Because of the poor performance of the previous season, NBA 2K22 has a lot to prove in this season. Visual Concepts appeared to have overstretched themselves by releasing the current-generation and next-generation versions of NBA 2K21 within a few months of each other, and it appeared that they had spread themselves too thin between the two. Sure, the next-generation model incorporated some significant improvements, but far too much of the experience was lifted directly from the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of the game.
The good news is that it appears that Visual Concepts has refocused their attention on the prize with NBA 2K22, with the majority of the game's attention being directed toward next-generation consoles while also striving to ensure a more consistent on-court experience between the two generations of the title. Despite the fact that things appear to be a little less bizarre this year, the question remains as to whether or not NBA 2K22 possesses the necessary abilities to make ends meet. I think it's time to find out if this one has a strategy for the future.
First and foremost, let's get things started on a positive note right away —NBA 2K22 Battle Pass boasts one of the most significant on-court improvements the series has seen in several years, according to the developers. It builds on the more fluid action of the previous generation game, but it does away with what didn't work, most notably the fussy, poorly-conceived Pro-Stick shooting system that was introduced in the previous generation. Featuring a large, easily readable shooting meter and a sweet spot that grows or shrinks depending on your choice of shot and how heavily you're defended, the new system represents a significant improvement over the previous one. Success in shooting nowadays is based less on mastering finicky meters and mechanics and more on strategizing and picking your spots than it was previously.
The most significant improvement, on the other hand, has been made on the defensive side of the football field. slashers who were accustomed to abusing the sprint button to score quick layups and dunks are in for a rude awakening this year, as the artificial intelligence isn't playing games with them. Developing your pick-and-roll technique will allow you to score more consistently in the paint, so practice makes perfect. In NBA 2K22, however, it is not only the AI that is more difficult to beat; the player also has greater control over his or her own defensive strategy. Tying up opponents on the perimeter is easier to come by, and swatting away shots at the rim is more intuitive and satisfying than ever before. Despite the fact that my defense in NBA 2K22 was significantly improved, it did not feel stymied on the offensive end of the court, which was aided in part by the game's improved shooting. A mutually agreeable solution has been discovered.
While it appears that the action is more fluid, it does not necessarily appear to be any different in appearance from the previous version. Although this year's NBA 2K21 boasted a commendable visual upgrade, it appears that Visual Concepts was content to simply dust off their hands and move on to other projects for the season. The visuals in NBA 2K22 are virtually identical to those in the previous year's game, and they may even appear a little flatter as a result of less aggressive lighting and High Dynamic Range (HDR). This year's cover star, Luka Doncic, has undergone a makeover, as has become customary, but far too many of the lesser-known players are still sporting a shabby appearance.
MyCareer, MyTeam, and MyNBA are all available for use on the site. One of the most significant changes to MyCareer this year is the removal of the standard star-studded cinematic prologue that the series has been using for the past half-decade (with varying degrees of success) to introduce the game. Visual Concepts, on the other hand, has decided to fully integrate their career mode into an expanded and improved version of their online hub, The City, as part of their ongoing expansion and improvement efforts.
