To say the Xbox 360 version of NBA Live 06 is lacking, well, everything, still isn't enough to get the point across. Barren is probably a better word. This is the problem with being spoiled by sports games, and NBA Live 06 is a victim because of it.
Fans of this long running franchise (now in its eleventh season) are in for a few adjustments. This is probably the slowest basketball game since the wrongly titled NBA Fastbreak on the PlayStation. There was nothing fast about that one, and Live 06 suffers the same fate by default. You'll need to bump your speed up in the settings menu, and even then, don't expect to fly down the court like you used to.
Live has changed, and it's headed in the right direction; it's just not all here yet. While there are still too many breaks down the floor for easy dunks, it's toned down a notch. The defense actually puts up a fight now on every level other than rookie. Selecting menu options is also improved, allowing for d-pad selection for substitutions, time outs, and more without having to load the pause menu every time. It's all handled right there on the play screen.
Live 06 it still too easy. It's been the curse of this series since its inception, and the addition of right analog stick jukes smothers defense with an unstoppable offensive force. All attempts to pace the game realistically are thrown out even if the opposing squad steps in to stop a break down the court. It's a shame the excellent commentary with Marv Albert and Steve Kerr doesn't address the absurdity of the game play. That would make for real entertainment.
For a real challenge, you'll need to head onto Xbox Live, though with meager options for only two players (ranked and unranked matches only), you won't spend much time here either. Actually, even offline you won't be doing much. There's no franchise mode, and no salary cap implemented either.
The work in this updated version to the Live series has gone into the presentation. Even if the game play doesn't reflect it, entering into those arenas is 100% next-generation. The menu system offers the slickest system yet, letting players control Dwayne Wade on a futuristic court while the game loads up. It's an impressive sight.
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