The latest edition of NBA 2K is highly anticipated. Days before its release, initial reviews have come out. Much of what made the 2k series great is still there. However, the new "Path to Greatness" mode drew some flak.

"NBA 2K14" is expected to make a statement as it is no longer a monopoly. Rival EA Sports will revamp its NBA Live series and hope to challenge 2K. Reviews of "NBA 2K14" show that EA Sports has its work cut out for them.

The review from Kotaku reads: "If NBA 2K14 didn't extend itself much from the past year, well, the past year's game was still very enjoyable, with an attentive, responsive broadcast presentation that just puts everything else in the field to shame. Play around the rim is a lot more realistic, involving a lot more contact and a truer ability to disrupt shots-either by blocking them outright or altering their trajectory."

The NY Daily News gave four out of five stars. The missing star attributed to the Lebron James "Path to Greatness" mode:  

"Excellent production values, upgraded controls, improved play near basket. Overall, driving the lane and even skipping into the hole has a new life to it and feels far more fulfilling."

On the "Path to Greatness": "This year, you get to step into the shoes of LeBron James in Path to Greatness and your goal is to guide him to seven championship rings. You won't play full seasons, though; you'll essentially get walked down a handful of unique storylines and play pivotal games along each story. And whether you stay in Miami or not, the entire experience feels wholly unrealistic by the end of the journey. I actually had plenty of early fun playing as LeBron when we were facing the Rockets in the 2014 NBA Finals because it felt completely plausible. But the setup lost its luster by the end.

The year in development bode well for "NBA2K14." Will "NBA Live" be a worthy challenge? NBA 2K14 will be released in North America on October 1, and the rest of the worls on October 4.