NBA 2K6

A solid basketball title that really rests on the laurels of its predecessors. Even though the game can look absolutely amazing at time, it's still, at its heart, the same exact game that we saw in the current generation.

NBA 2K6 looks fantastic if you have an HDTV, but the gameplay will seem familiar to you if you've played one of the other versions of the game already.

With a bit more time and experience, the NBA 2K series will be an unstoppable, next-generation force that cannot be contained, even with the industry’s best D’ing up.

This is the best basketball game in the history of basketball games and you absolutely need to play it.

It has the most substance, and presentational balance so far.

But yes, the graphics are better...insanely better. Better to a point that you should trade in your Xbox version to get this if you're getting an Xbox 360.

This reality has its ups and downs: there's nothing new besides graphics, but it was a stellar package to begin with, but the online is super laggy.

The game is practically a carbon copy of the current-gen edition. Seriously, now I know why the words "Xbox 360" are scribbled on the score overlay--it's almost the only way to tell that you're playing a supposedly enhanced version of NBA 2K6.

The decision is a no-brainer for people who don’t already own it on the Xbox or PS2, but for those who have played it before, the slick presentation just might not be enough to warrant an upgrade.

Beefier graphics and a complete game are nice, but still missing some overall next-gen polish.

I think it plays closer to a real game of basketball than anything we've ever seen on the market before.

If you need one game to get for the launch, NBA 2K6 is the way to go, simply because "NBA Live" is more of a visual presentation with very little substance.

Though a few weaker points keep it from reaching amazing new heights in the B-ball genre, NBA 2K6 remains a fine example of what a high quality multiplayer launch title can be.

This title, unlike the other sports launch games for the system, really is able to sell itself via its graphics. [Jan 2006, p.147]

Though editing options fall short of what would be a must-have basketball title, NBA 2K6 is arguably the best sports title for the 360 right now.

I cannot say enough about this game. It is hands down the best basketball game I've ever played on any system.

Unlike "NHL 2K6," this one's been visually juiced, and it looks awesome. [Jan 2006, p.48]

This is for the true NBA fanatic, and you can only truly enjoy it if you know your way in and out of the NBA what with all the changes that occur and whatnot.

Despite its few flaws and it's relative lack of "newness", NBA 2K6 offers excellent value - especially in comparison to other sports titles on the Xbox 360 system - and gives the gamer a full-featured product that also happens to be the best professional basketball simulation ever created.

It's the same game you've been playing since September but with a prettier graphics engine. But oh is it a joy to watch? [Jan 2006, p.80]

It's the undisputed court king, sure, but alas, also just a mere hefty 'nudge nudge, wink wink' of what we can expect in months to come. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

Based on features alone, NBA 2K6 is the slam-dunk choice for Xbox 360 basketball. The player graphics are beautiful, with or without an HDTV, and the controls have slightly improved since the game’s appearance on the original Xbox (players can now enter into a defensive crouch by tapping on the left trigger button).

NBA Live 06 might have an overall prettier package, but I'll take better gameplay and a complete package of game modes over flash courtside graphics any day.

NBA 2K6 is, without question, the rookie of the year. It will be interesting to see how well this rookie will improve his game for next season.

The Xbox 360 is no doubt the best format to play the game on, with sharp visuals and a surround-sound crowd that really draws you into the action, but it just doesn’t have that made-for-next-gen feel, and if you aren’t using HDTV, the difference is even less spectacular.

A fine balance of playability and realism.

A solid simulation basketball game that's worth picking up if you've got a hankering for the sport, not to mention the fact that's it's incredibly affordable.

Hopefully for 2K7, however, 2KSports can start to take stability and bugs slightly more seriously, as it is an issue seen in many of their games of late.

NBA 2K6 on the Xbox 360 retains everything that made the previous versions of the game good, but also addresses some of the areas that held NBA 2K5 back. The game looks phenomenal when played on a HDTV, but Visual Concepts will need to address the vast contrast between on court play and the surrounding parts of the stadium in the next version of the game. NBA 2K6 is an absolute must-buy for all serious basketball fans.

With solid Xbox Live play, NBA 2K6 is a professionally rounded off package. Special enough to be the best out there and satisfy the fans, but not friendly enough to encourage most newcomers to take up the challenge, which is a shame as this game deserves all the attention it gets.

The gameplay is tight, the AI of the 360-controlled opponents is excellent. [Issue #3]