Gaming
NBA 2K22 co-op review: Changing for the better
Same name, different year, but different experience?
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.
Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.
After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.
To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.
Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins
The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.
The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.
The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.
The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.
The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.
Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds
Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.
One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.
Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.
The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.
Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.
Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.
Jungle changes reward efficient farming
Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.
The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.
Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.
These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.
Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.
Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.
Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.
Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster
Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.
Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.
Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.
Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.
These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.
Ranked play and game modes get updates
Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.
The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.
Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.
Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.
Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift
With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.
K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.
Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.
K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.
HoYoverse will launch Petit Planet, its first cozy galactic life simulation game, on December 4, 2026. The game will be available on PC, iOS, and Android, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release planned for 2027.
The announcement was made during the Petit Planet Pre-Launch Special Program on November 1. HoYoverse also revealed more details about the game’s characters, gameplay features, and launch events.
Build a planet and meet new Neighbors
In Petit Planet, players take on the role of Planet Tenders who travel across the Starsea with Oumuamua, a Starsea Spirit said to listen to people’s wishes.
Each player starts with their own planet, where they plant a Luca Seed that grows into a Luca Arbor. This tree gradually shapes the planet’s landscape, seasons, and ecosystem.
Players will also meet various Neighbors, including Planet Coordinator Mobai and Starsea Racer Elsasani. Getting to know these characters allows players to develop friendships and discover their individual stories.
Beyond their home planets, players can explore scattered Islets across the Starsea. They can also visit the Galactic Bazaar to play games, participate in auctions, and share their creations with others.
Launch events offer free rewards
HoYoverse has prepared several events to celebrate the game’s launch.
Players can enter a pre-registration lucky draw through the official website for a chance to win prizes. Regular gameplay will also offer more than 1,000 clothing and furniture items for free.
The Besties, Made to Match! event rewards players who invite two friends to pre-register. Each participant will receive an exclusive clothing item.
Starting November 1, the Launch a Planet event will let players design their own planets through the official event website. Participants will also have a chance to win surprise grand prizes.
The first Petit Planet Seasonal Creation Event will begin alongside the game’s launch. Selected fan creations can win cash prizes, in-game rewards, and official merchandise.
Players can also visit the game’s official X account after the special program to receive a Moving Guide and join a giveaway featuring a suitcase, gift cards, and an exclusive luggage tag.
Pre-register for Petit Planet
Petit Planet is now available for pre-registration on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Epic Games Store. Players can search for the game on these platforms to pre-register and receive a notification when it launches.
The game arrives globally on December 4, 2026, for PC, iOS, and Android. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027.
It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.
The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.
But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.
Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.
The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.
At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.
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