OS Roundtable: Does Live Stand a Chance?

[CoRRuPTMiND93]

Even though 2k has been running the show, people are always willing to try something new. The fact of the matter is that 2k basketball games still lack a lot of things that people want to see, the game still has legacy issues that irritate the hell out of people, so it's not like there isn't any room for NBA Live to come back and out shine 2k in certain areas. If NBA Live 14 is a solid basketball game, that has, let's say, a great online experience, that could be enough for some people to switch over. If this ignite engine proves to be legit, and bouce-tek is as smooth as they are saying it is, that's a huge plus for EA.

[Vni]

You're just a 2K guy because it's the best game out there aren't you?

[hallauer]

I'm trying to stay positive for Live, but it's hard with such limited info. IMO, the player models looks like plastic and everything I've seen/read so far hasn't been kind of "meh". If the online comes together, similar to EASHL, then like Jayson Young stated, they're going to pull in a LOT of people who want to play online. NBA2K's online has been a lagging joke for years now, so EA needs to come out swinging, emphasise online play, and capture that market.

[juicey79]

Quote: Originally Posted by DatGD12guage

The question should be who will come out on top b/c this is a new system and if im not mistaken live has had more time to prepare for nex gen so that kind of evens things out as far as next gen consoles. I say that only b/c 2k has a pretty decent record when it comes to delivering with the exception of nba 2k13. Dont get it twisted 2k just has momentum b/c they have been releasing games so everybody assumes whats going to happen based off of past history. However this is NEW SYSTEMS so nobody knows whats going to happen for sure until we see gameplay. So fanboys chill the xxxx out with the arguments until we see gameplay b/c somebody is bound to get their feelings hurt as serious and emotional as you mufs get.

I agree, EA has had 3 years to start developing concepts, game modes, and idea for NBA LIVE. It's rare that a consumer will get an out of this world experience on a sports game but I have high expectations for NBA live given EA's massive resource and their new Ignite Engine...as for 2K I expect a great game as well and for them to not take a step backwards...if they refine the controls and make the presentation and visuals close to real life I will be happy.

[DonWuan]

The other game has become stale to me. As far as I know 2k on next gen will be mostly graphical update(based off ps2-ps3) and at the end of the day its still 2k basketball. Not a bad thing but also not a good thing.

If Live is closer to live 10 vs elite it will be a day one purchase. Need something new and as im an association type player, Live will be bringing something fresh to the market. Im not expecting anything perfect.

Ive been playing the same game over and over for a few years with minor tweaks.

[Sovartus]

It always seems to be a touchy subject when we start talking about NBA 2K and NBA Live on this forum. So many people are ready to defend the game they are more familiar with or simply have a loyalty to for whatever reason. I like to take the perspective of a basketball gamer. Right now, 2K has the only game and also has been the developer that has gotten closer to a basketball simulation in the last decade. EA hasn't really done much of anything except overpromise and underdeliver during the XBOX 360/Playstation 3 time frame with the exception of NBA Live 09 and 10.

Most gamers seem to miss the point of all of this because they appear to be a little blinded by personal choice rather than being a real consumer. I like the idea of NBA Live and NBA 2K launching into the new generation consoles head to head again. As many have said, it is only good for the consumer when there is more than one option and the market share is split. Obviously NBA Live will bring a few new things to the table and 2K will make the proper adjustments to counter them as they always do. Think about the fact that 2K is now with Stats Inc., and realize Synergy Sports in NBA Live had something to do with that. We now have more realistic gameplay as a result.

So, the overall answer to the OP's question is "yes", NBA Live has fantastic odds to get back into the game and steal back some of the market share in basketball video gaming. How much they will get back depends on the approach they take and if 2K is able to continue making the improvements that actually matter to it's fanbase. We all must admit, the gameplay devs at 2K have shown to have a pretty good grip on the reality of simulation based basketball gaming. They have made some tremendous strides to bring us a solid experience year after year even though it is the only product out there. The thing 2K does better than anyone to date is, they listen to the gamers. Maybe they listen too much sometimes but they make a valiant attempt to give us what we ask for which makes many happy and ticks others off in the process.

NBA Live Devs have the unique opportunity to deliver some things that 2K has dropped the ball on year after year but they must also provide something close to the high degree of realism 2K hangs its hat on as well. Live MUST offer the sim gamer something that makes them say, "ok, that is pretty nice! Maybe I'll check it out and see what it's talking about..." The main area NCAA Basketball 10 impressed me was in the defensive logic. Players reacted to the ball and positioned themselves better than 2K10. Little things about "basketball" make the difference for me.

Either way, the gamers will benefit from the newfound competition IF EA can (#1) release a game, and (#2) release one that provides simulation aspects that rival 2K's. It doesn't have to be better. I don't think ANYONE, not even EA, has the expectations for them to produce a better produce. I probably will be in "wait & see mode" and buy both titles on XBOX One. I plan to write my next installment of 2K vs. Live once I get my hands on them and pick them apart like I did for 2K10 vs Live 10.

Keep an open mind guys, this should be interesting.

[champsbasketball]

I'm hoping that both basketball games are great so I can have 2 games to play all year. cuz when it's all said and done I'm a basketball player I love basketball

[larry1523]

These last couple 2k games have been really slacking really hard and since live stop coming out with games 2k hasn't put any effort into their games and I am a die hard 2k fan. It seriously seems like they take features out just to put them back in the following game and use them as a selling point to get you to buy it (ex blocking dunks). Live has the perfect opportunity to come back in a big way and get back there fan base and 2k won't have anyone to blame but themselves and I believe EA will outsell 2K in the next gen