NLSC Your source for basketball video games.

We’re at midcourt, and the ball is about to go up…it’s Monday Tip-Off! Start your week here at the NLSC with a feature that’s dedicated to opinions, commentary, and other fun stuff related to NBA Live, NBA 2K, and other basketball video games. This week, I’m tipping things off with some final thoughts on NBA Live 19 and NBA 2K19 as we enter the final days leading up to NBA 2K20’s release.

Cue “The Final Countdown” by Europe, as we’re just days away from the release of NBA 2K20! As for NBA Live 20…well, we’re still waiting to find out what’s going to happen with EA Sports’ long-running series. In any event, the impending release of NBA 2K20 means that we’re days away from NBA 2K19 and NBA Live 19 officially becoming last year’s games. That is to say, they’ll no longer be the most up to date sim-oriented NBA titles, and the community’s interest will shift to the game set in the forthcoming 2020 season.

It’s a strange period of limbo in the annual basketball gaming cycle. If you’re done with last year’s games, you’ll be itching to get your hands on the new release. If you still have unfinished business, you’ll likely be furiously playing them to achieve some semblance of closure before moving on to this year’s title. After all, it’s not easy to go back and pick up where you left off when you’re hooked on a new game that will itself be outmoded a year from now. With that in mind, as we find ourselves in the final days before NBA 2K20 officially succeeds NBA 2K19 and NBA Live 19, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the past year of basketball gaming, and to look ahead.

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To mark the 25th Anniversary of NBA Live, we’re taking a look back at every game in the series with retrospectives and other fun content! This also includes re-running some features from our 20th Anniversary celebrations, with a few revisions. Whether you’re a long-time basketball gamer who grew up with NBA Live and are keen on taking a trip down memory lane, or you’re new to the series and want to learn about its history, we hope that you enjoy celebrating the 25th Anniversary of NBA Live here at the NLSC! First up, it’s a retrospective of NBA Live 95.

As I’ve mentioned on many occasions, NBA Live 95 is a title that’s often remembered fondly by long-time basketball gamers. Beyond its significance as the first game in the NBA Live series, it’s also generally considered to be a classic for the way it advanced the genre. Even after 25 years, it holds up remarkably well considering how far basketball video games have come. I always feel nostalgic when I dust off NBA Live 95, but I also find that I’m impressed by the quality and how much fun it can still be, given its age. Let’s look back 25 years to where it all began.

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The NBA 2K19 PC modding community is still going strong up to the launch of NBA 2K20. Check out the latest releases at the links below!

Torogi
China World Cup Court
RKJ No Injuries Roster (With New Retro Teams) (Updated to v2.7)
Muscle And Sweat Global [Final] (Updated to v6.0)

pinoy21
San Antonio Spurs Fictional Fiesta Jersey (pinoy21)
Detroit Pistons Jersey (pinoy21)
Toronto Raptors Jersey With Gold Patch (pinoy21)
Miami Heat Jersey (pinoy21)
Milwaukee Bucks Jersey (pinoy21)
Brooklyn Nets Jersey (pinoy21)
Chicago Bulls Jersey (pinoy21)
Sacramento Kings Jersey (pinoy21)
Minnesota Timberwolves Jersey (pinoy21)
Utah Jazz 2020 Classic Edition Jersey (pinoy21)

sticky-fingers
1991-1992 NBC Scoreboard & Wipe for NBA 2K19

TwisT
Utah Jazz Vivint.SmartHome Arena (Classic Edition)

Manni Live
Portland Trail Blazers Moda Center 2020 4K

Thanks to everyone who continues to contribute to our Downloads database! If you need help uploading files, be sure to check out this video tutorial. For more information about downloads, the modding community, and File Additions bulletins, please see this FAQ in our Wiki.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Five! The Friday Five is a feature that I post every Friday in which I give my thoughts on a topic that’s related to NBA Live, NBA 2K, and other basketball video games, as well as the real NBA, and other areas of interest to our community. The feature is presented as either a list of five items, or in the form of a Top 5 countdown. This week’s Five is a list of five excuses that we must stop making in order to downplay valid criticisms of basketball video games.

There are times when it’s only fair to make excuses for basketball video games. There are limitations to what can be achieved with the technology that’s currently available. Issues with likeness rights meant that certain historical players can’t be included. NBA games have a brutal development cycle compared to titles that don’t come out every year. In fact, you might be inclined to call these “reasons”, as the term “excuses” often has negative connotations. It’s splitting hairs on the definition in some respects, but it’s understandable that some people balk at the idea of “making excuses”.

The problem with excuses is that they can easily work against our best interests. If we don’t hold developers accountable for certain decisions and design choices, then we’ll have no choice but to endure whatever undesirable situation we find ourselves in with basketball video games. Look, I’d like to think that I’m as passionate about the hobby as anyone else in the community, and I also believe in being fair and constructive in our criticism. It’s just astonishing how far some people will go to make excuses for the games though, even when an issue is clearly detrimental to them. These are the excuses that we need to cut out, or else we’ll continue to suffer the consequences.

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The NBA 2K20 Neighborhood trailer has dropped, providing a preview of what to expect in this year’s MyCAREER hub. 2K have also spotlighted some of the key features, which are as follows:

• The return of Park Rep
• 3v3 outdoor Pro-Am
• New Show-Off Stick
• Dynamic seasonal changes
• Over a dozen new Events

Check out the trailer below, or catch it here over on YouTube.

What are your thoughts on The Next Neighborhood in NBA 2K20? Have your say in the comments section below, and join in the discussion here in the NLSC Forum!

This is Wayback Wednesday, your midweek blast from the past! In this feature, we dig into the archives, look back at the history of basketball gaming, and indulge in some nostalgia. Check in every Wednesday for retrospectives and other features on older versions of NBA Live, NBA 2K, and old school basketball video games in general. You’ll also find old NLSC editorials re-published with added commentary, and other flashback content. This week, I’m taking a look back at the history of Aussies in basketball games.

If you listen to the NLSC Podcast or pay close attention to the way I spell certain words, you’ll know that I’m an Aussie. Being a basketball fan in Australia hasn’t always been easy, even with the NBA’s explosion in popularity in the 90s, as well as the heyday of our own local league, the NBL. Sadly, the sport hasn’t always had the most favourable reputation with many of my fellow Aussies. While those of us who love hoops do so passionately, it’s always battled cricket, tennis, and at least three different codes of football (rugby, Australian Rules, and soccer) for popularity.

I’ve always felt that our struggles on the world stage have contributed to the game’s up-and-down popularity down under. The Boomers are yet to win an Olympic medal, but just this past week, they scored a huge win over the USA in the second exhibition game played in Melbourne; the first time they’ve ever defeated the US. It helps that we have a few more Aussies in the NBA these days, which also means that we see them on the virtual hardwood. In honour of the Boomers’ big win, I’m reflecting on the history of Aussies in basketball games. Let’s take a look back…way back…

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The latest developer blog provides in-depth insights into what to expect from MyTEAM in NBA 2K20. A trailer has also dropped, providing a concise overview of this year’s mode. The blog is particularly lengthy and I recommend checking it out in full, but here is a brief summary:

• Evolution cards are upgradeable by accomplishing single game and career tasks. A free and permanent Evolution card will be granted upon firing up the mode for the first time.
• Single player Triple Threat has been re-designed, with randomly determined opponents. There is also a new prizing mechanic in the form of a slot machine.
• There are bonuses for logging in daily, and special prizes for logging into MyTEAM every day of the week. Prizes include Tokens, MT, packs, and more. There’s also a prize wheel that can be accessed via Locker Codes, as well as the weekly grand prize for logging in every day.
• Today in MyTEAM features special events and challenges. Limited Time Events are available during the peak playing hours in each region, while The Agenda is similar to the daily bonus tasks in last year’s mode, only much deeper and with custom objectives. There will also be different boards for the Ball Drop this year.
• A Community Hub will allow interaction with the developers, provide tips and tricks, and so on.
• Players can only be slotted in at their primary or secondary positions, preventing cheesy lineups.
• The PRIME Collection is the top collection of premium cards. Throwbacks have been replaced by the Spotlight Collection. The Legacy Showcase series will spotlight Legends who deserve more attention.
• Domination has been re-designed with Star levels depending on the difficulty you choose, and Heat Check cards have been tweaked. Online matchmaking has been improved along with server stability, and the Auction House will be accessible much sooner.
• Players will still have contracts, as evident in the trailer.

Check out the trailer below, or catch it here on YouTube. What are your thoughts on the NBA 2K20 MyTEAM developer blog and trailer? Have your say in the comments section below, and join in the discussion here in the NLSC Forum!

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We’re at midcourt, and the ball is about to go up…it’s Monday Tip-Off! Start your week here at the NLSC with a feature that’s dedicated to opinions, commentary, and other fun stuff related to NBA Live, NBA 2K, and other basketball video games. This week, I’m tipping things off with some reflections as I celebrate 18 years of running the NLSC.

Today, I’m not just tipping off a new week here at the NLSC, but the start of another year of my tenure as the site’s webmaster, administrator, and primary content creator. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was an excited young basketball gamer of almost 17, accepting the offer to take over the biggest and best NBA Live fansite. That was August 26th 2001 however, which means it was quite some time ago: 18 years, to be precise. To say that basketball video games have come a long way, and that the NBA itself has changed a lot during that time, would be an understatement.

I always get reflective around the time of my NLSC anniversary. Maybe that’s part of being a so-called old head, or maybe I’m just the sentimental type. This year feels like a particularly big milestone as at this point, I’ve been running the NLSC longer than I haven’t; literally more than half my life! I’ve mentioned it in previous reflections, but I do sometimes wonder how long I’ll end up running the site for. Presumably until it’s no longer an enjoyable creative outlet for me, and honestly, that time hasn’t come yet. I still plan on being around and keeping the NLSC going for a while yet, especially when some of its most rewarding experiences have come this past decade.

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Episode #296 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! With the release of the NBA 2K20 Demo, I have some impressions to share, as well as some thoughts on the MyCAREER trailer, Game Informer preview, and other news from the past week.

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.

Tune in below!

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 51:06 — 35.2MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

What are your thoughts on the MyCAREER trailer and NBA 2K20 Demo? Sound off in the comments section below, or join in the discussion here in the Forum! Additionally, feel free to hit us up with any feedback on the episode, as well as suggestions for topics that you’d like to hear us discuss in future episodes. For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki.

The winner of our March Modness 2019 giveaway has been chosen. Congratulations to Pep, whose multiple uploads for NBA 2K14 earned him the most chances at winning the prize! Pep joins TGsoGood, the winner of our 2018 giveaway.

As the situation with NBA Live 20 is still up in the air, Pep has won a copy of the Standard Edition of NBA 2K20 for PC. Budget permitting, we might be able to hold a few more giveaways this year, but in any event, we’re looking to make March Modness an annual event here at the NLSC.

A big thanks as always to everyone who entered this year’s contest, and continues to share their mods with our community. Don’t forget that we offer free and permanent file hosting for the modding community, in order to preserve these great releases for years to come. For more information about adding files to our Downloads database, check out this tutorial!

The release of NBA 2K20 is right around the corner, so get ready for another season of modding and post-release coverage! In the meantime, stay tuned for the final nuggets of news from the preview season, and any information on NBA Live 20 as it becomes available.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Friday Five! The Friday Five is a feature that I post every Friday in which I give my thoughts on a topic that’s related to NBA Live, NBA 2K, and other basketball video games, as well as the real NBA, and other areas of interest to our community. The feature is presented as either a list of five items, or in the form of a Top 5 countdown. This week’s Five is a list of five odd mistakes that could be found in old basketball games.

Authenticity is the name of the game, especially for sim titles. Over the years, eagle-eyed hoops gamers have proven adept at spotting mistakes, big or small. Whether it’s an inaccuracy in a court or jersey, a rating that is way off, or some other error, you can be sure that someone with an eye for detail will point it out. Some mistakes are easy to fix ourselves, while others require some modding skill (and for that matter, a game that is easily moddable). Official updates have also become far more detailed over the years, correcting many minor (and sometimes major) mistakes post-release.

As for why these mistakes occur, the simple answer is that the developers are human, and it’s easy to overlook a detail here and there. There are also times when mistakes and inaccuracies are the result of technical limitations, licensing issues, or some other factor. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that older hoops games have featured some odd mistakes through the years. We still see inaccuracies in modern games, many of which are addressed by official updates, but they’re generally not as weird and quirky as the mistakes in old titles. Here are five of my picks for the oddest mistakes that we’ve seen in various classic basketball video games.

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The NBA 2K20 Demo has been released! As previously announced, it’s available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The demo will not be available on Steam, but the PC version will have all the same features that are being previewed. Please note that 2K has advised that it may take up to an hour for it to download and install. If you don’t see the demo in your console’s store, try restarting.

This year’s demo allows gamers to get a head start with the new MyPLAYER Builder. It provides an opportunity to check out the preset builds, as well as all the tools for creating a custom Archetype. We’re also able to test out our MyPLAYER’s potential, and see how they will perform at different levels of Overall Ratings.

The MyNBA2K20 companion app, featuring the Golden State Warriors’ D’Angelo Russell as its cover player, is also available for Android and iOS devices. Now that the demo has been released, it can be used to scan your face for use with your MyPLAYER. It also includes the usual Card Battle mode, and methods of earning VC in the full version of NBA 2K20 once it’s released.

What are your thoughts on the NBA 2K20 Demo? Have your say in the comments section below, as well as join in the discussion here in the NLSC Forum!

This is Wayback Wednesday, your midweek blast from the past! In this feature, we dig into the archives, look back at the history of basketball gaming, and indulge in some nostalgia. Check in every Wednesday for retrospectives and other features on older versions of NBA Live, NBA 2K, and old school basketball video games in general. You’ll also find old NLSC editorials re-published with added commentary, and other flashback content. This week, I’m paying tribute to one of the best video makers we’ve ever seen in the basketball gaming community: MessenjahMatt.

I enjoy dusting off old games for retrospective reviews and profiles of interesting features and quirks, but every so often, I think it’s only appropriate to look back at the history of the basketball gaming community. I’ve done that a few times already in my Wayback Wednesday features, mostly focusing on memorable mods as that’s what our corner of the community is best known for. However, that’s not the only kind of content that hoops gamers have seen fit to create over the years. With the steady rise of YouTube, countless virtual hoopsters have been producing video content.

Some great producers have emerged over the years, and it’s been inspiring to see. It’s the reason I’ve tried my hand at some video content myself, and if I could make the time, I’d love to do it more often. I’m sure we all have our favourite video producers, some of whom have been at it for several years now. One of the all-time best video makers has to be MessenjahMatt, who wowed gamers and no doubt inspired many who have gone on to create their own content. His work is legendary and deserves to be spotlighted, so let’s take a look back…way back…

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The NBA 2K20 MyCAREER trailer has dropped, giving us our first look at this year’s story. Titled “When the Lights Are Brightest”, the story is a co-production with SpringHill Entertainment, LeBron James’ and Maverick Carter’s production company. It comes just in time for the demo, which will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on August 21st.

This year’s tale will follow an NBA prospect named Che, with a focus on his life both on and off the court. It will apparently deal with off-court pressures and social issues, in addition to the path to becoming a star in the league. The cast includes Idris Elba, Rosario Dawson, and Thomas Middleditch. A variety of NBA players, past and present, also make cameos. Taylor Materne and Sheldon Candis are the writer and director respectively.

Check out the trailer below, or catch it here on YouTube.

You can also get a look behind the scenes here. We’ll presumably be getting a developer blog about MyCAREER very soon, providing a further insight into what to expect from this year’s mode. In the meantime, what do you make of the NBA 2K20 MyCAREER trailer? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below, as well as join in the discussion here in the NLSC Forum!

We’re at midcourt, and the ball is about to go up…it’s Monday Tip-Off! Start your week here at the NLSC with a feature that’s dedicated to opinions, commentary, and other fun stuff related to NBA Live, NBA 2K, and other basketball video games. This week, I’m tipping things off with some thoughts on recent suggestions that NBA 2K is stealing ideas and features from NBA Live.

Before the NBA 2K20 preview season tipped off, there was understandably a certain amount of scepticism about this year’s release. As a new generation of consoles looms on the horizon, many of us had expected it to be a throwaway year for NBA 2K; just a roster update and a few token bells and whistles ahead of a big jump next year. Based on what we’ve seen so far, however, that doesn’t appear to be the case. While most of us are reserving final judgement until we get our hands on the game, there has been a lot of good news so far in the preview season.

Of course, it hasn’t escaped notice that some of the features outlined in the previews so far bear a similarity to elements of NBA Live, past and present. Responses have varied somewhat, but there is a very vocal contingent of NBA Live fans that seem to be perturbed by the situation. Perhaps it’s because EA’s series is finally picking up some steam and support after years of being a punchline under 2K’s dominance, but there’s an eagerness to point out features and mechanics that were in NBA Live first, and accuse NBA 2K of stealing them. Don’t get me wrong; it’s nice to see passionate support for NBA Live, but I just can’t join in the outrage.

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