Kobe is a fuckin' beast on this game. If you know how to play with him correctly he's damn near on par with MJ. Especially in the crunch, the fourth quarter "clutch factor" makes for a pretty exciting head-to-head between the two NBA greats when the game is one the line. Also, I agree with djb, the My Player mode does seem to be a lot more diffecult this time around than it has in years past. I have a 6'8, 265lb, Lebron-lite SG/"swingman", which limits the amount of skills points I can get per-completed task or contest, but, thus far, and after a lot of trial and error I think I've finally figured out how to play with 'em. He kind of sucks in the low post, but his spin move is unstoppable, I made him left handed so I usualy fake right but end up driving left anyway, I build up his off-the-ball hand and stamina, as well as speed, so I just blow pass my defender or pull up for a quick J after pump faking or hitting the D with a hezo ... and...
blah, blah, (tired of typing) you guys got the game so I'm sure you know what I'm talking about...peace!