our opinion.
All in all, NBA 2K22 plays a lot smoother with these updates and you are less OP at the same time. You’re simply playing more realistic and above all, better matches. As far as we’re concerned, only good changes in this area! Graphically, the game looks sublime. Especially when you play it on a Next Gen console, it is a visual feast of the highest quality. You'll feel the vibes of the Court, which immerses you in the game completely!
MyCAREER
MyCareer is NBA 2K22's Story Mode, as it were. And you are a Social Media sensation, complete with influencers and the whole nine yards. All the way from High School to College, you grind your way to a glamorous basketball career. You get the options to walk no less than 3 different paths:
Of course, these various choices also bring their own advantages and challenges. For example, with the first two options you get VC faster, that’s the in-game money that will help you move forward in NBA 2K22. Or, you first build a solid reputation and a solid skill-set in the College option, before you get 'drafted' eventually. It’s all up to you!
In the MyCAREER mode you also get access to The City in addition to the basketball court. This is the place where it all happens. You’ll find several interesting storylines here to play. And shops, in case it’s time for a new pair of sneakers!
The more you play - and win - the more upgrades you get and the higher your level. And, you get VC for it, which is also important! Because this is the in-game currency with which you can upgrade your character (faster). Of course you also want your character to look stylish with your character. Luckily, there are plenty of branded items for sale and sponsored tournaments to participate in. Which in turn yields extra VC. And should you be willing to parade through The City in a Puma shirt for a few days during an Event, you’ll earn some extra XP and VC for that the easy way! Exactly like a real-life pro-basketball player.
Yes, this game is hyper realistic that way. Just like in 'real' sports, the biggest brands are represented here and a lot of money (both virtual and real cash) is involved! Puma, Nike, New Balance, Adidas. Add a nice haircut and a fresh tattoo: everything is for sale in NBA 2K22. If you are willing to pay the necessary VC for it. You’ll earn it with a lot of hard work. Literally, trust us: you’ll be grinding your way to riches. OR: just get some of our nifty NBA 2K22 VC cards. It’s so much easier!
MyTEAM
Build your ultimate dream team and even combine legendary and contemporary NBA heroes together in one team. Bring your star squad to various events, such as Call to Ball for great cash prizes. You really need that VC, so get to it!
PlayNow
With no less than 7 different modes to discover: Quick Play, Play WNBA and 2KU (University) for the much-needed practice rounds. Also nice: in Blacktop Mode you can go back to the streets and play 1-on-1 in the remote alleys or on the playground. Until your mom gets scared and sends you to your auntie and uncle in Bel Air. Oh wait, that’s a different story mode.
MyLEAGUE - MyGM
Determine your own destiny by influencing your League. Obviously, your ultimate goal is to make it to the NBA finals. You can also take on the role of an NBA General Manager in MyGM. Maintain the right contacts and make the right transfers in your team to win the championships. In addition, there is a MyLEAGUE online environment to play a season of WNBA or NBA, or to participate in the Playoffs.
NBA 2K22 truly is a beautiful game, but if you want to make it big time, brace yourself for some spicy grinding sessions. This game is not pay-to-win but fair enough, throwing money at it does aid you in your way to the top. The online MyCAREER and MyTEAM modes have been completely renewed and expanded for 2K22. And this is exactly where you’ll need a fat, pro-basketball player's wallet.
The modes in which you don't have to spend so much money are a bit behind in their 2K22 innovations. All the more reason to invest in a portion of fresh VC if you want to join the 'real big ballers'. Fortunately, you can get to that coveted NBA 2K22 VC fast, easy and hassle-free. You're already here anyway, so you might as well!
There are plenty of events to come, so to stay really informed, check the NBA2K website. We can already tell you that a number of events are planned for the coming week. For the Next Gen consoles (PS5, XBSX|S), a Puma Mania is arriving for extra XP (Oct 9), CLUB 2K with new music, gear and 2XP (Oct 15), followed by another RIVAL DAY: CONQUEST (Oct 16) ) and a RIVAL DAY CHAMPIONSHIP (Oct 17).
You certainly won't be bored in the coming weeks, and that extra XP will come in handy in the game. Now go add some VC to your account and you'll be unbeatable in no time. Let's shoot some hoops!