A Renewed Faith in NBA Live - cwash020's Blog

cwash020's Blog

A Renewed Faith in NBA Live

Posted on April 7, 2010 at 01:42 PM.

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So after going back and forth renting NBA Live and NBA 2K this year, my initial impressions lead me to choose NBA 2K for a purchase. Well, as I noted in a previous blog, I quickly became disappointed in 2K's 2010 offering and traded it back in while it still had decent value (still a ripoff, but that's another story).

I went awhile without a b-ball game, but I finally broke down and got Live 10. After adjusting the sliders a bit I can truly say for the first time in years that it plays a more realistic, and more importantly more fun game of basketball than its competitor.

Last night I played a dynamic season game. I was the Hawks vs. the Bobcats. I was down big in the first quarter. Bobcats were up by 12. I quickly became frustrated at the amount of shots, both inside and out, that I was missing. Bibby was turning the ball over like a rookie and Joe Johnson was the only one on the Hawks contributing. But then it hit me: I was forcing everything...bad shots, tough passes, too much dribbling. I begin the slow the tempo a bit and ran more plays and before I knew it I cut the lead in half. As I begin to creep back into the game, Charlotte started to panic and my defense capitalized leading to fast break opportunities. They made a bit of a run at the end of the 3rd, but ultimately I was able to complete the comeback and I won by 5.
We all know that b-ball games (both EA and 2K) are infamous for rubberband AI. In this case, I came out on the positive end of that and it made the win that much more rewarding.

So kudos to EA for strides in the right direction with this series. If you can tighten up the player models, animations, and sound effects (clanks off the rim still sound horrific), I truly believe that Live 11 will be the best b-ball game of this generation.

Comments

# 1 EvanRG @ Apr 7

I wouldn't call that rubber band AI. It's more of a case of you getting serious in the 2nd half and winning. Secondly, NBA 2k10 is far from perfect but with my slider settings it is the most complete and fun NBA basketball game (CH2k8 is still better by far).

Of course it all comes down to preference. Too bad NBA Live is going the wrong way by losing Mike.

# 2 Sherman91587 @ Apr 7

Yeah I am with the other guys by no way is 2k perfect, but I could show u about 10 flaws every time I pop in Live. The game just doesnt feel right no matter how u try to adjust it.

# 3 Donnellsigns @ Apr 8

I agree with you guys. the 2k is far more better. they must come up with a new and exciting version of this game
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# 4 cwash020 @ Apr 8

I will agree in that 2K is the more polished game, definitely less buggy. I just dont think 2K is leaps and bounds better than Live this year compared to the past. And you are right Evan...it is about preference. This year I prefer Live. One area 2K owns Live is in NBA today. The dynamic commentary in that mode is a thing of beauty.

# 5 10yard-Fight @ Apr 11

I thought I preferred Live this year, but after playing for a while I got tired of most players having the same dribble animations and I really hate the fact there is no tip dunks. I also love the dynamic commentary on 2k. While I like both games this year I still prefer 2k.

# 6 Blak_Baki_Hanma @ Sep 22

Amazing what a little Wang can do huh?... I felt the same way... until Mike Wang went back to 2k.
I think it's clear to the entire industry that that dude makes a mean hoops sim.
Elite is unplayable and 2k is finally a game I not only enjoy, but now I'm looking forward to it.