The Great Debate: NBA Live 10 vs NBA 2K10

With the release of basketball’s two greatest and brand new video games, NBA Live 10 and NBA 2K10 (released on Oct. 6^th), lines are being drawn, opinions are being formed, and arguments are commencing.

Which of these two great basketball games is the best?

The time has come to attack this question, otherwise known as The Great Debate, systematically and with facts, proof, and evidence.

I would like to present to you the war between EA Sports and 2K Sports: NBA Live 10 vs NBA 2K10.

NBA 2K10 Analysis and Ratings

Every gamer knows very well that during the transition from PS2 to PS3 and Xbox to Xbox 360, was the point when we would really see who the true game developers would be. They would showcase their amazing graphics, game fluidity, and overall computer designing skills.

Well, I can bravely say that 2K came close to destroying EA sports in the NBA category during that period, with the release of NBA 2K7 beating Live 07 in nearly every aspect, and pretty much the same with 2K8, and 2K9.

And then there was 2K10…

Let’s look at the specifics:

NBA 2K10 Gameplay Rating: 8.9

This is 2K’s known area of dominance.

While playing this game, I felt that the pick and rolls were incredibly natural (Especially with CP3!). The dunks look simply amazing and are much better, surprisingly, with the bigger guys (Shaq, Dwight, Amare .etc). 

The three point shots are fluid and look balanced. Like always, for the most accurate shot, you must release the ball at the highest point (Ray Allen is incredibly WET!).

Although everyone loves offense, the defensive side of the ball will be a bit more crucial to game players, unlike 2K9. The CPU seems to be a bit more up to the task on defense to make you feel like a rookie, so in response the “human” has the ability to call more defensive plays than in any other 2K game.

Let’s also not forget the classic “energy meter”. There is an energy meter next to the name of every player on the court, basically representing the stamina/energy left.

So overall, you should be able to appreciate the smooth and modern gameplay of 2K10.

NBA 2K10 Features Rating: 9.0

Complementing the smooth and free flowing gameplay, 2K10 also adds a mix of classic and modern features.

One of these features, like in previous versions of the 2K series, is the Living Rosters update, which allows the game to update itself with every real-life trade acquisition, injury, signing, and release. It also even updates things like changing jersey numbers as well.

Another feature is the NBA Today mode, which allows you to actually play games that will be played in the real world on that same day with updated rosters, hot streaks, and rotations.

Then there is my favorite game mode (out of both games): My Player mode.

My Player mode allows you to create a fresh new player or you can choose a default one from the Xbox Live/Playstation Network. In this mode you will be able to run your player through various drills, practices, and scrimmages as his ratings continue to increase, and eventually you will be able to have your player enter the NBA.

But, if you are not as skilled, you just might be sent down to the D-League and have to work your way up to play with the big boys. No doubt in my mind that this game mode puts the cherry on top.

NBA 2K10 The “Other” Rating: 8.0

The one thing that 2K always has me smiling about is their track selection. This game has one of the sickest soundtracks I’ve ever listened to on a sports game.

Here are a few of the songs featured on the NBA 2K10 soundtrack:

• Kenan Bell – Like This (favorite)
• The Game – Champion
• Kanye West – Amazing
• Akala – The Edge

And there are plenty others..

In conclusion, NBA 2K10 is a great game for those of you who want to do more than just play a single game over and over again, as you can explore the various game modes, which are complemented by the smooth game play.

 

NBA 2K10 Overall Rating: 8.6

——————–

NBA Live 10 Analysis and Ratings

Here we go EA!

You’ve shown us you can basically kill in almost every sporting category (except for MLB…Playstation bought it out). You’ve shown us that Madden’s voice on a video game can keep us entertained for over 10 years. You’ve shown us that Mike Tyson and Ali can actually fight eachother, and you’ve shown us that hockey fights can be better than actually playing a hockey game.

You’ve also shown us that FIFA..well, it’s probably your most bought game worldwide. Self-explanatory.

Yes EA, you’ve dominated in all of the previous categories. But, there is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball side of the gaming industry. Can you eventually take over this industry segment?

Maybe, maybe not.

But are you getting closer? Why, yes EA. Yes you are.

NBA Live 10 Gameplay Rating: 8.8

Those of you who are used to playing Live 09, good luck. The new installment of the Live series will take some time to get used to, and I mean that in the most positive way. Live 10’s gameplay is a bit more optional, meaning that it is much less predictable than Live 09.

For example, in Live 09, you would be in the middle of the air going for a layup and around 80% of the time the defender would be able to forecast how you would finish. In Live 10, there is a new feature which allows the player to change the direction or style of his/her layup, jump shot, or dunk.

So, imagine LeBron taking it to the rack and Dwight Howard is coming from the right; well, with the left analog stick you can switch the ball from the right hand side to the left..then you can finish it with a jam or a pretty layup (YOU DECIDE!)

As for the dribbling, it is extremely improved.

With Live 09 you could break down the defender by holding down the R2 Button and with right analog stick movement (right trigger for 360). But, with Live 10, you can simply hold the R2 Button down, and the dribbler will begin to dazzle you with his dribbling skills, then top it off with a sick crossover or step back with the right stick.

The offense in general has slown down a bit more, which allows the user to have more control of what he/she can do.

The defense is pretty much the same, except the game causes more turnovers than usual.

 Oh yeah, there is a also a new feature which offers off-ball control as well. Love it! 

NBA Live 10 Features Rating: 8.7

All of you who loved the NBALive365 and Dynamic DNA, prepare to fall in love again. Very similar to 2K’s Living Roster, NBA Live has a new feature called Dynamic Season.

Dynamic Season is a whole new breed of its own. Instead of being a free-for-all multiplayer affair, Dynamic Season is a single-player mode that allows you to play through a real NBA season as it happens. So if LA is playing BOS tonight, you could actually play that game, and then later that night compare your stats, to the actual games!

My personal favorite mode in Live 10 would have to be the Adidas Live Run. This is a refurbished and upgraded version of Live 09’s 5-on-5 online mode.

Live Run is a bit different though. Instead of choosing two teams and having to play a whole NBA game, you can actually have two teams of five online players. And guess what, now you can choose any NBA player you want!

Imagine having CP3, Kobe and Wade on the same team..can you say devastation?

EA may not have added as much as 2K, but they did improve nicely in each of their previously added Modes/Features.

NBA Live 10 The “Other” Rating: 9.3

Okay, this is the category that made up my mind.

EA has always been about authenticity and originality. They have always been about making you feel like, “Hey, maybe this is digital guy really is Chauncey Billups”.

Well this year, EA did it again.

I might as well begin with “The Hangar”, which is where you first play ball as soon as you start the game. It is basically a humungous basketball court with all of the NBA greats balling inside, and the best part is, you can listen to ESPN Radio as you work on your jumpshot. Amazing!

Then there is the gear. NBA Live 10 is adding all new (or old) retro jerseys to every team, along with new style jerseys such as the Miami Heat’s “El Heat” jerseys. Sick!

Then they have added over 500 shoes to the game, with guys like Bron and Kobe rocking their new kicks throughout the year.

Then last but not least is….the CROWD!

Yes, the crowd.

EA has really outdone themselves in one of the minor categories, which in the long run will definitely pay off. By listening to real crowds from NBA games, EA has added MVP chants when D-Wade takes the court in Miami, they have added boos whenever Vince Carter gets the ball in Toronto, and so many other life-like sounds that will make the gamer believe he is actually playing a fresh game every day!

Big Props to EA!

NBA Live 10 Overall Rating: 8.9

——————–

I appreciate your patience for reading this, and don’t let this make up your mind, but only help you on choosing which game to buy (both rock!)

But…

In the end, I can happily say that EA has brought themselves back into the game!

Respectable links to watch vids:

NBA Live 10:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u0HbSG–jI
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDhbHtY7AhM

NBA 2K10

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj4omrp0V1Y
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n4EBuWJe3k

**********

You contact the author of this post at: devonnba4193@aol.com

Tags: 2KSports, basketball, EA Sports, NBA, NBA 2K10, nba 2k10 review, nba 2k10 v nba live 10, NBA Live 10, nba live 10 review, Video Games

---------------

If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing with your friends: