NBA Live 2004

"I LOVE THIS GAME in more ways than just one!"

NBA LIVE 2004 Game Review

Summary - Ever since I've played NBA Live 2000 on my old 320mhz computer, I enjoyed that game and I really enjoy this version of NBA Live 2004. EA Sports took the goods about NBA Live 2003 and eliminated the bad's. Now you have more feel, control, and all around fun about playing in a NBA game.

Gameplay - After playing NBA Live 2003 last year, I was optimistic about this version because 2003 was so good I thought nothing could beat it even EA couldn't do better. I was so wrong. The controlls take a hour to get use to due to the PS2 game controller differs from my Gamecube. All the basics are there and now they have added new moves too! They have expanded there FREESTYLE, includes the ability to change or jump in a ascertain direction while in the air. They included a button just for Dunks, Shoot, Pass, and Jump. At first I was pushing Square when I should have been pressing Circle. Just like in the versions before it, NBA Live 2004 has a Season, Play Now, Playoffs, 1 on 1, Practice, and a all new Dynasty Mode. Dynasty mode is basically Madden’s Career mode. After a few minutes Practicing, you should edit settings then go right to the action in play Now. After a few games, you should edit your players to your liking then go to the season. If your lucky you might even make it to the playoffs. Another cool part about NBA Live 2004 is the EA SPORTS BIO. This is where, you can see the list of all the 04 EA Sports titles you have played. Also, you can see how long you have been playing your games on the top of the screen. Another cool feature is online play. You can chat, talk with a mic, and taunt your opposing player. Even though I don’t go online much because NASCAR THUNDER 2004 is so awesome online I can’t stop playing it. The gameplay is the best ever for NBA Live’s long series.

Graphics – The graphics are updated greatly from last year. Now you get slo-motion replays, better player cut scene animations, and above else, the level of detail on the court. Could possibly be the best Basketball graphics I’ve ever seen.

Sound – You’ll be rocking your head back and fourth with the great EA TRAXS they have. The commentary of Reggie Thieus were booted out due to making a game more a sim, included Marv Albert who does official TNT basketball games. Out of all the games, I enjoyed NBA Shootout 2004 commentary of BillWalton.

Overall – This is a must buy game for the basketball fan in your house. If your son, already has it then buy him NBA Shootout 2004 because it rules too! Just avoid NBA Basketball made by SEGA. In NBA Shootout 2004 and NBA Live 2004 you can update real NBA rosters by having a Online Connection.

Overall – 10 out of 10
Gameplay – 9 out of 10
Graphics – 10 out of 10
Sound – 9 out of 10
Replay Value – 10 out of 10
Fun Factor – 10 out of 10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/08/03