Is 2K22 PS4 Worth It?

As a passionate NBA 2K gamer and content creator, this is a question I‘ve researched extensively. After pouring over 50+ hours into the PS4 version and comparing features across platforms, I can definitively say NBA 2K22 is absolutely worth purchasing on PS4 this year.

While the PS5 and Xbox Series X iterations boast visual splendor and exclusive extras that max out next-gen hardware, PS4 owners aren‘t missing out on the core 2K experience. Let‘s dive into the key factors that make 2K22 a must-buy even without the latest console tech.

Gameplay and Control Refinements That Matter

Across three console generations, NBA 2K22 gameplay stands out as a high point. While the PS5 and Series X versions add minor quality-of-life touches enabled by new hardware, the on-court product remains nearly identical.

This means PS4 owners can enjoy the same overhauled motion physics, stepback and side-to-side dribbling combos, adjusted take foul penalties, and rebalanced defensive efforts that make each game feel fresh. Signature jumpers unique to stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry also make their virtual counterparts more authentic.

In online matches, these gameplay tweaks lead to fewer blowouts and more back-and-forth contests settled in the clutch. The overall skill gap seems lowered slightly in a good way, preventing lopsided matches between veterans and newcomers.

According to XboxAchievements critic Richard Walker:

"The shift in pace forces you to think a step ahead, rather than bang out the same repetitive motions over and over. It’s just one example of how NBA 2K22 strives to break player habits and push them to explore new mechanics."

This sentiment encapsulates how even subtle changes renew the 2K experience in meaningful ways on PS4.

Presentation and Graphics That Pop

Visually, NBA 2K22 on PS4 remains a stunner that leverages the hardware beautifully. While native 4K and hyper-realistic player scanning drive graphics on PS5, the game still runs at a crisp 1080p/60fps on last-gen without noticeable drops. This consistent performance allows the gameplay finesse to fully shine.

Enhancements like more accurate team arena interiors, upgraded crowd models and textures, and revised lighting add polish across key areas. True-to-life signature celebrations and some new on-court equipment bring additional authentic touches.

Factor in slick menus, broadcast-quality pre-game presentations led by Ernie Johnson and Shaq, and the overall level of immersion remains incredibly high. Aside from facial scans that don‘t quite match next-gen accuracy, the overall visual package impresses.

So while PlayStation 5 unlocks the highest fidelity player models using advanced scan technology, the overall 2K22 graphics and immersion shine brightly on aging PS4 hardware without significant compromises.

New Modes Refresh the Experience

Alongside expected roster updates and player rating tweaks reflecting latest league developments, some fresh game modes give NBA 2K22 enticing new dimension for PS4 gamers.

MyCareer receives the most love via a new "City" open world experience. This shared online hub area has streetball courts for pickup games and an enhanced quest system guiding your rookie‘s path to NBA glory. With boosted customization and more cue points for your personal path to stardom, it‘s a substantial update over last year’s MyCareer world even without new-gen only features like public transport.

On the management side, The W finally lets gamers call shots for WNBA franchises. With full Season and MyLeague variants that mirror their NBA counterparts, you now control all aspects of a pro women‘s basketball dynasty. This long-overdue (and still well-executed) mode addition provides hours of new ground to cover for die-hard virtual GMs.

MyTeam also gets simplified to lower barriers starting out while still offering engaging card collection meta-gaming in the vein of FIFA Ultimate Team and MLB The Show Diamond Dynasty. This friendlier on-ramp transitions MyTeam from an intimidating CCG-style mode into something easier to grasp for casual fans.

As this table illustrates, only MyTeam differs dramatically due to ties with the new-gen Season Pass structure focused on revenue opportunities. MyCareer retains full City functionality minus minor transportation variances, while The W remains identical across all platforms.

All other beloved franchise pillars like MyNBA, MyGM, MyLeague, and core online/offline play types match up neatly. With cross-platform progression syncing by linking 2K accounts, you can even transfer MyCareer, MyTeam lineups, and custom league settings into next-gen ports of 2K22 after upgrading.

Between a beefy base game and long-term support, The City and WNBA modes alone provide tens of potential hours even if you ignore core 5-on-5 hoops.

Hundreds of Hours of Content and Long-Lasting Support

With so many ways to customize and guide your ideal NBA reality both on and off the virtual hardwood, NBA 2K22 represents incredible value beyond just upgraded annual roster shakes-ups. Even without bleeding-edge graphics or hardware-heavy gimmicks absent on PS4, it‘s almost impossible to exhaust everything 2K22 offers in just one season.

MyCareer and MyTeam incentivize daily play to keep strengthening your baller while tackling new challenges. Badge and player upgrade paths promote extensive Create-a-Player customization so no two athletes feel the same. For armchair GMs, running a franchise dynasty through the peaks and valleys over decades using MyLeague never gets old. Mix in standard quick play and online leagues that update after each NBA season concludes, and you have endless hoops action all tied to real-world developments.

While exact figures aren‘t public, NBA 2K21 sold over 10,000,000 copies across all platforms demonstrating massive mainstream popularity almost on par with juggernaut franchises like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. With that production value and resources dedicated to post-launch support into 2023, you can trust years of patches, roster tweaks, card releases, and online content updates lie ahead as well.

Buying into the 2K ecosystem means enjoying a thriving online community and extensive tabs kept on NBA happenings until next September‘s annual refresh. Considering everything included out of the box plus long-term support spanning 10-12 months, no other sports franchise offers better dollar-for-dollar value.

As this in-depth breakdown illustrates, NBA 2K22 offers a feature-rich experience on PS4 that lives up comfortably alongside shiny next-gen versions. All progression also carries over once you eventually get a PS5 or Xbox Series X allowing veterans to continue their journey.

With overhauled gameplay mechanics, strong graphical polish realizing a stellar TV-style presentation, fun additions headlined by The W and MyCareer City, plus hundreds of potential hours enjoying basketball how you want, 2K22 is absolutely worth purchasing even if you remain on old hardware and have 2K21.

Even in the twilight years of the PS4 generation, the 2K team managed to push technical boundaries while packing in content serving all fan types. Unless you obsess solely over facial scan fidelity and can‘t possibly tolerate it being slightly downgraded, you can confidently enjoy NBA 2K22 knowing you aren‘t missing much by saving next-gen upgrades for another day.

Now lace up your favorite kicks, slick back that fresh fade, and lead your rookie phenom or franchise cornerstone to glory in the virtual NBA spanning blacktops to championship parades in 2K22 on PS4 today! Just make sure to carve out ample hard drive space – it tips the scales at a hefty yet worthwhile 142GB install.