NBA Live 13: What We Know So Far

[Andrew]

Just thought I'd recap the details we've got so far along with a few of my thoughts over on the main site. We're looking to do a lot of original content this year, so stay tuned.

With E3 likely to bring more substantial news on NBA Live 13, I thought I’d take a moment to give a rundown of what we know about the game so far and offer a few of my thoughts on the details that have emerged to date. Over the next week or so in the lead up to E3, I’ll also be posting some more of my thoughts on what I’m hoping to see in this year’s game, as well as what I think we’re likely to see.

You can check it out here:
http://www.nba-live.com/nba-live-13-wha ... ow-so-far/

[Houndy]

I honestly think (and hope, I mean they've worked on it for 2 years) that Live will surpass 2k this year. If the ESPN liscense is used properly, and if you look at what EA has done with NCAA Football 13 (Live score updates in game) and in Madden 13 (looks to be a weekly show, and 3d commentators), it looks to be great. If they put the same amount of work in... damn

[Andrew]

I still feel that it's setting the bar too high. NBA 2K has had the benefit of building on their gameplay for a few years without starting over and their game modes are much, much deeper. I think NBA Live 13 has a decent opportunity of stacking up very well against NBA 2K13, winning back a respectable amount of the audience and setting itself up for better days ahead, but overtaking NBA 2K on its return is a tall order.

Having said that, if the gameplay is up to scratch, the control scheme appealing and Dynasty Mode is solid, NBA Live 13 may be the game I end up playing more often and enjoying more. Objectively speaking though, NBA 2K13 will probably be the better (or at least deeper) game top to bottom and garner the most sales, though I expect NBA Live 13 will cut into that.

There's probably a very good chance that Live will best 2K in the online department though, at least as far as online stability is confirmed. Solid, enjoyable gameplay and robust online support will go a long way in winning back respectability for the series, though the offline experience still needs to deliver too.

[Nick]

My expectations are not high for NBA Live 13, but i'm certainly interested to see what they come up with. I feel like 2k has probably hit its' peak now, so it will be refreshing to play basketball in a new game engine.

Don't get me wrong, 2k is great, and will probably remain the premier basketball sim (if EA's history is any indication), but after years of using basically the same game engine, you can't really imagine how it can possibly get any better? Unless they completely (and finally) revamp association mode or something. But for me now the appeal of NBA Live 13 hitting stores is not to play something better, but to play something different.

Also the competition should make both production teams work harder.

[Andrew]

That seems to be the appeal for a lot of people right now. EA has done some good things in the past and with the right approach - and patience - I think they can make NBA Live a quality sim game, though again I don't see them surpassing 2K with NBA Live 13.

[Houndy]

True, hopefully it can be competitive.