Coronavirus has had a huge impact on the world, but one of our most popular escapes, video games, is still moving along.
That means new releases, and one to be excited about is the impending return of EA’s NBA Live.
NBA Live did not have a new edition last year, so this game has some hype behind it. It also has the most development time to rival the NBA 2K series.
A real MyTEAM competitor is a must if EA want to see fans make the switch and with both FIFA and Madden's Ultimate Team so successful, we’re hoping to see some real improvements to NBA Live’s Ultimate Team.
Here is what we’re hoping to see on NBA Live 21’s Ultimate Team.
House Rules
It was the newest addition to FIFA’s Ultimate Team, but will we see a new set of House Rules drop on NBA Live this year?
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House Rules on NBA Live could be all sorts of fun. Alongside those traditional three v three modes which we’ve become accustomed to 2K, there’s a whole load of other innovative modes in NBA Live 21.
MYSTERY BALL? Could we see any of these House Rules on NBA Live?
The main one which we’d like to see transfer over from FIFA is Mystery Ball. Imagine a shooting boost on Ben Simmons which could see him drain a three-ball from deep. That’d be pretty cool, right?
Season Objectives on NBA Live
One thing which we’ve absolutely loved in FIFA’s Ultimate Team this year is the new Season Objectives.
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The new format has rewarded players who put the hours in on the game in the form of packs, celebrations, players and everything in between.
BALLERS! There are some huge players available in FIFA’s objectives
Is this something we could see transferred over to the basketball sim? We sure hope so. As much as it takes a little bit of time and effort, it would give players something to work towards and encourage gamers to put the hours in, it would definitely help to encourage players to make the switch, that‘s for sure.
EA Sports vs 2K Games
While NBA 2K has been the figurehead of NBA games, EA has honed NBA Live over the years to try and compete for that title. EA lost exclusivity with the NFL in 2020, a deal they'll have to beat 2K Games to keep. That rivalry can carry over to their NBA games.
Expect NBA Live 21 to make a statement with an extra year of development and more business pressure than ever to succeed.
NBA Live Weekend League?
Could we see it happen? A Weekend League for NBA Live players?
READ MORE: NBA Live 21: How the PS5 will enhance EA’s attempt to revive their basketball franchise
Whilst we anticipate the next NBA Live title to see significant improvements from their last release, a Weekend League may could a little bit too soon for the EA title, especially when the main objective will be getting players to return, rather than focusing on the elite gamers.
CHALLENGERS! The NBA League currently takes place on NBA 2K
All the big competitive tournaments in the NBA gaming world currently take place on 2K but, if NBA Live can get players to make the switch then who knows, NBA Live World Cup in 2022 anyone?