Like all other sports video games on the XBOX 360. The graphics and player models on this game are incredibly realistic. These graphics are enhanced even more on a high-definition television. In this game, more than the players, the stadiums are phenomenal. They have realistic ads and detailed faces in the crowd which give you the feeling that you are actually at the game rather than just playing a video game. The touch that 2K Games added with the detailed crowd really go a long way in making NBA 2k6 incredibly realistic.

The coolest feature in this year’s game is the improvement of the isomotion juke feature. This is 2k’s response to the Freestyle Control which Electronic Arts released a few years ago in its NBA Live series. While, I still prefer the Freestyle Control to 2k’s Isomotion, NBA 2k6 does have a detailed selection of player moves which can be selected by using the feature. It features many types of spins and crossovers, some of which are absolutely fantastic, and also unrealistic. Also, the new addition of sweat in NBA games for the XBOX 360 is a small touch that adds to the overall quality of the games. NBA Live shows sweat on the player’s body late into the game while 2k takes this a step further and actually shows the sweat stains on the jerseys.

The only part of the game which I do not like is the shot stick analog stick. It allows users to pull back for a fadeaway jumper or maneuver in the air to get the balls by opposing defenders and into the hoop. While this may be a beneficial feature with those more experienced with the game, it does get a little confusing. I have often attempted a fadeaway when I meant to do a hook shot or attempted a hook shot from behind the three point line. I have gotten used to this feature; however, I still prefer to use the standard shoot button. It gets a little frustrating though when the game is on the line and I try to finger roll a three pointer. This feature should not be used by beginners until they master the basic moves of the game.
In my opinion, this game is good, but I still prefer NBA Live. NBA 2k6 did not add any new gameplay modes that made a serious impact on the game and the “mini-games” available under the All-Star Section in the NBA Live series makes it the game to beat. Graphics are the same in both games and while the crowd and stadiums may be a bit more detailed in 2k6, I find the gameplay a bit difficult and awkward at times. I also think that the Freestyle Control is much easier to follow than the isomotion and new shot selection feature that was added in NBA 2k6. Overall, both games are impressive; however, I have to give the edge to NBA Live 06.

If  2k Sports adds a game mode similar to that of NBA Live’s All-Star Weekend in the 2007-2008 release of the game, look for 2k Sports to possibly overtake the giant that EA us in the Sports Video games market. However, NBA 2k6 does have some cool features but its gameplay is difficult and thus my rating.