I don't see the problem.
I play the game online against folks and I'm having a blast. I've had the game since launch day and its still fun as hell, sure I wish there was more customization but EA did very well.
As for difficulty, I play on hard all the time so that I never get used to the dunk meter and have it taken away from me online. That was a smart move, now I've learned to time the dunks by their animation and try to get double dunks instead of focusing on the pretty easy to follow meter. It's still hard though.
However, it IS hard, you have to be very fast and very precise with your moves, that's something new in NBA Street V4, you can't just come up busting moves and sliding away from the reaching hand, you have to be ready to press X or Y at the right time to stop a steal and get a multiplier, or get ready to have to run back for a fastbreak.
And what's up with this jumpshot fiesta wanting? Get a guy with 80+ shooting, and make sure you're VERY SELECTIVE with the B button. Thinking you can just come up the court and shoot after a little pump fake is stupid. These are perfect times for shooting, since most of you are seeming to have a hard time.
1) On a fast break, since this isn't simulation, you can step back a little from the three point line and still have a good chance of getting buckets.
2) If your partner is ready for a jump off dunk, dribble around him and get yourself some points, the computer will push him down in fear of that, after that opponent is occupied, do a pump fake and get the computer jumping, then take your shot or find the open man who was in stand by mode this whole time.
3) When your PC teammates go up for Alley-Oops, usually someone will try to block the man, if they do, that's your 4 second open window to get off a two point shot. If they don't block, hey, why not give them the alley oop for one free point?
4) Be the oop yourself (Right Stick UP) and make the man jump for you. Switch off characters and try to get a shot.
And there are quite a few more that you can create for yourself, it's all ABOUT TIMING. That's what this game is about, sure the computer seems cheap on hard and Expert (Expert = Wtfheadamasplode) but if you can get your fingers to time everything right, then you're good with this game. If not, you'll have shots blocked, balls stolen, be knocked down, and knocked out of the air, and (USUALLY) when you suck at a game, you don't like to play it much. :lol
I always play online with my created baller, and either the Timberwolves, Cavaliers, Wizards, Nuggets, or the Bulls. Everyone always picks the NBA Stars. D;
I'd give the game a 9/10 so far, well worth the money. :lol
Rucker should have been since day one, can't have Street Ball without the MEcca. I smell a 250-400 pt download, or a gift from Spite? I hope.