Every year NBA 2K releases a new entry that's meant to capture the hearts and minds of NBA fans, right before the start of the new season. The premier NBA video game simulation experience has seen better times and has drawn plenty of scrutiny from critics and fans alike over the last few years.

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Those looking to spend $60+ on a new game should know what they're getting into. NBA 2K22 does offer a good amount of entertainment, but there are pl♋enty of things new players need to look out for.

8 ཧ The Microtransactions Are Everywhere ꦐ

NBA 2K22 things to know 8 vc microtransactions

If you're the type of person who likes to spend $60+ on a video game and believes you invested enough, NBA 2K22 might come as a bit of a reality check. Like almost all AAA sports simulation titles, NBA 2K has built their experience out of pushing the consumer to spend more and more money on their game.

Whether it's purchasing VC, the in-game currency, to purchase MyTeam packs, upgrade your MyPlayer, or buy clothes for your avatar, the game isn't satisfied with your base purchase and will be peeking in your virtual wallet constantly.

7 MyCareer & Builds ꦑ

NBA 2K22 things to know 7 mycareer builds

The 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:MyCareer mode is the lifeblood of the single-player experience throughout the 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:history of NBA 2K titles over the last decade or so. The developers have experimented wheওn it comes to the story mode, actor𒈔s, and how users manage their careers as professional basketball players.

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You should also experiment and try to find the "build" that works best for the position and play style you want to have in MyCareer. The mode is tailored towards you, and you shouldn't stick with a player that doesn't fit what brings you the most entertainment.

6 The City: Quantity Over Quality ꧅

NBA 2K22 things to know 6 the city

Over 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:the last few NBA 2K titles, the free-roam area used for pickup online play and the MyPlayer mode has exploded in size. Sure it's added more experiences for the user, but in NBA 2K22 it comes across as bloated and not full.

It feels as if shops and points of interest are arbitrarily spread across The City simply to make players traverse the entire playable area. If you're expecting The City to feel lived in and special, you're setting yourself up for serious disappointment.

5 ꦚ ♛ MyTeam Card Grading

NBA-2K22-things-to-know-5-1 myteam card grading

The MyꦓTeam mode in NBA 2K22 returns and though many of the usuaꩵl bells and whistles are present, it did add a few new features and mechanics. The most notable one is the card grading system.

Players can now submit the cards they collect to be graded, and depending on how well it grades on a scale from one to ten, players will see added rewards when playing based on what the grade is of the player cards they're using. Card collecting is still booming in real life, so it's neat to see them add this aspect of the hubby to the game.

4 Quests & Challenges 🅘

NBA 2K22 things to know 4 quests challenges

With NBA 2K transitioning to more of a "Games as a Service" model over the last few entries they've emphasized on seasons. With each new season, there are new challenges and goals you can try to accomplish in return for rewards, XP, or boosts.

In MyCareer there are new quests users can try and accomplish in The City and these quests range from being story-related, to simply providing avenues to earn more currency to spend on clothes or upgrading your player's attributes.

3 Online Still Isn't Ideal

NBA 2K22 things to know 3 online tto

There are many things the NBA 2K franchise does better than EA's Madden NFL games, but online play isn't one of them. Over the last few entries, the quality of online play for NBA 2K has dipped significantly, and NBA 2K22 is no different.

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If you're the type of person who prefers playing other people online it might be best to wait for a sale to dive in. There's nothing worse than spending $60+ on a game only to realize the way you enjoy playing happens to be lackluster and unenjoyable.

2 ꧒ The CPU Is Relentless

NBA 2K22 things to know 2 difficult ai cpu

The NBA 2K community is active on social media and they never miss an opportunity to meme the series. This year it seems that the developers boosted the defensive awarenes🐻s of the CPU at every difficulty.

Those playing MyCareer noticed quickly that something as simple as a driving layup isn't a gimme, as defenders will swat your shot every single time. The memes regarding this are hysterical as players simply want to score and the CPU isn't letting them, even when the difficulty is at its lowest.

1 🧸 More Of The Same

NBA 2K22 things to know 1 cover

If you enjoyed NBA 2K21 as an overall experience, you'll likely find NBA 2K22 to be just as worthwhile of an investment. Falling in the camp of those who criticized NBA 2K21 and felt it was a series low for NBA 2K? You might not want to spend your hard-earned money on 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:this year's entry.

It doesn't do anything drastically different and it's neither better nor worse than what players experienced in NBA 2K21. Complacency is never great and it seems as though NBA 2K settled on that are their direction this time around.

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