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NBA 2k6 (X360) - 1up.com review

Robobandit said:
its a prettier version of the game that is already out for $39.99 on the xbox.. The game is old news, despite its graphics as the gameplay isn't any different. If there was only a 360 version, of course it would have gotten a better score. It is essentially a late port with a graphical upgrade that costs $20 more than the original, I think a 7 is justified in this case
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Yet Re4 PS2 got a 10.... tsk tsk...
 
Robobandit said:
its a prettier version of the game that is already out for $39.99 on the xbox.. The game is old news, despite its graphics as the gameplay isn't any different. If there was only a 360 version, of course it would have gotten a better score. It is essentially a late port with a graphical upgrade that costs $20 more than the original, I think a 7 is justified in this case
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I thought they added the defensive stance button? That's a pretty significant gameplay change.
 
1up grahpics whores confirmed total.

But anyway...

If you're a pessimist, well, the game isn't much more than a high-definition port of its excellent current-gen counterparts. Shouldn't we expect more out of a next-gen sports game?
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I'll laugh (and cry) Live scores higher despite LOSING features. Next gen is ok if it looks pretty, gameplay be damned.
 
How can it go from 8.6 on the XBox to 7.0 on the 360 when it has far improved graphics and additional defensive moves? Weird.
 
Jerkface said:
How can it go from 8.6 on the XBox to 7.0 on the 360 when it has far improved graphics and additional defensive moves? Weird.
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Expectations have been raised.

Too bad about 2K6.
 
pilonv1 said:
I'll laugh (and cry) Live scores higher despite LOSING features. Next gen is ok if it looks pretty, gameplay be damned.
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If Live scores higher I assume it'll be because they've also added changes and improvements to the action on the court and presentation in a meaningful way for their next gen installment. 2K6 basically being unchanged beyond a new coat of paint is a perfectly valid criticism. The fact that its the next gen version of the franchise means its going to be held up to a higher standard. And rightfully so. There's certain expectations when you spend $400 on a new console and stopgaps should be recognized accordingly. I think 2K6 was a great improvement this year for current-gen but I have to applaud this score from Leone. All too often launch games get passes they dont deserve.
 
Mrbob said:
Expectations have been raised.

Too bad about 2K6.
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I love your posts,you know you dont care in the long run :P
 
FrenchMovieTheme said:
1up.com guys, when will you have your madden review up? also can you post jgars/alex smiths ratings in your review and also take some screenshots of them in-game doing their thing
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smith_alex.jpg


"J Gar, do you like my skintight football pants?"

jeff_garcia.jpg


"You bet your ass I do, big boy."
 
we haven't heard anything solid about the madden embargo yet, but it'll go up as soon as we can do it. and I'll try to get some crotch shots in there, too.
 
sportzhead said:
Well you guys gave live an 8 and 2k6 a 6.8 on the xbox. Anyone that thinks Live is a better game than 2k6 must not watch or like real basketball that much. This post has nothing to do with your thoughts on the graphic, but I guess you guys gave the game a 7, a whole .2 points better than the xbox 2k6 review because of the graphics. Let me guess, Live will get an 8 or 8.5 even though it has less features than its xbox counter part and plays just as bad.
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hi. good morning. what the hell are you talking about.

1up's NBA 2K6 (xbox) review, written by your very own Wellington: http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3144217&did=1

9.0, "best basketball game of the year."
 
Irresponsible Journalism
Author:jaybathehutt , 11/14/2005
SCORE: 0
Here it comes. The "We want to be the first to try and establish our credibility by downplaying the 360" trend. You did it, you were the first to get out there and rate this game, well done. Only, you tripped over your credibility in your effort ...
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:lol I don't know how anyone could possibly confuse that review for a knock at the 360's capabilities. Xbots are a laugh riot.
 
This review is clearly a figment of everyone's imagination because Microsoft brought out the iron fist and demanded no pre-launch reviews, and all game publications are scum-sucking ass kissers without a shred of journalistic ethics.
 
I haven't played near enough Madden yet to start talking score, but, the more I play, the more I like what is going on.

The running game is particularly getting me right now. It's a little tough adjusting to the new control scheme. You also have to read the blocks much more carefully. It's not just "oh, dude's out in front of me so he's got that guy blocked." Now it's "ok, dude is out front, but there's no way he's going to get shoulders in front of the angle that linebacker is taking. I better figure out making a cut."
 
hukasmokincaterpillar said:
If Live scores higher I assume it'll be because they've also added changes and improvements to the action on the court and presentation in a meaningful way for their next gen installment. 2K6 basically being unchanged beyond a new coat of paint is a perfectly valid criticism. The fact that its the next gen version of the franchise means its going to be held up to a higher standard. And rightfully so. There's certain expectations when you spend $400 on a new console and stopgaps should be recognized accordingly. I think 2K6 was a great improvement this year for current-gen but I have to applaud this score from Leone. All too often launch games get passes they dont deserve.
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But the problem is... Even the 1up guys said 2K6 had the better gameplay despite Live's improvements in that area, and 2K6 didn't strip any of the features that are present in the current gen version. If Live scores higher it's because of the graphics.

Sorry, but the review is ass. 1up should have had Wellie do the 360 review also. SEND THE MAN A 360! No, make that two.

p.s. Wellie, send me a 360 if you get two.
 
Blazyr said:
I haven't played near enough Madden yet to start talking score, but, the more I play, the more I like what is going on.

The running game is particularly getting me right now. It's a little tough adjusting to the new control scheme. You also have to read the blocks much more carefully. It's not just "oh, dude's out in front of me so he's got that guy blocked." Now it's "ok, dude is out front, but there's no way he's going to get shoulders in front of the angle that linebacker is taking. I better figure out making a cut."
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Blazyr I have a question.

In franchise mode, in the off season, can you edit the incoming rookie class?
For example: their appearance, equipment, name.
 
The review is also way too short to go into any detail. I like my reviews to talk about some actual gameplay also! At least a mention of the defensive stance being back?
 
The review sucks, plain as Jane.

If it's identical to the Xbox version, all features/gameplay intact, but with improvements like the Defensive stance button, then it all falls down to being about graphics. Underwhelming they might be, but to down a game 2 whole points on that alone, it would need to have serious problems such as with the frame rate.

Can't wait for the LIVE review, that'll be fun. :)
 
Cerebral Palsy said:
The review is also way too short to go into any detail. I like my reviews to talk about some actual gameplay also! At least a mention of the defensive stance being back?
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Well, they did say nothing's changed... so if you want in depth gameplay analysis, just read the 2k6 Xbox 1 review.

And I don't understand the problem with the review... the game is the same as it was on Xbox 1, just a minor, unimpressive, at least compared to Live, which they compare it to, graphical upgrade. Why should this deserve a high grade then exactly? The game should improve a lot in both areas, and it apparently does in neither... 7.

Live at least has the big WOW graphical upgrade (that should be there when moving up to a next gen system) and they dig make a concerted effort to dramatically change the feel and gameplay of the game (more simulation like). It will of course get taken down in its score because the lack of features no doubt. I'm guessing they'll give it around an 8, or high 7.

So pick your poison. For me, I'd rather have something new... and I don't have a problem with not having Franchise and the other modes... I only ever play a season anyhow and couldn't spare the kind of time to play more than that.
 
shpankey said:
Well, they did say nothing's changed... so if you want in depth gameplay analysis, just read the 2k6 Xbox 1 review.
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Not good enough! How does that tell me if there are any improvements in the number of animations etc? How the defensive stance changes the gameplay in the 360? Among other stuff.
 
Yeah, they definately should of mentioned the addition of the defensive stance and how that felt and played. Dunno why they didn't. But even then, that's not really worthy of making a game great, all on its own. That's a small touch (a great one, but small).

As far as animations, they did mention those I believe, no?
 
shpankey said:
And I don't understand the problem with the review... the game is the same as it was on Xbox 1, just a minor, unimpressive, at least compared to Live, which they compare it to, graphical upgrade. Why should this deserve a high grade then exactly? The game should improve a lot in both areas, and it apparently does in neither... 7.
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But Live deserves a better score just because it has a little better graphics? Despite all of the current gen features having been stripped from the game, and the gameplay still not being as good as 2K6? Okay...
 
There is some serious damage control going on in this thread. Live is probably great, but "being built from the ground up" is not a reason it should be considered superior. Why not play both games before making statements like this?
 
shpankey said:
Well, they did say nothing's changed... so if you want in depth gameplay analysis, just read the 2k6 Xbox 1 review.

And I don't understand the problem with the review... the game is the same as it was on Xbox 1, just a minor, unimpressive, at least compared to Live, which they compare it to, graphical upgrade. Why should this deserve a high grade then exactly? The game should improve a lot in both areas, and it apparently does in neither... 7.

Live at least has the big WOW graphical upgrade (that should be there when moving up to a next gen system) and they dig make a concerted effort to dramatically change the feel and gameplay of the game (more simulation like). It will of course get taken down in its score because the lack of features no doubt. I'm guessing they'll give it around an 8, or high 7.

So pick your poison. For me, I'd rather have something new... and I don't have a problem with not having Franchise and the other modes... I only ever play a season anyhow and couldn't spare the kind of time to play more than that.
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So...you want the game with pretty graphics? You gonna be in replay mode the whole time or you gonna play? I'm telling you this, you've seen the movies, you've seen how the players horribly animate, have fun playing your graphic update because thats all Live is.
 
Cerebral Palsy said:
But Live deserves a better score just because it has a little better graphics? Despite all of the current gen features having been stripped from the game, and the gameplay still not being as good as 2K6? Okay...
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Who said its gameplay is worse?

And all that's really stripped is some modes, not features (superstar was taken out cause it was stupid and gay and arcade city, where they are going for more sim now); and I'm not saying they won't take off for those missing modes, they no doubt will. But at least Live made and attempt to make a new game (both in gameplay and in graphics and atmosphere) and that will probably get them some merit.
 
DaddyZ said:
So...you want the game with pretty graphics? You gonna be in replay mode the whole time or you gonna play? I'm telling you this, you've seen the movies, you've seen how the players horribly animate, have fun playing your graphic update because thats all Live is.
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So you've played it then? If the game plays horribly, I won't be getting it. I said "I'd rather have" I didn't say I was for sure buying it. My mind is made up against 2k6, but not necessarily for Live yet.

If the reviews suggest it plays a good game of ball, yes, I'll jump at the chance to get it. Again, extra modes mean nothing to me... and if they can fix the bad gameplay in Live 06 on Xbox 1, I'm all for giving it a chance.
 
shpankey said:
Who said its gameplay is worse?

And all that's really stripped is some modes, not features (superstar was taken out cause it was stupid and gay and arcade city, where they are going for more sim now); and I'm not saying they won't take off for those missing modes, they no doubt will. But at least Live made and attempt to make a new game (both in gameplay and in graphics and atmosphere) and that will probably get them some merit.
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Who said the gameplay has changed at all in Live? It remains to be seen if they've "made an attempt to make a new game", unless by new game you mean one with a different feature list (read: less features).

They couldn't even remove the ice-skating FFS.
 
shpankey said:
Who said its gameplay is worse?
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http://1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3145626&did=1

Matt: "For me, 2K6 is the safe bet for long term fun. You know it's going to be polished and you'll be able to get what you want from it for a long time. But Live is more fun as a next-gen showcase. So while I'd rather own 2K6, I'd rather have Live right on launch day. Is that a cop out? Alright, I'll choose Live."

^^ I take it that is the same Matt who did the review? Leguna Junior!

And all that's really stripped is some modes, not features (superstar was taken out cause it was stupid and gay and arcade city, where they are going for more sim now);
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Mode? Feature? Same deal.


and I'm not saying they won't take off for those missing modes, they no doubt will. But at least Live made and attempt to make a new game (both in gameplay and in graphics and atmosphere) and that will probably get them some merit.
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At least EA attempted to make a new game? More like a superior product (2K6) forced them to attempt to revive the series. That's great Live 360 is an improvement, and a move in the right direction... But to score it higher just because of graphics... Whatever.
 
Sal Paradise Jr said:
Who said the gameplay has changed at all in Live? It remains to be seen if they've "made an attempt to make a new game", unless by new game you mean one with a different feature list (read: less features).
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I actually got that from both the devs themselves (in video interviews) and from firsthand impressions. The game has been slowed down, the fancy moves made less effective, superstar mode taken out (thank God!), etc. etc.

This is pretty common knowledge, if you've been following the games, actually.
 
shpankey said:
So you've played it then? If the game plays horribly, I won't be getting it. I said "I'd rather have" I didn't say I was for sure buying it. My mind is made up against 2k6, but not necessarily for Live yet.

If the reviews suggest it plays a good game of ball, yes, I'll jump at the chance to get it. Again, extra modes mean nothing to me... and if they can fix the bad gameplay in Live 06 on Xbox 1, I'm all for giving it a chance.
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Didnt play anything but HD movies dont lie. My hate for Live is warranted, how they could go from being a good basketball game to shitty in 1 year is rediculous. I absolutely hated 2k5...thought it was total shit. But 2k actually took the time to fix it up and come out with the best basketball game i've ever played. So again I ask, why change anything except for the few bugs the game had? If anyone needs to fix their game its EA...

Forget it, im done ranting again...just know that i saw every Live movie possible and all of them looked horrible.
 
Cerebral Palsy said:
Mode? Feature? Same deal.
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Well, technically, no they aren't. A feature can be much more than just a mode [read: a mode of play, ie: franchise mode, season mode, arcade mode, etc.].

A feature can be like custom soundtracks, hdtv support, dts sound, defensive stance feature, etc. And like I said, the only feature removed was superstar (which was on purpose, because it made the game too arcadey). I was happy they did.
 
Is 2K6 really just a port?

According to 2K6 producer Rob Jones, this is just where the team started when making gameplay improvements for the Xbox 360 version of the game: with the hulks that spend their time underneath the net grabbing rebounds and slamming dunks. Their reasoning: While scoring stats for guys like Yao Ming, Tim Duncan, and Shaq seemed to be pretty accurate when simulating games in the Xbox/PS2 versions, the amount of times these guys touched the ball seemed out of whack. In other words, teams weren't necessarily playing the way their real NBA counterparts were playing when it came to relying on the big men to act as lynch pins for the entire team by providing crucial points down low. It's from that very specific point that the development team looked to both tighten up the controls and beef up the artificial intelligence to make 2K6 for the 360 an even-better-playing game than the current-gen version.

One of the big focuses in development, then, has been in making sure that the NBA stars play to their tendencies. If you play a game against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, for example, you should be seeing Bryant taking shots over anyone who gets in his face. Similarly, LeBron James is more apt to have a star performance night after night, but generally in quieter fashion, dishing the ball off like a point guard should--while at the same time getting his 30 points. Once we got the controls in our hands, we saw this more accurate depiction of NBA stars' tendencies firsthand in a game that pit our Golden State Warriors against the Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady-led Houston Rockets. T-Mac, just as in real life, was taking (and usually making) shots from all over, making it extremely difficult to leave him alone anywhere on the court.

Another feature of the 360 version of 2K6 has been some considerable tightening of the controls. Jones admits that while it was cool to launch into a spin or a crossover move in previous versions of the game, the player never really felt like he or she had much control over the move itself. Instead, it was more a matter of setting off an animation and marveling at the cool moves your virtual player was capable of. With the 360 version of 2K6, some control tweaks effectively split things up, so you can choose exactly which move you want to break your opponent's ankles with. The right trigger still counts as the aggressive modifier for isomotion moves, but a whole new set of fancy tricks is available to you when you hold down both triggers at once, effectively letting you choose exactly when you wish to execute a behind-the-back move or a spin, for example. Furthermore, Jones said that there has been a further separation of player talent levels in 2K6 for the 360, which will affect the number and types of moves available to select players. In the past, the distinction was between great players and merely "decent" players. Now, a middle tier of talent has been added, signifying players who are extremely skilled (and are capable of some flashy moves) but aren't quite up to the superstar status of guys like Steve Nash or Dwyane Wade.

On the defensive side of the ball, many longtime 2K players will rejoice at hearing of the return of the left-trigger defensive modifier, a staple of previous games in the NBA 2K series. By holding down the left trigger, you'll be able to closely guard your opponent to more effectively prevent him from getting around you, even if he's pulling off isomotion moves. If you're worried that the "invisible wall" aspect of old will return with the reintroduction of this feature, fear not: In our time with the game, we didn't notice any of the artificial blocking that made this feature feel so strange in older versions of the game. In fact, Jones stressed that defensive positioning--staying between your opponent and the basket--will be just as important as using special moves, such as the left-trigger modifier or the strip-and-rip system.

Other improvements in the 360 version of 2K6 will be some improved substitution and endgame logic for the CPU-controlled opponents. While Jones admitted that previous versions of the game didn't always play smartly as the seconds dwindled down in the game--making bad shot choices, calling plays too late to run them completely, or simply not having "go-to" guys in at the right time--the 360 version of the game should see some marked improvement on that front. Now, when your opponent needs Shaq down low late in the game, you can bet he'll be there to make life under the basket hell for your pesky forwards.

One other point of authenticity we spotted in 2K6 was that TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager, long known as one of the more outlandishly dressed reporters in televised sports, will be in full hideous haute-couture effect in the game. We noticed one postgame interview in which the dude was wearing what appeared to be a lime-green lizard-skin jacket. Yeesh.

Best of all, none of the tweaks described above are coming at the expense of any modes found in the Xbox or PS2 versions of NBA 2K6. As a result, everything from franchise mode to 24/7 mode will be back in full effect when the game arrives with the launch of the Xbox 360. We're still very curious as to how the game will end up on the new console, but based on the success of its progenitor, we're optimistic of its chances. Stay tuned for more on the game, as well as a full review, in the coming weeks.
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http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/nba2k6/news.html?sid=6139327&mode=previews
 
shpankey said:
Well, technically, no they aren't. A feature can be much more than just a mode [read: a mode of play, ie: franchise mode, season mode, arcade mode, etc.].

A feature can be like custom soundtracks, hdtv support, dts sound, defensive stance feature, etc. And like I said, the only feature removed was superstar (which was on purpose, because it made the game too arcadey).
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Mode then. Whatever! Is class over yet?
 
DaddyZ said:
Didnt play anything but HD movies dont lie. My hate for Live is warranted, how they could go from being a good basketball game to shitty in 1 year is rediculous. I absolutely hated 2k5...thought it was total shit. But 2k actually took the time to fix it up and come out with the best basketball game i've ever played. So again I ask, why change anything except for the few bugs the game had? If anyone needs to fix their game its EA...
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I know what you're saying here, and I agree Live needed the fixing done to it. But just because Live needed an overhaul doesn't mean 2k should just push out the same game on us, with a minor graphical upgrade, that apprently doesn't even look that next gen (when compared to Live at least).

Hell, I seem to remember EA getting a lot of hate for doing exactly that in the past, but it's ok for 2k6 to now?

If 2k6 thought their gameplay was perfect and didn't want to change it, then they should of at least came with the big graphical WOW for this next gen. Instead, they didn't do either. That's ok for you? I thought that's why we all hated EA (?).
 
online play will be a big factor for me when choosing one of the two games. Ill probably pick up 2k first since I feel more confident that they will have online play and leagues ready to go at launch.
 
It's very odd that some people think 2K looks a lot better than Live, or vice versa. It boils down to perception I guess.

People really sould play both before making such blanket judgments though.
 
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