NBA 2K6 is a leap forward for the 2K basketball franchise; and several lightyears ahead of one EA's Live.
One thing that remains in tact are the graphics. Specifically speaking, they're gorgeous. Granted, they aren't extremely superior to ESPN NBA 2K5's, but simply beautiful on the whole.
The sound-- from background noise to commentary to [gasp!] droning rap musing-- have gotten quite a bit better. Well, at least the commentary. Last year's Bill Walton was rather painful to hear (though not nearly as bad as he is in real life); rest assured the new cast is quite a bit better. And the rap, while not particularly appealing, is tolerable. At least there are some recognizable names, and not merely the no-name "Aceyalone."
NBA 2K6's gameplay has received the biggest overhaul. And within that, the biggest gameplay change is the addition of the "shot-stick," AKA the right-analog stick. Press it one direction, and you'll attempt a slick fadeaway. Another and you'll try a turnaround. And another is a straight-up jumpshot. And... I think you get the idea. This all changes depending where you are (i.e. If you're falling away in the post, it'll be a different animation than if you were falling away from behind the arc.)
From all this rises the question-- how is Isomotion done now? Just the [circle] button, right? Wrong. The [circle] is now a nifty (but easily abused) "take the charge" button. The Isomotion is mapped to an interesting combination of left-analog stick and [R1]. Hold [R1] and (in a similar fashion to the shot-stick) move the left analog stick around. One direction may give you a crossover. Another may send you spinning around your defending. Another may do a little jab step. This takes a little getting used to, as does the shot-stick, but in the end they're both quite, quite good.
If I were a less busy person, then I'd likely continue this review, but alas. This is a great game every basketball fan should have, and may turn quite a few non-fans to the genre.
8.9/10