	NBA 2K6
	Developer: Visual Concepts Publisher: 2K Sports Release Date: Out Now Players: 1 - 4	Words By:
2K Games are back with their popular NBA basketball game franchise, but this 2K6 edition comes with the help of the 360’s visual grunt. NBA 2K6 is a sports game (if you haven’t guessed) and so features everything you would expect in the form of game modes, exhibitions, tournaments and seasons. 2K6 also features a mode named ‘The Association’ which is a season mode with management sprinkled on top. Kind of like the Master League mode from the Pro Evolution Soccer games. You get to hire staff and train players as the season progresses. Every team from the NBA is present along with the full line ups (or rosters as they call them) with real names etc. When you start playing it’s easy to see that this is a decent game; it’s very easy to get into. Passing is easy with the “pass” button shifting the ball to the nearest player in any direction, while holding a shoulder button will give icons under each player allowing you to make a pass to any player on the court. Shots and dunks are easy to pull off too, with a little practice you’ll soon be pulling off 3 pointers and slamming a few baskets. 2K Sports have also added a feature called the ‘shot stick’ using the right control stick you can mimic the motions of a shot so you’ll pull down on the stick then release when the player on screen is at the top of his jump. Of course full Xbox Live support is here allowing you to play with up to 7 people at a time but 1v1 is still the best. 2K6 is a good experience online but not when you get people talking about ‘triple doubles’ when I have know idea about NBA lingo – they need to include a translator mode. Graphically NBA 2K6 is a bit of a looker with the player’s gear being a highlight. When the players move the fabric of their uniforms moves so realistically you could confuse it for real footage from time to time. Players will sweat and show you how they feel with brilliant animation. The players look amazingly detailed along with a fully 3D crowd and realistic looking courts. The commentary is excellent with the commentators providing all sorts of information about how the players are doing. Also all the arena sounds are great. Overall NBA 2K6 is a fun and easy to get in to game but with a lot to master. Always great to play it with a friend. Great looks, sound and presentation add up to a good experience.

Best Bits
- Superb animation and sound
- Party mode

Worst Bits
- NBA knowledge is as real help
- Online NBA lingo means you won’t have a clue what most players are on about


by: SteMacD