NBA 2K14 VS NBA Live 14

So here we go again, another summer and another NBA sports game coming out. Once again 2K is coming with their annual 2K[add year] title and EA has vowed to come out with a NBA game this year (like the last two years they vowed it). Normally I like EA sports games, they certainly have known what they are doing when it comes to football but their basketball games have always lacked. Their skill systems are always flawed and when you make a game where Shaquille O'Neal is shooting 95% from the free throw line, you have a major problem.  

Over the last years I have been going to 2K for my NBA fix. They make a game you want, first off they make the skill system much easier to navigate. They also make the environments more dynamic and realistic. While EA would make the sidelines flat and the crowd docile, 2K takes the other route. The sideline cheers you on, players sit at the score table waiting to come in, the crowd actually gets loud when you hit a three or dunk the ball and it pans over them going nuts. The AI was improved, in EA coaches would sit idly by as their team was destroyed and would let the crowd just get louder as you dunked it more. In 2K coaches call timeouts at appropriate times, they even wait till the ball crosses half court before they do, very good. Not to mention, the AI also tries to stop you and succeeds at times. Not to mention the game is pretty.

So after watching 2K not only take but start owning the NBA market, EA is back but how good are they, lets look at the a few areas, first off graphics. 2K14 is first.

Lebron should be proud, he looks good

2K has only gotten better at graphically modeling players, Lebron still looks like himself with a few added polish. Muscle definition is good and you can see sweat on his brow, well done 2K. Lets see that EA has with NBA Live 14. 

Sorry Tony

I wonder when EA people last went to a NBA game or watched one on TV for that matter. The lighting is a joke and the players look pasty at best. Nice jersey, but Tony Parker looks like his crying and he doesn't look like that! Bad form EA.

Next up lets take a look at the action shots. EA can try first this time. 

The light is blinding!

Ok first off, that shot has no chance, so why is he taking it? Second off, what is with the lighting? Why does everyone look pasty still. This is a joke, worst shot selection in history and he doesn't even look like he is jumping all that much. What you got 2K?

Oh Lillard

Wow, its very pretty, I am a fan of the NBA Rookie of the Year and I can already hear Kevin Harlan yelling, "Look out below!" before cutting to "Oh oh!" as the dunk is thrown down. 2K, good job, it looks...real!

Next stop, character creation, go for it 2K

Hey, what up baby?

Ok, so it ain't perfect but it looks like you could come out good with it, just need to a little more work. At least he'll look good on court right? Well done 2K, now EA

That says it all

EA has been tight lipped and closed about what their creation looks like, they say its good and they have nothing to hide, ya where have I heard that before? 

Lets take a look at the results!

Graphics: 2K

Action: 2K

CreationL 2K

Need I say more?

2K14

Grade- Marked It!

Release Date- October 25, 2013

Rating- E, for Everyone

Price- $59.99

NBA Live 14

Grade- Missed the Mark

Release Date- That's a secret too!

Rating- E, for Everyone

Price- $59.99