Gaming

NBA 2K22 co-op review: Changing for the better

Same name, different year, but different experience?

Published

October 28, 2021

Gab Orlina and Rodneil Quiteles

NBA 2K22 is officially available in all home consoles and PCs near you, and 2K Sports worked on a lot of things for this one. From new gameplay mechanics to some tweaks to game modes, the developers promised a different experience even if it’s still the same basketball simulation game.

Well, we put our two 2K gamers, Gab and Rodneil, to the task of seeing whether or not this year’s NBA 2K game is up to snuff. Whether you want it for your current generation or next-generation, the question still remains: is NBA 2K22 worth getting?

A first impression of familiarity, especially on next-gen

Gab: Honestly, it’s the same old stuff you’re used to seeing from 2K Sports, just upscaled to the next-gen console experience. From the game modes to the gameplay, 2K stuck with what worked and just had some finetuning/reworking added onto it. I wish they would have done something more groundbreaking for it, but it remains as a basketball simulation game.

Within my first few hours of playing, it felt smoother to play and get around. Sure, if it’s your first time playing any NBA 2K game but you have common basketball knowledge, it feels intuitive. If anything, I commend 2K Sports for actually learning from the previous iteration in terms of early shot-making mechanics. Of course, we’ll get to that later on.

NBA 2K22_20210915000715

Rodneil: In recent years, NBA 2K had a habit of releasing 20GB worth of patches days after the game’s official release. That wasn’t the case with NBA 2K22. Unlike previous releases, this felt the most polished right off the bat.

Other than that, the general gameplay felt familiar with some minor tweaks here and there, most notably in the shot making, contesting, and blocking departments.

Enhancing the experience a little bit

Gab: With the new offensive and defensive mechanics, these honestly made the game a bit better but also a bit confusing when you start out. For the offense mechanics, on one hand, I felt that the more detailed and user-based shooting and dunking mechanics were pretty great. On the other hand, it feels like you’re also relearning some of the mechanics that had some finetuning to them. Also, I’d like to give a special shoutout to having shot meters for dunks — it was confusing and a little irritating but I could get used to it.

Rodneil: Things felt pretty much the same to me on the offensive side of the ball with some little changes here and there. Somehow I find it easier to pull-off specific dribble moves now, and the shot-making has improved dramatically. If a player with decent shooting stats is open, you’d have to have really bad timing to miss the shot.

Defense is where it’s at though. The blocking physics and animations are so much better. It’s actually encouraging to create a player with great shot blocking abilities because it’s so satisfying swatting and block-and-catching shots. It’s the steal and strip department that I’m having trouble nailing the timing to. The timing to strip players as they gather for a dunk or lay-up is tricky for me.

Gab: On my end, I felt there was some effort to make defense mechanics it a bit better. Honestly, it just feels like all the previous defensive controls and mechanics with some fine-tuning in physical defense mechanics and timing your blocks. You wouldn’t see it as much unless you have a MyPlayer build for Power Forwards or Centers, in my opinion.

Open-world MyCAREER?

Gab: For the first time, I actually don’t know what to make of MyCAREER now; for real, what is it? Is it Grand Theft Auto, Tony Hawk Pro Skater, or actual NBA 2K22? Jokes aside, this was a welcomed change, especially since all previous MyCAREER modes seemed completely linear in approach. This time around, you have a ton of things to do, and it even allows you to earn VC outside of playing games.

In terms of storyline, MyCAREER this time around doesn’t take too long unlike the previous times. Again, it isn’t linear in terms of how you want to start out — whether you want to go to college or G-League Ignite — and those tracks end abruptly when you lose a game. It doesn’t put the grind too much in the earlier stages, and I like that — like, please save the grinding for when you play in the NBA.

Familiar names

Also, I appreciate the fact that 2K Sports also added in some easter eggs from the previous MyCAREER storylines. From the MyPlayer nicknames like Che and Junior, to even some familiar faces like Hendrix Cobb, the fan service is there!

Rodneil: I’m just gonna second pretty much everything Gab has already mentioned. I like the mostly non-linear approach to MyCAREER. The whole mini open world, while not perfect, is fun and keeps things interesting.

It still has plenty of room for improvement. Moving around the City still feels a little janky, and the experience starts to feel repetitive at some point. However, I enjoy the relatively fresh take and am excited on where they’ll take it next.

Let’s not forget the other game modes now

Gab: For me, the other game modes are worth playing when you can’t really find anything else to work on for MyCAREER. At least in MyTEAM, you still earn some VCs that you can use for your MyCAREER progression and you get to build your own team through their new Draft system. For MyWNBA, it’s quite nice that they keep adding the WNBA content into the present and future releases.

Rodneil: MyTEAM still largely feels like a blur to me, but I feel like I have a better understanding of its mechanics now. But I guess what’s great about NBA 2K is how you really play it your way. If MyTEAM isn’t your thing, that’s perfectly fine. There are plenty of other modes to enjoy. I particularly like customizing teams in MyLeague. I’ve created teams like an All ‘98 Draft Class team, leagues that feature current players plus one legend from each team, as well as leagues with 2000s teams. It feeds right into my nostalgia and gets my buy when my anxiety starts sky-rocketing.

Speaking of playing your way, I created an entire WNBA team with members of K-Pop supergroup TWICE. They’re a little overpowered right now, but I enjoy playing with them. Other than this created team, I’ve played a significant amount of Exhibition games with eventual WNBA champion Chicago Sky and that’s also loads of fun.

More MyCAREER options

Gab: It got me thinking, though: when will they give you an option to play as a male or female for MyCAREER? I think this would be a great opportunity to not only continue rolling in the WNBA into future releases, but also allow women to partake in something like this. I mean who knows, you could create an entire Esport for women playing NBA 2K22!

Rodneil: I agree with Gab in that I hope to see 2K expand the WNBA section further some iteration of MyCAREER. I think there are plenty of interesting stories that can be told especially with the general public slowly but surely warming up to the WNBA.

Is NBA 2K22 worth getting in the end?

Rodneil: I think any video gamer who also enjoys basketball will end up picking this up if they haven’t already. I don’t see it attracting non-fans, but there’s plenty here for long-time NBA 2K fans to enjoy.

I do have a wish list for future games. Remember how NBA 2K11 had the Jordan challenge where you create some of The G.O.A.T.’s greatest games? I’d love to see that expanded in some form of Legends Challenge where you get to play games and situations like Kobe’s 81-point game, T-Mac’s 13 points in 33 seconds, and many more.

I’d also like to see some way to jump straight into All Star Weekend and play the Three-Point Shootout and the Slam Dunk Challenge with players you selected similar to what NBA Live ‘05 did. Controls for the Slam Dunk Challenge could be tricky but I’d love to see 2K pull it off.

Overall, this remains the superior NBA simulation game (with no real competition at this point), and while it isn’t perfect, it’s still pretty much a damn good time.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

Gab: NBA 2K22 is an example of simplifying everything and improving the little things. Unlike previous iterations, it doesn’t try too hard to do anything different with the overall experience. From the gameplay to the game modes, it’s still the same NBA simulation game that you love playing with your friends when given the chance.

However, when you go into the nitty-gritty of it, I could give it some merit for shaking things up here and there. MyCAREER, for me, shines in this regard and actually incentivizes you to be a little bit more involved with your environment in MyCITY. Of course, you still go through an entire NBA career but it’s not the only thing to do any more.

I think I’ve said it before: if you’re looking for the same old features, NBA 2K22 won’t really wow you with anything huge. However, with the changes they added to this iteration of the game, it’s worth investing some time into playing through.

Related Topics:2K Sports 2K22 NBA NBA 2K22 Take-Two Interactive

Gaming

Dune: Awakening makes it way to the PS5 and Xbox Series X

Surviving the harsh land of Arrakis one sandstorm and bloodlust at a time

Published

September 22, 2026

Gab Orlina

Back in June of 2025, Funcom released its multi-nominated open world survival game, Dune: Awakening. Inspired by the renowned movie franchise, the game takes place within the deserts of Arrakis as players survive and thrive through intense combat and strategic decision making. Now, in the big 2026, Funcom is finally bringing that experience to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players as Dune: Awakening officially launches on console!

For the newbies finally getting it on console, here’s all you need to know:

Take the lead or do it together

Dune: Awakening takes you into the desolate land of Arrakis, and gives you the option to do it on Single Player or Multiplayer upfront. Through your own bidding in strategy, combat, and resource management, your goals are simple: survive the terrain, make more allies than enemies, and conquer the land through your affiliation to the powers that be.

This version of the game is as exact and as one-to-one as it possibly could with the PC version released last year, down to the story arcs, quests, and PvE/PvP areas you take on. Since launch, Funcom has introduced new weapons, areas, and cosmetics through DLCs that will be available to console players, as well. Also, several key features in story and mission progression that have changed on the PC version will take into effect.

If you want to engage with multiplayer, it is still a viable option when you want to gather more resources and reinforce your bases against other players and the natural elements. However, you still won’t be able to host your own server on a console just yet, as it is more stable to do so on the PC version.

Become whoever and whatever to survive

Character customization became the game’s bread and butter through its extensively library of features and unique take on story progression. As you begin your journey, Lady Jessica welcomes you in and asks you on your origin story, mentorship, and initial skill set — all of which are to your choosing based on your play style. Honestly, none of these completely influence the difficulty in progressing the story too much but it will give you full control of the experience.

As you progress further into the game, you will unlock more skills and abilities to aid you in your quest for power and survival. These will help you earn XP, along with accomplishing tasks, gathering resources and researching newer technologies, plus engaging in combat both within the PvE and PvP areas. Ultimately, you and, potentially, other players must build enough rapport and influence to shape the world of Arrakis to your liking.

Consistent visual expectations

For most players on the PC version, graphical fidelity relied heavily on the hardware of choice. When transitioning the game into a console-friendly environment, Funcom worked out the details seamlessly by adding a Performance and Quality mode. In this fashion, you can opt for crystal-clear graphics at a decent 30 FPS or go for a constant 60 FPS to keep up with the action.

Left: Performance | Right: Quality

No matter which mode you choose, the overall visual identity of the game doesn’t change drastically. Environments look rich and vibrant, while the tiniest of details within character models are preserved. Although, given frame rate differences, rendering of background elements also reflects that but it won’t ruin the gaming experience.

Dune: Awakening will be available on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on September 22. For Xbox Game Pass owners, this will also be a Day One release with Play Anywhere support and cross-play within Xbox and PC players upon launch.

Funcom has also planned an exciting map update later this year plus potential DLC tie-ins to the upcoming Dune: Part Three theatrical release in December.

Gaming

Valve unveils price of the Steam Frame

The VR headset starts at US$ 1,059.

Published

September 15, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The trifecta is complete. Almost a year after announcing their new hardware, Valve has finally unveiled the price tag of the Steam Frame, complementing the Steam Machine and Steam Controller revealed a few months ago.

Whereas the Steam Machine is a console of its own, the Steam Frame is a traditional VR headset with a pair of controllers for both hands. Unfortunately, despite being in a different segment, the headset is not immune to the rising prices of technology. The Steam Frame will start at US$ 1,059 for a 256GB model and can go up to US$ 1,299 for the 1TB model. On the plus side, each box will come Half-Life: Alyx packaged along with the headset.

Here’s a more detailed rundown of what you’re getting. The Steam Frame will ship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM. Each eye comes with a 2160 x 2160 LCD screen, putting out images at up t0 a 144Hz experimental refresh rate. As mentioned above, the headset will start with 256GB of storage but can go up to 2TB. It will come packaged with SteamOS 3 and a rechargeable 21.6Wh battery.

This might be a hard buy for some. The industry currently has more affordable options, for one. Also, virtual reality isn’t the most thriving segment of gaming today.

If you’re still decided on buying one, however, Valve is using its lottery system. Interested customers can sign up from now until September 17. The company will then randomize the purchasing order. Those who draw the first ones in the lottery can get a purchase email as soon as September 18. Meanwhile, anyone who registers after September 17 will automatically be put at the back of the queue.

Gaming

BlizzCon 2026 announces World of Warcraft: Forever and Diablo V

StarCraft, Overwatch, Hearthstone, and more also get news

Published

September 14, 2026

GadgetMatch

Blizzard Entertainment kicked off BlizzCon 2026 with a packed Opening Ceremony featuring new games, major expansions, updates, and other announcements across its biggest franchises.

Blizzard Entertainment President Johanna Faries opened the event at the Anaheim Convention Center, celebrating the community behind the company’s games and the teams that bring its worlds to life.

World of Warcraft: Forever and Diablo V

The biggest announcement was World of Warcraft: Forever, a new World of Warcraft experience launching November 5 AEDT, with its beta beginning September 18 AEST. The new experience will feature three zones, more than 1,000 quests, nine dungeons, two raids, and a new Skyborne race.

Blizzard also officially announced Diablo V, marking the next era of the franchise. The game is set to launch in North America in Spring 2029, with Sanctuary having fallen and Diablo having won.

StarCraft is also returning with a new story-driven, open-world shooter. The game is currently planned for a Spring 2030 release in North America.

Beyond games, Blizzard revealed that an animated series set in the Diablo universe is in development with Netflix. The company says this is only the beginning of its plans to expand its universes beyond gaming.

For Warcraft III Reforged, the new Forsaken Kingdom campaign is available today. It marks the Warcraft RTS series’ first new storyline in more than 23 years and explores the fall of Lordaeron and the origins of the Undercity. The accompanying 3.0 update also brings graphical improvements and a revamped World Editor.

Heroes of the Storm is adding Xal’atath as its newest Hero. She arrives in the Nexus on September 29 AEST, with her PTR release scheduled for September 15 AEST.

Existing games updates

Meanwhile, Diablo IV is preparing for its next major content drop. Season of Hell’s Legacy begins September 16 AEST and celebrates the franchise’s 30-year history with the return of the Prime Evils and Deckard Cain, alongside themed rewards and gear.

The legendary Amazon class will also arrive in the first half of 2027 as part of Diablo IV’s first class pack. The Diablo IV: Age of Hatred Collection is additionally coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on September 16 AEST with cross-platform play and cross-progression.

For World of Warcraft, Blizzard teased the next major update for Midnight. Eclipse (12.2) will see Xal’atath move closer to her goal of claiming Azeroth’s Worldsoul. Blizzard also offered another look at The Last Titan, the next expansion in the Worldsoul Saga and a major culmination of more than two decades of Warcraft storytelling. More information is coming early next year.

Overwatch is getting a major update with Season 5. The season introduces new Support Hero Doctrine, reworks for Sombra and Roadhog, and the new Watchpoint: Grimsvötn map. It will also conclude The Reign of Talon, Overwatch’s first year-long narrative arc.

LE SSERAFIM & YOASABI

BlizzCon also featured performances from YOASOBI and LE SSERAFIM. YOASOBI will perform during the first-ever esports halftime show at BlizzCon, while LE SSERAFIM will return to the Main Stage to close the weekend. A new LE SSERAFIM in-game collaboration is available now, with another Overwatch Spotlight scheduled for February 2027.

Finally, Hearthstone is getting its first new class in more than six years. The Monk arrives in 2027, while the upcoming Reign of the Black Empire expansion takes players back to the earliest age of Azeroth. It introduces the Assemble keyword, which combines two cards into a new one. Battlegrounds is also adding Aberrations as a new minion type.

BlizzCon 2026 is now underway, with Blizzard promising more announcements and details throughout the weekend.