NBA 2K22 is promising new features and greater depth for the series’ WNBA career suite, The W, whose inaugural effort last year was a laudable and distinct women’s basketball experience, even if much of the progression supporting it felt bland and even dated.

Players will now find a Badge progression system similar to the one in the series’ long-running MyCareer mode, as well as more off-the-court activities to deepen the lifestyle and role-playing qualities of their superstar’s career. Both answer the two biggest criticisms I had for the mode last year, which involved a very flat, linear development path for the player, and a menu-driven life off the court.