NBA Live 18 wasn’t as good as NBA 2K18, but it still was a promising title with certain aspects that were better than its strongest competition in the virtual hoops market.
There’s still a gap between the two games, but addressing these 10 things could help Live get closer to 2K.
More Realistic Body Types
The head scans that EA has been able to get from NBA players are solid, for the most part, but the body types are still less than authentic. There is no diversity as most frames look too similar. Adding some variance would help to improve the overall look of the game.
Rookies Scanned Early
EA usually gets scanned versions of the incoming rookie class late, and that’s not a good look. For a franchise that is battling to gain legitimacy, this missing detail turns into a high-profile missing piece during that crucial first month after release. It’s all about access, but EA has to do everything in its power to get as many if not all of the rookies scanned and in the game at launch. Even if its just all of the first-rounders, that would be a strong start.
Smoother Animations
This is perhaps the biggest problem with Live. Many of the animations are still herky-jerky or unrealistic. NBA 2K has always had the better flow to the action and that is one of the reasons its been visually superior to Live for the past 10-12 years. EA is reportedly bringing Real-Player Motion Technology to the game, which could help the series exponentially.
Improved Ball Physics
The bounce and flight of the ball in Live can be a little weird. Sometimes the ball doesn’t move as if it’s a sphere filled with air. It seems lighter than it should or hits an object and caroms off with less life than a basketball would in a similar real-life scenario. Dribbling can look weird as the ball appears to be disconnected from the ballhandler’s control here and there. Improving the way the ball interacts with objects and the players should be on the developer’s to-do list.
Fleshed Out WNBA Concept
I’m sure WNBA play wasn’t one of the most popular modes in NBA Live 18, but EA shouldn’t abandon the option. In fact, they should flesh it out by allowing players to play an entire franchise mode with the league. If it still doesn’t draw attention, then it might be time to stop pouring resources into that aspect of the game.
Improved Franchise Mode
One of the worst aspects of NBA Live 18 was its barren franchise mode. When you compare it to the treasure chest of options available in NBA 2K‘s MyGM and MyLeague, Live’s options in franchise mode were laughable in NBA Live 18. That feature has to get some serious attention.
Team Creation
One feature NBA 2K removed from its list of features is Create-A-Team. It’s nice for franchise mode and exhibition play. Customization is the way to go in sports video games.
Ultimate Team Customization
Speaking of customization, it would be a welcomed sight if Live Ultimate Team implemented the logo and uniform creation options that I’ve been asking for from MUT. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, 2K has it in with their collector mode. Live’s team should follow suit.
Draft Champions
Draft Champions was a smash hit when it came out for MUT. I’ve always felt the concept would work perfectly for a basketball video game. NBA 2K tried with their Pack and Play feature, but quite honestly, it wasn’t executed very well. EA already knows how to add a draft feature to Ultimate Team. Why not do it here?
Expand Competitive Online Pro-Am Play
Live Run and the Streetball circuits were cool in Live 18, but the game needs more of a Pro-Am mode that allows players to team up and battle other players online in 5-on-5 contests with a clock, four quarters, and everything else necessary to experience an official game. Perhaps Live could establish a following in this kind of mode to launch their own esports league.
