NBA Live 2004

"A slam-dunk, simulation-style!"

Introduction:
EA Sports has been well known for making the NBA Live series as a fast-paced, arcade-style oriented, and basically far of from being a TRUE SIMULATION. However this year's version of NBA Live took a drop step to other direction, towards being an authentic, simulation-style basketball game.

Gameplay: (10/10)
What I really loved about this years NBA Live is that fact that you have been given the option to either shoot or dunk the ball. This is separated by using the SQUARE button for dunk and CIRCLE for shoot. But what does this mean to us, well in previous versions of NBA Live when a player is very near the basket; tendency is that he will make for the dunk or the lay up. But with NBA Live 2004, even if the player is near the basket, he can easily opt to make a shot instead. This gives us flexibility and as I said before a step back to being a true simulation. I also like the fact that this years NBA Live has a way better collision detection. Previous versions were pretty much a ''dunk-fest'' since there is little or no collisions in mid air. Collisions can help hamper a players success in making shots, which is very true in the real life NBA. Again a great step towards being a true simulation. Also the Freestyle control has been improved from last years version. Also this years version sports new features such as changing shots in mid-air, and taking control of another player who is not holding the ball among others. Overall a big step this year from the NBA Live series.

Graphics (6/10)
Well this department suffers quite a bit. It is not very easy to recognize player faces as you would expect from the PlayStation 2's capabilities. The player models are not very detailed and are pretty much the same as last years version with minor or no improvements at all. Overall, this department of the game is disappointing to say the least. If you have seen ESPN Basketball (by Sega), you would know what I am talking about.

Sound (10/10)
This years version sports a new pair of commentary team from the famed Marv Albert and Mike Fratello which is a big plus. Their commentary is not as repetitive as the previous commentary of past NBA Live games. Their commentating makes you feel as if you are watching a true live broadcast of a NBA game, which again leads to the direction og being a true simulation. Add to that, popular musicians such as Sean Paul and Chinggy make their songs available in this years version. Overall, the sounds of this game is top notch, and believe me you won't be disappointed with the commentary for this year's version.

Final Recommendation: RENT OT BUY

I would say BUY if you are a fan of the NBA. And if you want to experience the NBA live in your PS2, then NBA LIVE 2004 is a MUST-BUY! But non-fans should also at least give it a try.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/15/03