NBA 2K on PS2 & OG Xbox

[Loftus]

I was wondering how the PS2 versions of NBA 2K 5, 6 & 7 compare to the original Xbox editions.
Does 2k control well on the Xbox Controller S? For some sports games (eg Pro Evolution Soccer / Winning 11) the DualShock 2 controller was favoured by most players, but was this also true for 2k?
My impression was that 2k on the PS2 and Xbox were pretty identical aside from the Xbox versions having slightly better graphics, particularly the player models. From what I've seen the players appear shinier on Xbox. But I'm assuming the actual gameplay was the same on both consoles?

One other question- is is true that 2k6 for the 360 was just a graphical upgrade (aside from the coaches, spectators etc) from the OG Xbox version? Is it the same core game and would there be any reason to play the PS2 or Xbox versions of the game ahead of 2K6 for the 360?
And also, what is considered the definitive 2k game on the sixth generation? I see that ESPN 2K5 is very popular but did 2K6 not improve on it in some ways? And was 2k7 for PS2 and Xbox essentially a roster update of 2K6?

A lot of questions for my first post. Thanks for reading.

[Andrew]

Welcome to the NLSC!

As far as I'm aware - I do need to go back and spend more time with that generation of NBA 2K games - the gameplay was basically identical and mostly came down to personal preference as far as the feel of the controller. Or indeed, whichever system you opted for when they came out! The Xbox 360 version of NBA 2K6 is definitely very similar to the prior gen version in terms of controls, gameplay, and even modes.

ESPN NBA 2K5 is favoured by a lot of people who were playing it at the time, but I tend to prefer NBA 2K6. Then again, I am mostly playing the 360 version.

[Loftus]

Thanks for the reply and the kind welcome, Andrew.

I'm assuming it was the same story for NBA Live 05, 06 and 07? Are both PS2 and Xbox versions very similar in terms of gameplay and graphics?

[Andrew]

Definitely! The PC versions of those NBA Live games were also identical to the sixth gen console releases, though we could obviously mod them.

[Loftus]

Ok thanks, that's good to know.

What to you prefer about 2K6 compared to 2K5?

[Andrew]

I've spent more time with NBA 2K6, so it's largely due to familiarity at this point. I was playing NBA Live at that time - 2005 and 06 are still two of my all-time favourite games - so I've come to appreciate that generation of NBA 2K games in hindsight. I need to spend more time with ESPN NBA 2K5 to see if it grows on me as NBA 2K6 did. However, I will say that it feels like NBA 2K6 does some of the basics better, including free throws.

[Loftus]

In retrospect, imo the NBA Live games of that era look quite stylised- slightly cartoonish in player proportions and movement. Am I being fair?

[Andrew]

I wouldn't say that myself, and I'm particularly averse to the use of the word cartoonish, but everyone's entitled to their view. I will say that NBA Live 2004's proportions were a little off with the switch to the new engine, particularly the size of the feet and hands. However, I don't think they were going for a stylised look as much as not nailing the realism that they were going for.