NBA 2K22

The story of NBA 2K22 received mixed but generally positive feedback for its innovative approach to the MyCareer mode. Critics like BaziCenter and Dexerto praised the introduction of a new Quest System that enhanced narrative interactions, offering a more immersive and dynamic experience for players. Gameblog.fr highlighted the shift to an open-world design, where players control MP, a basketball prodigy navigating choices to reach the NBA, moving away from traditional scripted stories. Game Informer and Impulsegamer noted the integration of social media and personal branding elements, with the "City" environment providing a multiplayer hub that added depth to the protagonist’s journey. Meristation commended the streamlined narrative, which made the story less tedious and more engaging, while TheXboxHub acknowledged the modern take on the "YouTube sensation" protagonist, blending role-playing with basketball progression. These elements suggested a step forward in making the story feel more interactive and relevant to contemporary sports culture. However, many critics found the narrative lacking in depth and coherence. PLAY! Zine and PSX Extreme criticized the weak focus on storytelling, pointing to the absence of strong voice acting and a shallow plot. GameOver.gr and Gamepressure noted that while the RPG elements and character development were present, the execution felt disjointed, with a protagonist who was initially unlikable and a plot that failed to deliver meaningful stakes. GamingTrend and Xbox Achievements called the story "boring" and "predictable," with XboxAddict and Xbox Tavern highlighting the obtuse open-world design and dull interactions. IGN Italia and GamingBolt pointed to the narrative’s division between basketball and role-playing, with the "City" environment detracting from the core sports experience, and Pure Xbox and ZTGD criticized the "cheesy" dialogue and contrived storylines. These critiques underscored a sense of missed potential in crafting a compelling, character-driven arc. Overall, the consensus among critics was that NBA 2K22’s story mode offered incremental improvements but remained a secondary focus to its basketball mechanics. While BaziCenter and Dexerto appreciated the new systems and narrative choices, many others, including GamingTrend and NintendoWorldReport, felt it fell short of previous entries in terms of engagement and originality. The open-world "City" hub was seen as a double-edged sword—enhancing immersion for some but feeling sluggish and unexciting for others. Gamepressure and Xbox Tavern acknowledged the blend of basketball and role-playing, yet the lack of a strong plot, forced dialogues, and overemphasis on social media elements led to a divided reception. Though the story mode was more interactive and modern, it failed to fully captivate, leaving it as a mixed bag that prioritized style over substance for many reviewers.

The gameplay of NBA 2K22 received widespread acclaim, with many critics highlighting its significant improvements and enhanced realism. Reviewers like Game Informer and Softpedia praised the refined defensive mechanics, noting that the reworked shot contests and improved AI behavior add depth, while the stamina system encourages strategic play and simulates real basketball fatigue. Vooks and SpazioGames emphasized the more satisfying shot mechanics and smoother animations, with SpazioGames specifically lauding the revamped shooting system and the added layer of tactical decision-making. Dexerto called it the "most fluid basketball sim in years," and TheGamer declared it the "best sports sim on the market," citing its slick pacing and realistic feel. The game’s focus on basketball IQ, with features like the new shot meter and dynamic pick-and-roll scenarios, was a recurring highlight, as noted by Gamepressure and Vandal, who appreciated the shift toward slower, more calculated gameplay. Additionally, MyCareer and MyTeam modes were commended for their expanded customization and engagement, with Vandal and Hobby Consolas pointing to the immersive open-world elements and new features like Draft and Triple Threat. However, several critics pointed out persistent issues that detracted from the experience. GamingTrend criticized the "obtuse and unresponsive" controls, while Player 2 and GameOver.gr noted that AI players occasionally made "dumb decisions" or exhibited frustrating behavior, particularly in defense. Vgames and Hardcore Gamer mentioned bugs and animation glitches, with the latter pointing to inconsistencies in the shot meter. TierraGamer raised concerns about "pay-to-win elements" and physics issues, and Xbox Achievements suggested that some new mechanics, like timing for dunks, felt unnecessary. IGN France and LevelUp also mentioned minor frustrations, such as the "tedious" mandatory travel in MyCareer or the challenge of adapting to the new shot meter. These critiques, while varied, often centered on technical hiccups or design choices that required adjustment, rather than overarching flaws in the gameplay itself. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers consensused that NBA 2K22 represents a strong evolution in the series, with its gameplay being "very good" overall. The improvements in defense, shooting, and stamina were frequently cited as major wins, with COGconnected and Push Square emphasizing the more reliable and thoughtfully designed mechanics. While some issues like AI behavior and control responsiveness lingered, they were often framed as minor blemishes on an otherwise polished experience. TheXboxHub and Hey Poor Player highlighted the game’s accessibility and depth, noting that it appeals to both hardcore fans and newcomers. The balance of innovation and tradition, combined with the series’ signature realism, solidified NBA 2K22 as a standout title, with its gameplay enhancements setting a new benchmark for basketball simulations.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of NBA 2K22 is largely positive, particularly when played on next-gen consoles. Critics such as Attack of the Fanboy, Gamepressure, God is a Geek, and Impulsegamer praised the game for its incredibly realistic visuals, enhanced attention to detail, and improved player models and animations. IGN France and IGN Italia highlighted the photorealistic character models and cinematic presentation, noting that the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions deliver a stunning and lifelike basketball simulation. PlayStation Universe and Softpedia also commended the game for its clean and crisp animations, smooth framerates, and overall immersive experience, with Meristation specifically pointing out the revitalized and more lively City environment. Hooked Gamers on PC and GameCritics on Xbox Series X similarly noted the fantastic and detailed visuals, reinforcing the notion that NBA 2K22 sets a high standard for sports games in terms of graphical fidelity. However, some critics pointed out that the visual improvements were not as groundbreaking as expected, especially on previous-generation consoles. Gameblog.fr and PLAY! Zine noted that the graphics remained largely the same as the prior year, with only minor upgrades like slightly better face scans. PSX Extreme described the visuals as "samey" compared to NBA 2K21, while BaziCenter and Wccftech pointed out that there were minimal changes since NBA 2K20, with some reviewers suggesting that the focus had shifted to next-gen versions. Hey Poor Player and Xbox Tavern mentioned specific issues such as shaky animations during timeouts, problematic player eyes, and some graphical bugs that were later patched. TheXboxHub also noted that while the on-court visuals were top-notch, the MyCAREER mode suffered from lag and pop-ins, which affected the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among most critics is that NBA 2K22 offers a visually impressive experience, especially on next-gen platforms. While some reviewers felt the game lacked significant graphical advancements, the majority acknowledged the realistic player likenesses, improved lighting, and enhanced presentation that contribute to an authentic NBA feel. COGconnected and JeuxActu highlighted the new animations and attention to detail, while Meristation and SpazioGames praised the City's liveliness and visual depth. On the Nintendo Switch, the graphics were considered decent but with notable compromises, as noted by Impulsegamer and Vooks, who pointed out issues with portability and clarity. Overall, the game is seen as a strong contender in the sports gaming space, with its visual design being a key factor in its success, though not without its flaws.

The sound design and music of NBA 2K22 received widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting its immersive and authentic qualities. Reviewers like Gamepressure and Hardcore Gamer praised the game’s top-notch audio elements, including lifelike crowd noise, player shouts, and the inclusion of every NBA PA announcer, which significantly enhanced the realism of in-game moments. Attack of the Fanboy and Impulsegamer emphasized the dynamic soundtrack and high-quality voice acting, noting that the audio complemented the gameplay experience and added to the excitement of matches. Gameblog.fr and JeuxActu acknowledged the impressive sound design, while PlayStation Country and PlayStation Universe celebrated the TV-style broadcast and commentary that made games feel like live events. Additionally, Worth Playing highlighted how the sound design integrated with narrative elements, such as music-related quests and interactions, enriching the game’s storytelling. These positive remarks collectively underscore the game’s focus on creating an authentic and engaging auditory atmosphere. However, some critics pointed out notable drawbacks. GameCritics criticized the droning hip-hop soundtrack for becoming monotonous over time, while Vgames noted it lacked significant innovation compared to previous entries. Merlin'in Kazanı expressed frustration with the intrusive 2KTV feature in the main menu, which they felt detracted from the experience without an option to disable it. Hobby Consolas mentioned localization issues in Spanish commentary, though they also noted plans to expand music selection and allow player-generated rap content. Meanwhile, Multiplayer.it and SomosXbox observed that while the commentary was strong, it didn’t quite reach the quality of earlier iterations. These critiques, though less frequent, suggest areas where the audio design could have been more refined or varied to avoid repetition and better cater to diverse player preferences. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily positive, with the sound design and music of NBA 2K22 being a standout feature that elevates its realism and immersion. While some reviewers, such as TheXboxHub and Push Square, acknowledged minor shortcomings—like the lack of innovation in the soundtrack or repetitive elements—the majority emphasized its strengths, including dynamic commentary, authentic PA announcers, and a lively audio environment. The game’s audio was consistently praised for making matches feel like genuine NBA events, with Gameblog.fr and BaziCenter noting improvements in variety and detail. Though a few critics raised concerns about specific aspects, these were largely overshadowed by the widespread appreciation for the game’s ability to deliver a rich, immersive soundscape that aligns with its basketball simulation ambitions.

The voice acting in NBA 2K22 receives mixed but generally positive feedback, with several critics highlighting its strengths. PSX Extreme praises the "decent voice acting in the cutscenes," noting that it effectively conveys the game’s narrative moments. BaziCenter emphasizes improvements in the commentary system, pointing out the "addition of legendary announcers and a more extensive dialogue set for commentators," which elevates the authenticity and immersion during gameplay. GamingBolt and TheXboxHub also commend the voice acting in MyCareer mode, with TheXboxHub specifically stating that "characters deliver committed performances," while GamingBolt describes it as "decent." Additionally, GamingTrend acknowledges that "characters talk like real people," suggesting a natural and relatable tone that enhances the game’s realism. These reviews collectively indicate that the voice acting meets expectations in key areas, particularly in cutscenes and commentary, and contributes to a more engaging experience. However, several critics express concerns about the voice acting’s limitations, particularly in specific modes and narrative depth. PLAY! Zine explicitly notes the "absence of strong voice acting," implying a lack of standout performances that could elevate the game. Press Start Australia is more scathing, criticizing MyCareer as "cringe-worthy and immersion-breaking," which suggests that the dialogue and delivery in this mode fall flat. Impulsegamer points to "inconsistencies and interruptions" in the commentary, while GamingTrend observes that characters "don’t actually tell you much," highlighting a disconnect between the effort put into the voice acting and the substance of the dialogue. TheXboxHub’s mention of "scripts sometimes letting them down" further underscores that while the performances are strong, the written content may not always match the quality of the delivery. These critiques reveal that the voice acting, while competent, struggles with consistency and meaningful engagement in certain contexts. The overall consensus among critics is that NBA 2K22’s voice acting is a mixed bag, with notable improvements in some areas but persistent flaws in others. While the inclusion of legendary announcers and more dynamic commentary dialogue is celebrated, the lack of depth in MyCareer and occasional script shortcomings create a disparity between the technical quality of the performances and their narrative impact. Critics like BaziCenter and TheXboxHub acknowledge progress, but others, such as PLAY! Zine and Press Start Australia, feel the voice acting fails to meet the high standards expected of a major sports title. This suggests that while NBA 2K22 delivers a solid foundation for voice acting, it still has room to grow in ensuring cohesive, impactful, and immersive audio experiences across all modes. The reviews reflect a balance between commendable efforts and areas needing refinement, leaving the overall assessment cautiously optimistic but not universally enthusiastic.

The technical performance of NBA 2K22 varies across platforms, with some critics highlighting strengths. On PS4, Areajugones noted that the game "pushes the limits of current-gen consoles at times," suggesting it leverages hardware capabilities effectively. For PS5, BaziCenter praised "smooth performance with stable frame rates during cutscenes," while Meristation called it a "technical reference in the genre," emphasizing its stability and polish. Xbox Series X reviewers like SomosXbox observed "60fps and high-definition resolutions," and Pure Xbox highlighted faster load times compared to previous iterations. Xbox One saw positive remarks from LevelUp, who noted "rare bugs" and overall smooth gameplay, while Nintendo Switch had some positives, such as Nintendo Life’s acknowledgment that the game "runs smoothly on the court" despite its limitations. These observations indicate that newer hardware generally handles the game better, though not without flaws. However, technical issues plagued several platforms. On PS4, PSX Extreme criticized "glitchy court animations and a bug that makes everything look blurry," while Gameblog.fr pointed to "long loading times in Career mode." For PS5, Attack of the Fanboy highlighted "connectivity issues and latency problems," and GamingTrend reported "constant slowdown and long loading times, likely to crash while loading the city." Xbox Series X faced challenges like frame rate dips (New Game Network), server instability (Shacknews), and crashes (GameCritics and Vgames), with Multiplayer.it noting "stability issues and crashes." The Nintendo Switch version had the most severe problems, including Impulsegamer’s complaints about "MyCareer not syncing with servers" and "frequent server errors," as well as Vooks’ mention of "online connectivity issues and offline limitations." These negatives underscore persistent technical hurdles, particularly on the Switch and older Xbox models. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a mixed technical experience. While PS5 and Xbox Series X received praise for improved frame rates, visual fidelity, and online infrastructure (e.g., SpazioGames’ "solid online infrastructure" and Meristation’s "technical reference"), they also faced criticism for bugs, crashes, and connectivity issues. The PS4 and Xbox One versions were seen as more balanced but still had notable flaws, such as long load times and visual glitches. The Nintendo Switch version, however, was widely panned for its severe technical shortcomings, including prolonged loading times, server instability, and hardware limitations. Despite some platform-specific improvements, the game’s technical performance was inconsistent, with critics like GameCritics and Xbox Tavern emphasizing that fixes were necessary for a smoother experience. The lack of universal polish across all systems suggests that while NBA 2K22 showcased potential, its technical execution remained a significant concern for many players.

The overall sentiment toward the replay value of NBA 2K22 is largely positive, with critics highlighting its extensive content and diverse game modes. Multiple reviewers, including Gameblog.fr and Game Informer, emphasize that modes like MyCareer, MyTeam, and MyNBA significantly enhance replayability, offering players a wealth of activities and progression systems. Gamepressure and TheXboxHub praise the inclusion of quests, tournaments, and mini-games, while JeuxActu and Meristation note the seasonal progression and new features like the WNBA campaign and MySTAFF mode. The game’s ability to keep players engaged through varied challenges, such as MyTeam’s Draft mode and MyCareer’s evolving narratives, is frequently cited as a strength. Additionally, IGN France and Screen Rant acknowledge the free-to-play elements and virtual currency systems that allow players to extend their engagement without mandatory spending. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that may limit long-term appeal. The reliance on microtransactions and virtual currency (VC) is a recurring concern, with TheGamer and MGG arguing that VC disproportionately affects progression, particularly in MyTeam and online modes. Attack of the Fanboy and GameOver.gr criticize the neglect of legacy modes and the repetitive nature of certain mechanics, while BaziCenter and Vgames note that the lack of substantial new features in some modes reduces innovation. God is a Geek and Xbox Tavern highlight how VC can frustrate progress, and Impulsegamer and Hobby Consolas point to controversial monetization practices that detract from the experience. Additionally, Switch Player and Vooks mention issues like limited online multiplayer options and repetitive dialogue, which may deter sustained engagement. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among critics is that NBA 2K22 delivers strong replay value for basketball enthusiasts, though it is not without flaws. While Gameblog.fr and TheXboxHub celebrate the game’s depth and variety, they also acknowledge the challenges posed by microtransactions and grind. Game Informer and Gamepressure balance their praise with observations about repetitive elements, while IGN France and Screen Rant emphasize that the game’s content justifies its longevity for many players. Ultimately, the game is seen as a robust simulation with a vast array of modes, but its reliance on monetization and occasional lack of innovation may hinder its appeal to some. The overall sentiment reflects a mix of admiration for its scope and frustration with its structural issues, making it a polarizing but content-rich experience.