Starting with shooting, NBA 2K22 introduces a number of new features, the most noticeable of which is the game's new shot meter, which now features a make window that can be resized on the fly as needed. When you're taking high-quality shots with good shooters, this window will expand, but it will contract when you're heavily contested, shooting with a low-rated shooter, or fatigued. 2K Sports has released a slew of new information about NBA 2K22 ahead of its September 10 release date, including a detailed look at how the game actually plays and what's new this year in terms of gameplay.

Players who make intelligent shots will be rewarded in NBA 2K22. NBA 2K has undergone extensive focus-group testing with players of all skill levels, and the developer claims that the new shooting mechanics are "the most responsive" the game has ever had. The first gameplay trailer was released earlier this week, and now 2K Sports has published a lengthy blog post detailing the major changes to gameplay this year. The goal of 2K22 MT Coins, according to 2K, was to deliver a faster-paced gameplay experience, more responsive player movement, and more skill-based offensive abilities. Additionally, the developer sought to deliver these changes across both console generations, so if you're among those unable to obtain a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S at the moment or don't want to upgrade, NBA 2K22 should be a viable option for you.

The finishing mechanics in NBA 2K22 have also been tweaked, with the goal of requiring more skill to finish a play at the basket. Defenders will find it more difficult to finish a play with a flashy dunk as a result of a revamped blocking system in the game. The ability to time alley-oops and skill dunk attempts is also available, but only on newer generation consoles. The game has added new celebrations for players who successfully complete a dunk. These celebrations are now available to all players. Players can customize the type of dunk they use by using the Dunk Style Creator, which is also included.

Defense-wise, 2K claims to have rebuilt the shot content and blocking systems, which means players will now be able to see snatch blocks and volleyball spikes, which were not previously available in the game. A number of enhancements have been made to steals in NBA 2K22 MT, with a greater emphasis being placed on a specific player's steal characteristics. Poor stealers will now experience slower animations, while better stealers will have greater success stealing the ball away from the offensive team in the future. Furthermore, according to 2K, player movement on defense should now feel more realistic overall, as opposed to before.

Specifically for floor defenders, body-up rides and bumps now feel significantly more rewarding due to significant improvements in the feel of on-ball defensive movement made by the motion team, according to the developer.'Bump steals' and snatchy body ups have been minimized in favor of allowing both the ball handler and on-ball defender more freedom of movement and respect for their own contributions. Shifts, launches, stops, and cuts will all feel much tighter, and with even more new gen foot-planting improvements, you'll notice a significant reduction in sliding on both ends of the floor, according to 2K Sports.

There are some changes to dribbling in NBA 2K22 that give players more freedom and control to get past defenders using flashy moves. Two hundred and fifty percent of KD's big hesi crosses, Harden's around/through the leg moves, Steph's quick machine gun crosses, and Luka's methodical rock back and forth dribbles are now under the direct control of the player rather than a preset movie, according to 2K Sports. Generally speaking, there are numerous new combinations, cancels, and chains that players can use to get around defenders in NBA 2K22. In the gameplay video above, you can see a few of them in action.

This is only a small portion of the information contained in the full blog post, which you should read if you want to learn everything there is to know about what's new this year. In addition to the PS4, Xbox One, and PC, NBA 2K22 will be available on the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on September 10.