The Xbox 360 Factor

Dual publishing on Xbox® and Xbox 360™ is rapidly becoming the standard, especially for annual series, which primarily refers to sports games. NBA 2K6 is no different. With its simultaneous availability, many wonder what it is about the Xbox 360 version that creates that next-gen difference. Allow us to explain.

The Basics
Massive graphical upgrades notwithstanding, don't forget the standards Xbox 360 brings to the table for every game. Here are the highlights:

• HD and 16x9: Provided you have a TV that supports high-definition, all Xbox 360 games are capable of outputting 720 progressive scan and 16 by 9 widescreen formatting. Get more details here.
• Guide Button: Whether you're connecting to someone with the one-on-one chat feature, checking your achievements, loading a music playlist, or seeing who's online with what game, the Guide Button standardizes all these functions, so you can be sure you can use them all with every game.

The Visual Upgrade
Of course, the sheer detail and visual wizardry at play in NBA 2K6 on Xbox 360 has been generating some massive buzz regarding just how powerful the next-gen console is, but these details are better shown, not just written about.

Diesel in the paint.

The sheer level of minute detail is evident as you scrutinize the player models, but perhaps of more importance is the grace and realism with which the players move. You can get a sense of it here as the posture of each player in mid action fits the scene you'd likely find down in the post in an NBA game. Shaq's up in the air, pushing out the defender with his weighty midriff, Udonis Haslem is watching the ball, and Steve Nash is blocking out for the rebound.

These great graphics don't come at the cost of disjointed animation, for the better-looking the player model, the better-animated they must be. Otherwise, you're cursed with a very unnatural-feeling character. Fear not, NBA 2K6 looks and moves naturally.

Soft flowing cloth.

Speaking of natural movement, a few seconds of play time with NBA 2K6 (or a quick viewing of the trailer here reveals the much talked about "cloth physics" the game produces. With each subtle movement of the player, their uniform moves and flutters realistically. As you sprint down the floor for a lay-up, you can see the uniform billowing behind the player. When Ray Allen takes his fade-away jumper, you can catch a glimpse of his uniform rise and fall with his leap.

Crowd upgrades.

In this screenshot you can see the near photo-realistic (in-game) arena, with authentic details down to the concourse exits. Even more exciting is the crowd that populates the stands. Gone are the days of the cardboard-looking spectators that bob up and down jerkily to show their appreciation for the on-court action. Now you see spectators move, cheer, and jump up and down together and independent of one another. Their involvement in the game feels tangible and looks fantastic.

NBA 2K6 for Xbox 360 is no glorified port. It has been built from the ground up with Xbox 360 in mind, and every glimpse of the game further proves just that. Welcome to the game of basketball, next-gen style. Enjoy!

Article by Alex McLain