NBA 2K22 arrives on Series X|S, PS4, PC and PS5 with a promise: the game that finally got it right. That promise holds in parts and fails in others. This is a review of the 2021 release, scored 7.3 out of 10.
Trailer, via IGN.
Cover Star and Control
The cover star is a draw, and the career mode carries some of the best writing in the series. Players who choose to build a player from scratch get a story that moves faster and rewards patience. The game asks for a real commitment, and it delivers a payoff that feels earned rather than handed over. The career mode is built around a player’s choices, and the story responds to those choices throughout the season.
MyCareer Mode
MyCareer mode is where NBA 2K22 shows its ambition. The narrative arcs are tighter than past entries, and the dialogue lands with a frequency that older installments rarely matched. Players who want a deep experience will find one here, though the grind of repeated matches can wear down anyone chasing the endgame. The mode also includes a wider range of locations to visit and activities to pursue than in past years.
Shooting and Passing
Shooting remains a mixed bag. Some players feel more natural than ever, while others require a heavy arc to land a shot that looks flat. Passing is smoother, but the game still struggles with timing on assists, especially in tight spaces. The difference between a perfect pass and a turnover is often a matter of a split second. In open play, passing feels more fluid than in past entries.
Ball Control
Ball control is the strongest part of NBA 2K22. Dribbling feels more responsive, and players can weave through defenders with a level of finesse that earlier games lacked. The added weight to the ball also changes how shots are released, giving the game a distinct feel from previous entries in the series. The handling of the ball has been improved across the board.
On Court Presentation
The presentation on court is strong. Player models hold up well under scrutiny, and the arenas carry a sense of scale that makes each arena feel distinct. The commentary team is sharp, and the sound design keeps the game feeling alive even during long stretches of play. The audio and visual fidelity together create a convincing atmosphere.
Load Times and Performance
Load times on Series X|S and PS5 are shorter than on PS4 and PC. That matters for a game built around repeated sessions. The frame rate holds steady in most modes, though some menus still suffer from stutter on older hardware. The game runs at a smooth pace in matches, which is where it counts. The performance improvements are most noticeable when moving between menus and actual gameplay.
Online Play
Online play is solid but not revolutionary. The game handles multiplayer matches without major issues, though occasional lag can disrupt otherwise clean games. Ranked play gives players a clear path for competition, and the community remains active across all platforms. The multiplayer infrastructure supports large numbers of concurrent players.
Season Mode and Beyond
Season mode is serviceable but thin. The coaching tools are limited compared to other sports titles, and the depth of player development falls short of what fans of the mode expect. For players who want a deep season, the mode is adequate; for those looking for a rich simulation, it comes up short. The mode also lacks the advanced analytics and decision-making aids found in other sports management games.
Key Facts Box
- Platforms: Series X|S, PS4, PC, PS5
- Release year: 2021
- Critical score: 7.3 out of 10
NBA 2K22 is a game of contrasts. The cover star and MyCareer mode set a high bar, while shooting and online play fall short of what the series once promised. The ball control and presentation carry the load, and the game rewards players willing to put in the hours. It is a solid entry, not a great one.
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