Throwing up the lob can 2K MT be easy enough, but the player finishing the lob must press the 'shoot' button at least once in the green zone of the timing meter to knock it down. Although I'm not convinced it is required, I do appreciate the fact that everything requires a certain level of skill and finesse even if they're not incredibly difficult during the course of gameplay.

In terms of defense, NBA 2K22's greatest improvements are in the form of a revamped shoot blocking technique. I've had a feeling that blocking in earlier NBA 2K titles felt lifeless and ultimately vulnerable to the chance. With the help of new animations and more fluidity and physicality, blocks now feel precise and powerful providing much-needed toughness to the game's great centres, which I feel weren't really seen as a threat during the previous games.

Play with Wilt Chamberlain's Lakers or Bill Russell's Celtics and you'll be able to see the difference. This increased sense of accuracy and realness also applies to mid-air encounters, as those within the ring appear more organic in motion.

Highlight reels from earlier games were usually tarnished or straight up ruined with jumbled animations that left my big men looking like frozen robots stuck in the air. In NBA 2K22, players reach, swat and defend in a manner which feels more natural and is therefore more effective in the majority of defensive situations.

NBA 2K22's modes stay largely unchanged from last year's version but that's not necessarily it's a problem since several of them were brand new in NBA 2K21's next-generation versions. Along with MyCareer, MyTeam and MyNBA modes, The W returns, which includes an individual career mode that is based on the WNBA.

Regarding the classic MyCareer players will be thrilled to learn there are two modes available. MyCareer and MyPark/Neighbourhood modes have now been amalgamated into one MyCareer mode, that features an updated version of the previous year's City. While The City is essentially a larger and more detailed Neighbourhood it is packed with destinations to visit and things to do.

This year's inclusion of NBA 2K MT Coins four factions available to select from and play against is a nice addition but isn't much more than the initial choice of one in the first place and leaves the MyPark/Neighbourhood game in its entirety unchanged. The brand new MyCareer mode is the biggest upgrade to NBA 2K22 because your player, also known as MP (which actually, stands for 'My Player') builds an NBA career and brand empire.