Gaming

NBA 2K23 review: A certified All-Star

One of the best in recent years

Published

October 12, 2022

Rodneil Quiteles and Gab Orlina

It’s been roughly about a month since NBA 2K23 was unleashed to the world. So, how has it been so far? Is it really just the same game? Here’s our review. Quick Note: We’re reviewing the Next-Gen version of the game both on the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X.

Slightly improving the core gameplay mechanics

Gab: Like what they say, if it ain’t that broke, don’t fix it; for the most part, NBA 2K23 doesn’t do anything over the top with the core gameplay. It’s still that same NBA basketball simulator which relies on precise user timing for both offense and defense, with some minor improvements. For starters, the shot meter feels more manageable in terms of user shot timing vis-a-vis the NBA player’s release.

With enough tinkering, you can adjust how you want the shot meter to look like when taking shots in-game. To be fair, it’s a minor detail but if you were used to seeing your shot meter a certain way, this is a good change. Also, I felt that movement and dribble moves feel a bit smoother to execute.

Rodneil: I agree with Gab that the core gameplay doesn’t feel drastically different from previous years. The shot meter definitely received tweaks. And you’re gonna want to go into settings right away to figure out the release timing that best works for you.

I also felt that the overall pace of the game is more simulation and less arcade-ish. What I mean by that is that it’s not as fast as 2K22. And you also have to be more adept in running plays to find a good shot. Shot control is much more precise, blocking shots is a little more difficult, and stealing and stripping the ball away is much more challenging.

MyCareer and The W made simpler and more robust

Gab: The first thing that came to my mind before playing MyCareer was “how will they make this any different across the board?” Honestly, I’ve seen 2K Sports throw out all kinds of storylines and gimmicks that I’m not so sure what else they could do to provide a different experience. All of a sudden, I boot up MyCareer and to my surprise: no elaborate backstory, no college leagues or trying out in the G-League.

MyCareer literally throws you right into things as a promising rookie drafted by your team of choice. No more pre-draft interviews, no more stat-padding in college – you pick the team that drafts you and work your way up. All this while everyone in your management team is trying to help you manage your brand, especially when fans were initially disappointed that they picked you.

Crossing over to the other side, The W is designed in such a similar way but simpler. As this is the WNBA’s version of MyCareer (a first for NBA 2K, as well), it’s not surprising that it’s this straightforward. You build your MyWNBA Player, accomplish a few tasks, play the games, earn badges – as standard as it could get.

The now robust MyPlayer Builder

Gab: At the start of every MyCareer, you’re greeted with the MyPlayer Builder which essentially helps you create the best version of your player. Much like the last two iterations of NBA 2K, this feature comes with a full belt of attributes, badge forecast, and Takeovers to choose from. For NBA 2K23, however, they really pulled out all the stops with the whole experience.

One key adjustment was in the amount of badges you can earn depending on how you shape your attributes. Compared to NBA 2K22, my 3-Level Scorer has a significantly beefed up amount of badges for Finishing, Playmaking, and Rebounding – unlike last year where Rebounding, in particular, was one badge, at most.

Of course, the more major changes revolve around adding in Leadership Skills and Core Badges to your MyPlayer. Although you get access to these after building your MyPlayer, it gives you a great incentive to play harder and better. Now, if only they could indicate what the actual challenges are for the Core Badges on the Badges screen, that’d be pretty great.

Replica Builds

Rodneil: The biggest addition this year is the Replica Build. If you get the stats just right, including the height, weight, and jersey number, you’ll get Replica Builds of actual NBA Players. The first one to pop-up online was The Joker which is a replica of reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.

There are plenty more builds featuring Black Mamba (Kobe Bryant), Half-Man, Half-Amazing (Vince Carter), The Glove (Gary Payton), The Big Fundamental (Tim Duncan), and many more.

For the full list, as well as the stats, check out this post from Game Skinny.

Unfortunately, these Replica Builds aren’t exactly the best for Park. Sure, you can mess around with them in MyCareer but you might feel they are lacking in Park Play.

MyTeam and MyNBA Eras

Rodneil: I only really started playing MyTeam after I’ve done everything I thought I could do in MyCareer for NBA 2K22. Part of me wishes now that I didn’t enjoy this mode as much because it has now become an addiction. Collecting Player Cards and using them in the many game types in MyTeam is such a treat. What really drew me in is how it has a set of Agendas – a task list of sorts. You cross off agendas, you get rewards. And rewards come in EXP, MyTeam Points, Player Cards, Card boosts, etc. It’s super addicting, especially for someone like myself who likes crossing off lists.

My only gripe is that you’re really gonna have to spend if you want to reach Level 40 each Season. And I really have to squeeze every ounce of self-discipline and restraint to not spend too much on the game.

MyNBA Eras is a nice touch. The vintage filter is present in other game modes, but to really experience its full effect, you have to play the MyNBA mode where you take control of a franchise or two during a certain NBA era. It’s a good experience overall and you get to live what-if moments like what if Detroit drafted Carmelo Anthony instead of Darko Millicic.

Of course, it isn’t perfect. The draft classes and rosters aren’t complete. This is primarily due to licensing issues with players but 2K really needs to try harder. I’m pretty sure they earn a good amount from all the microtransactions in the game to be able to pay what some of the retired athletes are demanding.

The Jordan Challenge

Rodneil: This is everything I want and more. I have been begging 2K to bring this back and now they have. The Jordan Challenge is a great way to relive the historic career of the best to lace it up. It adds a couple of college games to the mix to keep things interesting.

So, where do we go from here? How about the Kobe Challenge next for NBA 2K24?

Turnovers

The game suffers even more with microtransactions. As some 2K Content Creators have noted, you’ll likely have to spend another $100 to max out your MyCareer player. And that’s just one player. Sure, you can grind your way through it but that takes so much longer.

Same is true for the MyTeam mode which also demands plenty of Virtual Currency from you. Sure, you can enjoy these modes on your own without shelling out much. But if you want to play competitively, you’re gonna have to drop some dough. It’s literally pay-to-win.

Definitely an All-Star

NBA 2K23 is easily one of the franchise’s better releases in recent years. There are no massive bugs at launch. Gameplay has been steady and poses an enough challenge. And there are plenty of game modes to keep you busy for possibly its entire life cycle.

NBA 2K is fantastic to play, especially if you’re into basketball and the NBA. The additions are great but not revolutionary and the microtransactions hold it back from being a true superstar. That said, it’s not bad at all. NBA 2K23 is an All-Star of a game through and through.

Related Topics:2K Sports NBA 2K NBA 2K23 Take-Two Interactive

Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

Published

November 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

Gaming

Wild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER

Published

November 2, 2026

GadgetMatch

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.

Gaming

Petit Planet launches December 4

HoYoverse’s cozy life sim arrives soon

Published

November 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

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.