Which is better, NBA 2K8 or NBA Live 2008?

It depends on what you prefer. Live is the flashier game where you basically run up the court and jack up 3’s, whereas 2k8 is about as realistic as it gets (for a video game). Personally, I prefer 2k8 because it focuses on the little things. Apparently, the A.I. in 2k8 makes offensive (but not defensive, unfortunately) adjustments from possession to possession. For instance, if you’re running zones, they’ll start jacking up the 3’s. Also, they have players types and team chemistry (which if you’re not into realism and micro-management can be more a pain in the ass than anything). Players like Stephen Jackson and Ron Artest are “Unpredictable” personalities, which means they are locker-room poison if you can’t keep them happy. As I said, I’m incredibly biased, but Live has sucked since 05 really. It used to be that Live always had better graphics, but 2k finally even beat them there, so there’s really no comparison anymore.

I’ll admit I’m biased, just like ForeignFlopper (nice screen name, btw!), but the graphics are still better in NBA Live (especially if you use the PC platform like I do). The realism is about the same, but I especially like the X-factor mode in NBA Live. Allows for situations similar to Kerr in ‘03 and Horry in ‘05 The front office operations in Live are a little more realistic than 2k, but I don’t think Live simulates performance based upon a player’s locker-room attitude. It used to be where you could just jack up 3’s if you had a good 3 pt. shooter (one time my brother scored 96 of the suns 101 points with Steve Nash alone in NBA Live 2004-on the highest level of gameplay). Nowadays, you have to get the ball to the shooter to allow him to take the shot “in rhythm.” Basically, leading a fastbreak and then all of a sudden pulling up for 3 usually won’t work (rushing the shot). Also, you can’t just dominate in the low post simply because you have Timmy or KG-the game recognizes good post position and moves. Finally, players like Nash and Parker can’t just score at will in the paint—forcing the ball into places it’s impossible to go almost automatically result in turnovers. Reading the defense and exploiting the seams, however, can make players like Manu lethal weapons. A lot of my friends won’t play with me if I play with the Spurs (which is 95% of the time!), because they know they’ll get treated to a Manu/Timmy fest unless they play some serious D.

I don’t know about it on PS3 but on 360, Live completely out-do’s 2K8. The graphics are much better, and the player ratings are more realistic. Plus 2K8 looks like it was put together at the last minute.