Screw the innovation. That's been the problem with the series for years. They are so worried about implementing bells and whistles that they forget to make a great basketball game on the court.

Start there. On the court make it a great basketball game. Then we can talk.

@BlackRome I think that's where the innovation is going this year? Taking out the pre-determined animations aspect of basketball games is a pretty big innovation if you ask me (although it's really just an overdue addition to that aspect of our genre).

I still don't see how Jordan on the cover and in game will make this the better "NBA" game.

And to add on to what wheelman was saying, the poll was about which one was the "bigger news". MJ on the cover by far was bigger.

2K news was hands down the best news! I think 2K has some more news coming at E3 that will over-shadow EA again, if my source are right.

I still don't see how a name change to elite will make this the better "NBA" game.

For the record, as of now, 2k has the better game. Period. It is up to Live to try and get to the point were 2k game is.

Just look at what has been Live (oops, Elite) history ... every 2 years they rebuilt the hole system over and over, having the same result ... a game far to resamble a real basketball game ... thus I must pay respect to the leap they gain with Live ´10 (the closest game from being playable) ...

It is in the best interest of all of us, that Elite becomes a great game even better than 2k, but lets face it ... it would be an extremly hard thing to accomplish since they are always on rebuilding mode ... Do I hear some Pirate Pittsburg comparition ? ...

I think they have to beat 2k at what they do. They have to make a game that has a better and deeper association mode, coupled with the innovations they are adding this year. I have felt that the association people are some of the most vocal people involved with these games, so if you can get them on your side by giving them a deeper dynasty experience than 2k(not necessarily deeper, just better), even if they are maybe just a half step below 2k on the court, then I think that will make the difference.

I had a longer response but oldman touched on what I think is most important ON TOP OF innovating b-ball - Beat 2K at what they do but to be honest, I think the simplest factor is the what people are attracted to which are the bells and whistles. Presentation and animations are the BIGGEST things going for that series and that's what catches the eye of so many people, first and foremost and while presentation is lovely, those overly-animated players is WACK. Live 10 at least showed that more control of your player is where it's at and that caters to the game play which stole me away from 2K.

Now that EA is ramping up the engine with a new, real-time physics engine, I expect the animations to be more on point and realistic in a way that NBA2K may not be able to compete with. If they add on much improved presentation, they will lure more people away from "stale, same ole, same ole with new coat of paint" NBA2K...unless 2K comes up with their own real time physics engine and better control scheme. Iso motion is terrible and using the right stick for shots instead of moves was a wack idea from the get go to me but Live was just so bad that I mostly played NBA2K.

Elite 11 is on the right track but I gotta hear about presentation and see how this physics engine pans out.

eh whatever. just make a good game..

Take what the competition does right and pull an Apple: Do It Better. Embarrass them buy not only having a better playing game on the court, but by having a deeper experience in terms of game modes. 2K10 was good everywhere but on the court (plagued by the same bugs), but NBA Elite is going to need to serve up something strong 5 years into the cycle of this next-gen. Otherwise forget about it, 2K will win over the audience with MJ alone. Elite will need an Elite Cover Athlete who can match up against MJ.

EA lost Round 1? Really Chris? Games that nobody has seen anything of substance about are now at a disadvantage based on a mindless poll asking whether a name change is hotter than a cover boy change. You guys must really be hitting the bottom of the barrel for news to make those judgements.

Having said that - I agree that the successful implementation of a true physics system coupled with accurate collision detection will push Elite above 2K. It's amazing to me that some people (a poster a few lines up) think innovation attempts should cease because they don't always hit on all cylinders when they are first released. That is just a ridiculous mindset and you should be stoned for it.

I LOVE Michael Jordan... so much so that I idolized the guy growing up and tried my best to "be like Mike" and I even named my son after him. Additionally, NBA 2K10 gets the most playtime in my 360 so don't any of you fan boys think I'm driving the hate train because you would be mistaken. My problem with the author's comments and the obvious response the fan base gave when asked whats more appealing.... a name change that means nothing to anyone because you have nothing to relate it to... OR putting a legend on the cover with whom everyone can identify with. It's just like asking an Auburn fan if they would like a quality education or an upgrade to their tractor... they are taking their tractor upgrade every time because they can purely identify with tending to the farmland and herding cows and know nothing about life outside of a farm. Do you follow the simplistic logic here? I know the Auburn fans do.

Anyway, MJ being playable in the game with Mark Cuban is not going to generate near the interest of real time physics-based gameplay. Want a prediction? NBA Elite does pretty well with the new concept but there are flaws that leaves a little to be desired. HOWEVER! NHL11 will nail the physics-based game play and will take Co-GOY award with NCAA11 at year's end. You heard it here first people... Cheers!

@bigsmallwood So you are saying EA should get Wilt Chamberlin signed immediately?

@John Tell the people who are buying 2K because MJ is on the cover that 2K didn't win the initial round this year. EA changed the name to generate more sales, and 2K one-upped them on the marketability department right off the bat.

Just me personally..I've been hoping for a weekly highlight show for years. Ever since College Hoops 2K8.

But thats just a cool feature that I myself like. It won't make it a better "basketball" game. But even then it would STILL take a whole lot more. Thats how far ahead of Live (Elite) 2K is right now. Hard to imagine it overcoming.