Editing NLSC Podcast Episodes (2019)

This is an '''episode guide''' for the [[NLSC Podcast]], featuring all episodes released during 2019.

== Episode Guide ==

{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%; border:1px solid gray; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: left; width: 100%"
|-
! width="200" | '''Episode'''
! width="250" | '''Hosts'''
!'''Synopsis'''
! width="140" | '''Release Date'''

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-269/ Episode #269]
|Andrew, Arcane, & Kenny
|
*Patches 1.16 and 1.17 came through for NBA Live 19 after we went on break. We give our thoughts on the latest content, gameplay tuning, and other adjustments and fixes.
*NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 also received a title update in time for Christmas. Patch 1.04 added new players and other content, but is it enough to get us hooked on the game?
*Visual Concepts are advertising a temporary position for a production assistant. The role will be focused on MyCAREER, which leads us to speculate on the mode in NBA 2K20.
*Controversy erupted on Christmas Day when a Locker Code for a Pink Diamond LeBron James card in MyTEAM was leaked, and the card later removed. We discuss 2K's handling of the situation, and the subsequent show of goodwill.
*Vlad delivered the NBA 2K modding community a Christmas present in the form of new versions of RED MC and REDitor II. The comprehensive tools are now completely free!
*Arcane floats an idea for a community project that should appeal to anyone with aspirations of developing their own basketball video game.
*Our Week in Basketball Gaming - or rather, Our Holidays in Basketball Gaming - included milestones in MyCAREER, good pulls in MyTEAM, and a suspected troll in the Jordan Rec Center. Also, the NLSC squad finally got to play team Pro-Am, but ran into disappointment that went beyond the scoreline.
|January 6th, 2018

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-270/ Episode #270]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
*NBA Live 19 and NBA 2K19 continue to receive content updates, including new rosters, player items, and challenges. We discuss the games' efforts to remain fresh and evergreen.
*We've officially tipped off Wishlist season for NBA Live 20 and NBA 2K20! Once again, we stress the importance of constructive feedback, and having our say.
*What are our top wishes for NBA Live 20? What are the most important areas to focus on if the game is to take the next step?
*Likewise, what are our top wishes for NBA 2K20? NBA 2K is the brand leader, but how can it continue to get better?
*If you could ask the executive producers of NBA Live and NBA 2K any three questions, what would they be? We'll list ours on next week's NLSC Podcast, but first we want to hear from our listeners!
|January 13th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-271/ Episode #271]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
*Take Two has renewed their licensing agreement with the NBA for $1.1 billion over seven years. What impact might the new figure have on the future of basketball gaming?
*A recent survey regarding favourite modes over on the official NBA Live Reddit omitted Franchise and Ultimate Team. It isn't encouraging, but it strengthens our resolve to have an impact with our Wishlists.
*The NBA 2K17 server shutdown has had an unexpected result: MyLEAGUE games that used community-made assets for expansion teams have now been locked. We discuss the problems with online content in offline modes, especially when it comes to dusting off old favourites.
*Turning our attention to some NBA news, there are some interesting results in the latest All-Star voting returns. Are sentimental votes a bad thing, and are we looking forward to this year's midseason classic?
|January 20th, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-272/ Episode #272]
|Andrew
|
*A content update has come through for NBA Live 19, featuring current rosters and new items in The One Store. Although the updates are welcome, there is growing unrest within the community, who generally want to see more focus on NBA content.
*Our modding community continues to pump out some excellent work. It's difficult not to get inspired to contribute, and to that end, a few projects are still in the works.
*Cleanprincegaming posted an excellent retrospective on the rise and fall of the NBA Street series. It highlights an unfortunate shift in EA Sports' business model, and a lack of creativity in the current market.
*Has 2K ruined Team Pro-Am? Despite the launch of the NBA 2K League, the changes to Pro-Am in recent games seem counterproductive to generating interest in it, or the mode in general.
*Episode #272 of the NLSC Podcast wraps up with some recent stories from the virtual hardwood, including a frustrating bug in the NBA Finals in NBA 2K19's MyCAREER.
|January 27th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-273/ Episode #273]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
*The latest patch for NBA Live 19 has added several new courts to 3v3 LIVE Run. While we're still hoping to see more attention paid to other modes in the future, they're definitely worthwhile additions. On top of that, a very worthy member of the community has been featured in a LIVE Event.
*NBA 2K19 also received a new patch this week. It contains some promising gameplay tweaks, and some welcome bug fixes. We'll have further impressions in the near future.
*We provide a quick round-up of some recent mod releases, including a 1992 Season Mod for NBA 2K19 PC, a College Hoops 2K mod for NBA 2K11, and the latest versions of U R Basketball for NBA 2K13 and NBA 2K14.
*Moving on to some NBA discussion, the 2019 All-Stars have been revealed. We give our thoughts on this year's selections, as well as the special additions of Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki.
*We wrap up Episode #273 of the NLSC Podcast with our thoughts on Kristaps Porzingas being traded to the Mavericks, which certainly caught a lot of fans off-guard (ourselves included). We also speculate on the likelihood that Anthony Davis will be moved by the deadline.
|February 3rd, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-274/ Episode #274]
|Andrew & Kenny
|
*NBA Live 19 received a substantial title and content update this week. Getting a trade deadline roster update in time for the weekend was a pleasant surprise, but the addition of in-game injuries came as even better news. It leads us to reflect on some changes that were patched into NBA Live 10 all those years ago.
*Following up on Patch 1.08 for NBA 2K19, there have indeed been some improvements in terms of cutting down on body steals. Will the changes stick for NBA 2K20, though?
*With NBA 2K trying to strike a balance between its sim roots, competitive online play, and occasional demands for less realism, has the series become a victim of its own success due to the influx of more casual basketball gamers?
*NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 has received new content, just in time for the All-Star Weekend (and Valentine's Day). We share a few more opinions on the game, and also discuss the removal of the first NBA Playgrounds game from the Steam Store.
*Our Week in Basketball Gaming included progress into Season 2 of MyCAREER, an online session for the NLSC crew, LIVE Events swag, and MyTEAM Domination. It also included a bit of modding, with further updates to a work-in-progress roster update for NBA 2K11.
*We wrap up Episode #274 of the NLSC Podcast with this week's NBA discussion. Topics include the flurry of movement at the trade deadline, and a look ahead to the 2019 All-Star Weekend in Charlotte.
|February 10th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-275/ Episode #275]
|Andrew
|
*Patch 1.20 has come through for NBA Live 19. A new All-Star Edition of the game has also been released, though owners of The One Edition can pick up the bonus content if they fire up the game by March 22nd.
*Should NBA Live 19 be the last The One Edition of the game? Well, at the very least, we should hope that it's not the last NBA Edition!
*NBA 2K19 MyTEAM gamers were struck by misfortune when trying to redeem Locker Codes given out during the MyTEAM Unlimited Tournament, as the servers overloaded. 2K's response once again left something to be desired.
*Episode #275 of the NLSC Podcast wraps up with some news about 2K TV, specifically the return of LD2K to the company as the show's new host.
|February 17th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-276/ Episode #276]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
*Patch 1.21 has come through for NBA Live 19. In addition to ending the Double XP event, it includes updated All-Star warm-ups, new gear, and fixes for a couple of other issues.
*Our Wishlists for NBA Live 20 and NBA 2K20 have been submitted, and gratefully received by our contacts at EA Sports and Visual Concepts. Thanks to everyone who contributed!
*It's looking like the WNBA will be featured in NBA 2K20. We speculate on what kind of presence it will have, and whether it will end up being a missed opportunity for NBA Live in terms of fleshing out its WNBA content.
*We dedicate the rest of Episode #276 of the NLSC Podcast to our thoughts on all the highs and lows from the 2019 All-Star Weekend. We try our best not to sound like cranky old men, with varying degrees of success.
|February 24th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-277/ Episode #277]
|Andrew & Kenny
|
*New rosters have come through for NBA Live 19, along with a new Creator Challenge LIVE Event featuring Cream E Biggums. His custom model leads to a discussion on expanding the variety of body types in NBA Live 20 and beyond.
*LeBron James 20th Anniversary packs are now available in NBA 2K19's MyTEAM. Neither of us have scored a Pink Diamond LeBron, but fortunately Locker Codes have been helping to beef up our squads.
*The second annual March Modness has tipped off! In addition to celebrating modding and hopefully giving away a game to a talented modder, some NLSC releases are still in the pipeline. A brief status report is included, along with some reflections on the differences between modding rosters for NBA Live and NBA 2K
*Our Week in Basketball Gaming included an impromptu session in the Jordan Rec Center, and more grinding in the second year of our respective MyCAREER games. Does the Hall of Fame await?
|March 3rd, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-278/ Episode #278]
|Andrew
|
*New rosters have come through for NBA Live 19, featuring further lineup, gear, and ratings updates. We also have some clarification on the situation with Kawhi Leonard's shoes.
*In celebration of LeBron James passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list, we have another shot at a Pink Diamond LeBron in NBA 2K19's MyTEAM. March Madness packs have also been added, while the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers are featured in the latest throwback packs.
*The latest patch for NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 has added new content including players, vanity items, and a Safe Schools for Alex Playground, as well as a new Court Editor. Unfortunately, the approach to the Court Editor doesn't match the goodwill of their charitable endeavours.
*Experiments with MyCAREER have yielded some interesting information about the popular mode. More to come in next week's Monday Tip-Off!
*Episode #278 of the NLSC Podcast wraps up with a listener question regarding celebrity teams, and the likelihood of celebrities being featured in future versions of NBA Live and NBA 2K.
|March 10th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-279/ Episode #279: Fixing 2K Pro-Am & The Online Experience]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
We're tipping off the revamped NLSC Podcast with a quick recap of Patch 1.23 for NBA Live 19 and Patch 1.09 for NBA 2K19, before getting into this week's topic: the problems with 2K Pro-Am, and how we'd fix them. 2K Pro-Am is a mode that we've played a lot these past few years, and frequently talked about on the show. We've had a lot of fun with it, but we've also endured several frustrating sessions, due in large part to changes that have not always been for the better. After identifying the most pressing issues with 2K Pro-Am, we suggest a few possible solutions that we'd like to see implemented in NBA 2K20 and beyond.
|April 7th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-280-tim-kitzrow/ Episode #280: Tim Kitzrow, Voice of NBA Jam]
|Andrew<br>
'''Special Guest:''' Tim Kitzrow
|
The voice of NBA Jam, Tim Kitzrow, joins the NLSC Podcast this week for an extended interview. Tim provides an insight into how he went from classically trained actor and improv artist with The Second City in Chicago, to being the voice of one of basketball gaming's most iconic series. From the origins of the word Boomshakalaka and fascinating tidbits about NBA Jam and other games Tim has worked on, to Tim's recent projects and a bunch of other fun stories, this week's show is a must-listen for all NBA Jam enthusiasts!
|April 14th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-281-trusting-process-nba-live/ Episode #281: Trusting the Process with NBA Live]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
The discussion tips off with reflections on how the once-dominant brand in sim basketball games fell on hard times, from the shaky transition to the sixth generation consoles with NBA Live 06, to the disaster that was NBA Elite 11. We consider missed opportunities as far as rebooting the series by going back and building upon NBA Live 10, and note the difficulties that occurred with the cancellation of NBA Elite 11 and NBA Live 13, before the eventual comeback with NBA Live 14. From there, we discuss how the series has fared during its continued comeback, touching on all of the positives and negatives along the way. After going into detail about what we want to see out of the series moving forward, we wrap up with our hopes and expectations for NBA Live 20.
|April 21st, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-282-a-tale-of-six-mycareer-stories/ Episode #282: A Tale of Six MyCAREER Stories]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
After a quick round-up of the news, including an upcoming NBA Street event in NBA Live 19 and the latest patch for NBA 2K Playgrounds 2, we dive into this week’s main topic: MyCAREER stories. We begin with our overall impressions of the story-driven approach to MyCAREER over the past six games, and then move on to discuss each game’s story in detail. Along the way, we identify what we’ve liked and disliked the most about each tale and MyCAREER stories in general, and suggest ways that the approach could improve as a new generation looms.
|April 28th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-283-izzy-snow/ Episode #283: A Chat With Izzy Snow]
|Andrew<br>
'''Special Guest:''' Izzy Snow
|
Izzy Snow joins the show to discuss his recent experiences with the full version of NBA Elite 11. This leads to a discussion of whether it was better for EA Sports to cancel the game outright, or if it would've been less damaging to release it and weather the bad reviews. We also talk about the current state of NBA Live and offer up some further thoughts on the issues with game modes, particularly Ultimate Team. In addition to revisiting NBA Live 06 on Xbox 360 and the question of where NBA Live needs to go from here, we also talk changes in the community, the need for competition, gaming habits as we get older, PC gaming and modding, NBA Playgrounds, and how Izzy became the NBA Live 14 Gamer of the Year back in 2014.
|May 5th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-284-road-to-99/ Episode #284: The Long and Winding Road to 99]
|Andrew & Kenny
|
We tip things off with a quick recap of some recent NBA Live 19 news, namely the return of LIVESTRIKE Events. Following the news round-up, we dive right into this week's discussion topic: the Road to 99. Our conversation includes an update on our own journeys on the Road to 99, the way Cap Breakers differ between Archetypes, and the rewards at each tier. This also leads to comparisons with NBA Live 19's progression system, as well as the progression systems from previous NBA Live and NBA 2K games. By the end of our discussion, we have a few thoughts on what we'd like to see in both career modes moving forward.
|May 12th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-285-decade-of-dominance-nba-2k/ Episode #285: A Decade of Dominance for NBA 2K]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
Since overtaking NBA Live in sales beginning with the 2009 season releases, NBA 2K has secured its place as the dominant brand in basketball gaming for over a decade. We reflect on how NBA 2K's journey has differed from that of NBA Live, and the way that journey has accounted for its continued quality, popularity, and financial success. At the same time, while NBA 2K's success has ultimately been great for basketball gaming, there have been downsides to its dominance. We discuss where the game is headed, and name our favourite NBA 2K titles from the past decade.
|May 19th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-286-online-casuals-simulation/ Episode #286: Online, Casuals, & Simulation]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
We tip things off with a quick look ahead to the 2019 NBA Finals, as well as a few thoughts on the forthcoming gameplay patch for NBA Live 19. After catching up on the news, we dive into this week's discussion topic: online, casuals, and simulation. We reflect on some recent Jordan Rec Center games in NBA 2K19, and how they've been indicative of changing attitudes towards the importance of sim-style virtual basketball. This leads us to question whether the core demographic is as sim as it used to be, or whether we're now on the outer fringe. We also attempt to categorise the different types of hoops gamers, and throw out a few suggestions for improving the online experience by addressing various issues including matchmaking and gatekeeping.
|May 26th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-287-renovating-virtual-hardwood/ Episode #287: Renovating the Virtual Hardwood]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
After catching up on the results of Game 1 of the 2019 NBA Finals, we dive into this week's topic: modding, also known as patching (or indeed if we want to get really fancy, renovating the virtual hardwood). We discuss the beginnings of our modding community and how it's evolved over the years, as well as how we came to be a part of it. Our discussion also includes modding etiquette, and ways that we can improve as a community. We also talk about our favourite mods, both the ones that we've made and those that others have created. We wrap up with some tips for getting started, and touch upon what it might be like if NBA Live and NBA 2K could one day go head to head with modding on PC.
|June 2nd, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-288-nba-live-19-patch-125-impressions/ Episode #288: NBA Live 19 Patch 1.25 Impressions]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
The show tips off with a few thoughts on the NBA Finals that we knew would be outdated by the time it went live; we apologise for the jinxes! We then turn our attention to the announcement that online support will be ending for NBA Live 14 later this year, noting our surprise at how long the servers have been kept up and running. After that, we dive into Patch 1.25 for NBA Live 19. Despite the best efforts and good intentions of the developers, the tweaks unfortunately haven't all been for the best. This leads us to once again glance ahead to NBA Live 20, and talk about what must be done for this year's release to deliver a great game of virtual basketball.
|June 11th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-289-nba-season-preview-season/ Episode #289: NBA Season Ends, Preview Season Begins]
|Andrew & Kenny
|
A new NBA champion has been crowned! We reflect on Games 5 and 6 of the NBA Finals, discuss what's next for the champion Toronto Raptors and injury-riddled Golden State Warriors, and offer up some thoughts on the Draft and free agency. The beginning of the offseason also raises questions about our basketball gaming habits. Are we done with the 2019 season games, or is there life in them yet? We outline some of our plans for both titles. As the preview season for NBA Live 20 and NBA 2K20 looms in the distance, we also discuss our expectations for the games, and how we'd like EA Sports and 2K Sports to handle the previews. Will we ever see another historical challenge mode? What role will the WNBA play in both games? We'll know come July...or August...or maybe September...
|June 23rd, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-290-craziness-begins/ Episode #290: The Craziness Begins]
|Andrew
|
Forget March Madness; July has tipped off the craziness as far as the NBA and virtual hardwood are concerned! The cover players and pre-order bonuses for NBA 2K20 have been revealed, and there's some good news as the Early Tip-Off Weekend is no more. A teaser trailer and a few screenshots have also given us a glimpse of the game, and if nothing else, the lighting looks promising. NBA 2K19 has also received a patch that encourages NBA 2K20 pre-orders, along with a couple of minor fixes. Meanwhile, NBA Live 19 has received further tuning for shooting and shot contests, which was great to see following issues with Patch 1.25. Finally, there was a flurry of big names changing jerseys through trades and free agency. It's going to be a wild year in the real NBA, and on the virtual hardwood!
|July 15th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-291-time-to-worry/ Episode #291: Is It Time To Worry Yet?]
|Andrew
|
As expected, the NBA 2K20 ratings reveal wasn't without controversy. While fans debate their accuracy and the merits of NBA 2K's approach to ratings, the best response belongs to whoever is running the Denver Nuggets' Twitter account. In other news, NBA Live 19 received a surprising roster update featuring offseason moves. Despite being a welcome surprise, it does invite worrisome speculation about NBA Live 20, though it doesn't help to jump the gun. Meanwhile, in our community, there are some modding projects and other upcoming features worth spotlighting. Check them out, and stay tuned!
|July 21st, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-292-mycareer-franchise-mode/ Episode #292: MyCAREER Killed The Franchise Mode]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
'Tis the preview season, which means that there's a lot of talk about bullshotting as new NBA 2K20 screenshots continue to drop. The soundtrack for this year's game has also been revealed, not only bringing tracks from the big names, but also providing an opportunity for unsigned artists. However, the biggest news of the week is that the NBA 2K20 Demo will be released on August 21st. We speculate on what the new MyPLAYER builder might entail, what other content we can expect, and how the demo experience will translate to the full release. After noting the lack of NBA content in recent NBA 2K demos, we move on to this week's featured discussion: has the focus on career modes adversely affected other modes, and the basketball gaming experience in general? As much as we've enjoyed MyCAREER this generation, it does feel as though other aspects of the games have been neglected. We consider what this might mean for the genre moving forward, and whether it's another sign we're no longer part of the core demographic.
|July 28th, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-293-seeing-whats-next/ Episode #293: We're Seeing What's Next]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
Not everyone is thrilled about it, but the first NBA 2K20 developer blog revealed details on MyGM and MyLEAGUE. As we're burned out on MyCAREER and thinking of returning to the franchise mode experience, it comes as good news. We've also received a longer look at gameplay thanks to the "Next is Now" trailer. It's another slick production, but does it have us hyped for the game? Speaking of hype, the latest NBA Live 20 news has dampened our optimism somewhat. The game is slated to come out later than NBA 2K20 which may work in its favour, but with talk of a "different approach", we do have some concerns.
|August 4th, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-episode-294-microtransactions-mega-profits/ Episode #294: Microtransactions, Mega Profits]
|Andrew & Arcane
|
A statement from Andrew Wilson has reiterated that NBA Live 20 is coming. Free-to-play has neither been denied nor confirmed, which along with talk of a "different approach", has us feeling a little concerned. We also wonder what a free-to-play NBA Live 20 would look like. As for NBA 2K20, we have a better idea of what it will look and play like thanks to this year's gameplay blog, as well as Tweets from Beluba. There are some very promising details, but we have been burned before. News on the WNBA's presence in NBA 2K20 emphasises the gap between NBA 2K and NBA Live, which leads to a discussion on the matter of who did it first vs. who did it best. Finally, record-setting numbers for NBA 2K19's sales and recurrent revenue are something Take Two has to be very pleased with, but it speaks volumes about the attitude and resolve of the basketball gaming community.
|August 11th, 2019

|- valign="top"
|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-295-throwbacks-and-evolution/ Episode #295: Throwbacks & Evolution]
|Andrew
|
In a throwback to basketball games from last decade, All-Decade teams are making a triumphant return in NBA 2K20! They've even got some spiffy uniforms based on retro All-Star designs, but admittedly not everyone is thrilled. Six new retro teams have also been added, including four that have been mentioned in an ongoing series of Friday Five articles. Coincidence? Quite possibly. Some MyCAREER news has also been trickling out of the recent Community Day. From a new approach to Archetypes to reworked Badges, it's quite promising. There are also reports of a huge change to the way attribute upgrades are purchased. It sounds too good to be true, so we'll see.
|August 18th, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-296-do-you-want-build-myplayer/ Episode #296: Do You Want to Build a MyPLAYER?]
|Andrew
|
The countdown to NBA 2K20 is entering its final two weeks, and we're getting a better picture of what to expect. The MyCAREER trailer provided a glimpse of this year's story, and while it promises great things, it also feels like more of the same. Meanwhile, the NBA 2K20 Demo's hands-on preview of what to expect on the sticks has indicated that it's not quite the same game this year. It's not a deep demo, but it showcases aspects that are good, bad, promising, and concerning ahead of the full release. In other news, a Game Informer article suggests a much less grindy approach this year, and some preview videos confirm that some key players are missing from classic teams.
|August 25th, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-297-nba-2k20-impressions/ Episode #297: Our NBA 2K20 Impressions]
|Andrew & Kenny
|
NBA 2K20 is out now, and it's proven to be one of the more controversial releases in the series. We discuss the backlash, including some brutal user reviews on Metacritic, and the pre-release misinformation that has only fuelled the fire. That leads into our own impressions of NBA 2K20 which tend to be positive, though we do have a few gripes. From gameplay to game modes, from the MyCAREER grind to the changes in MyTEAM, we share our thoughts on NBA 2K20 after our first week with the game.
|September 15th, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-298-what-did-we-miss/ Episode #298: So, What Did We Miss?]
|Andrew & Dee4Three
|
NBA 2K20 has been out for around nine weeks now, and has already received several patches. Although the updates have been controversial due to their size, quantity, and lack of detailed patch notes, we are pleased with some of the changes. This leads to a discussion about transparency, toxicity, and overall, our current impressions of the game. We also talk about the latest update for NBA 2K Playgrounds 2, and how the game has turned out. After that, we turn our attention to this week's main topic: NBA Live 20's cancellation. Was it the right call? How does it affect the brand's image? What needs to happen with NBA Live 21? Is it time for another Wishlist? And finally, what happens to basketball gaming as we enter a new generation?
|November 3rd, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-299-basketball-gamers-want/ Episode #299: What Basketball Gamers Want]
|Andrew & Dee4Three
|
EA Sports has announced that the NBA Live 15 servers will be shutting down as of December 1st, 2019. We react to the timing of the announcement compared to the NBA Live 14 shutdown, and reflect a little on NBA Live 15 itself. This leads to some thoughts on why we dust off older titles, and sometimes seeing them in a new light (and sometimes not). Our feature discussion this week is a deep dive into what basketball gamers want; not just expectations of the virtual hardwood and blacktop, but also our relationship with developers, and approach to game design. We also talk about toxic attitudes, and how we clash with one another over what we want out of the basketball gaming experience.
|November 10th, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-300-hunters-and-collectors/ Episode #300: Hunters & Collectors]
|Andrew & Dee4Three
|
As we celebrate 300 episodes, we reflect on one of our favourite shows: our interview with Tim Kitzrow back in Episode #280. Recalling his passion for NBA Jam, we’re reminded of how it’s too easy to be dismissive of what came before as pure nostalgia – on the real and virtual hardwood alike – and resort to cliched buzzwords to shut down criticism of newer things. That leads us to note the fantastic fusion of the old and new with Basketball Classics, as we share some more impressions of the game. After touching on the recent hack of NBA 2K accounts and issues with ad links in our modding community, we finally get to our featured discussion topic: collecting basketball video games. We talk about our collections, the process of tracking down older titles, the problems that digital content and releases present for collectors, and the fun of playing our old favourites and checking out games we missed out on the first time around.
|November 17th, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-301-25th-anniversary-nba-live-1/ Episode #301: 25th Anniversary of NBA Live (Part 1)]
|Andrew & Dee4Three
|
To mark the 25th Anniversary of NBA Live, we're taking a look back at the history of the series with retrospectives and other fun content. We're extending those deep dive retrospectives to the NLSC Podcast, as we start at the beginning with the precursor to the NBA Live series: Lakers vs. Celtics. From there, we move on to the game that started it all - NBA Live 95 - and go through the series year by year, discussing improvements to gameplay, debuting features, modding, and the overall evolution of the series. Along the way, we share some personal anecdotes of our time with the earlier titles, and compare them to the other releases they were competing with. We also discuss how and why the quality of the early NBA Live games is too often forgotten. Part 1 ends with NBA Live 06, a significant turning point for the series that it's still feeling the effects of today.
|November 24th, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-302-25th-anniversary-nba-live-2/ Episode #302: 25th Anniversary of NBA Live (Part 2)]
|Andrew & Dee4Three
|
We continue our conversation with a look back at NBA Live 07, a strong candidate for the worst game in the series. As we proceed to break down each game year by year, we reflect on the downfall of NBA Live, and the mistakes that have led to its continued struggles. We discuss what could have been, from the cut retro teams in NBA Live 08 and the full season version of Be a Pro in NBA Live 09 on PS2, to the disastrous change of direction with NBA Elite 11 and cancellation of NBA Live 13. The importance and selection criteria for cover players also comes up, and we reveal the NBA Live 13 cover player that was never officially announced. That brings us to the current generation as we recap the series' ups and downs since returning with NBA Live 14, and how it's looking as of NBA Live 19. Once again, we touch on what we want to see in NBA Live 21 and beyond. We wrap up with our fondest memories of NBA Live, our favourite games in the series, and thoughts on what it's meant to us these past 25 years.
|December 1st, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-303-putting-on-virtual-gm-suits/ Episode #303: Putting On Our Virtual GM Suits]
|Andrew & Dee4Three
|
A new patch has come through for the console versions of NBA 2K19. There aren't any patch notes or any word on what it might entail, leaving us to speculate on what it's all about. We also talk about gamers returning to NBA 2K19 and other older games, as well as the possibility of servers being turned back on. After touching on some issues with toxic attitudes in basketball gaming, we dive into the topic of franchise modes. They were once the premiere attraction in NBA titles, but have since been surpassed by career modes and the connected experiences. We reflect on how preferences came to shift, while also noting that franchise gaming still has plenty to offer. We've also got some advice for enjoying franchise modes, and share fond memories of putting on our virtual GM suits.
|December 8th, 2019

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|[https://www.nba-live.com/nlsc-podcast-304-talkin-bout-next-gen/ Episode #304: Talkin' 'Bout Next Generation]
|Andrew & Dee4Three
|
After a quick rundown of Patch 1.09 for NBA 2K20, we get right into this week's featured discussion. The end of the decade and announcement of the Xbox Series X has prompted us to reflect on the past ten years of basketball gaming, in particular the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One generation. We compare it to previous generations, noting the positives and negatives. As we look ahead to next gen, we discuss what we're hoping to see, and what not to see. From troubling trends to imaginative innovations, it's a discussion of where the hobby is at, and where it should be. Along the way, we're even able to draw some parallels to the real NBA.
|December 15th, 2019

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== Links ==

*[[NLSC Podcast]]

[[Category: NLSC]]
[[Category: NLSC Podcast]]