NBA Live 2005

"Best basketball game to date."

GRAPHICS: It's really hard not to be impressed by NBA Live 2005 ten-man motion captured player animation, it makes for the most accurate NBA game recreation to date. All Players perfectly interact with the surrounding players and changing circumstances as they dive for loose balls, post screens, and call out for alley oops. The arenas are great looking, but the crowed is still kind of 2D.

SOUND: In terms of sound, NBA Live 2005 does a great job of presenting an authentic aural presentation with ripped-from-the-court sound effects of player's shoes squeaking on the wood floor, the undeniable swish of the ball slapping into pure net, and dynamic crowd reactions. And of course the announcers, perform admirably as they call out plays, offer strategic insight, and spout enthusiastic catch-phrases and quips relating to the on-screen action. And to cap off the excellent sound package in NBA Live 2005 is a soundtrack featuring a host of rocking songs from popular contemporary artists.

GAME-PLAY: Dynasty mode has been improved from last years. They've added a PDA that keeps you in touch of happenings via email. Wannabe GMs can avoid direct player control and simply come up with week-to-week game plans and then simulate to see how things turn out. The schedule now comes up as a handy NHL-style color coded calendar and, if players are interested in seeing how the rest of the league is faring, they've made box scores easy to peruse.

They have added also the all-star weekend with the great slam dunk and three points shooting contest. Slam duck contest is the most interesting one, you pick a player and then start jamming the ball into the basket with different ways, you can even do some fantastic moves in the mid air, and the judges give you how much points you earned, there are over 700 different dunk you can do.

The three points shooter is pretty hard, you pick a player and then you will have 60 seconds to score as much three points as you can, you will be shooting from all three sides, its easier if you chose the proper player (like choosing Shaq won't do any good). And on the top of that, all star week end includes the all star-game.

REPLAY: Like every sport game, you won't stop playing it until the next version come out. The dynasty mode is deep and long, and the new all star weekend will keep you busy for a while. And there are plenty of extras too, like new jerseys, shoes, and you can keep record of your players, and the hall of fame where you can view all of your awards. And don't forget the onl ine play, yes its back.

Overall NBA 2005 is a nice addition to your collection, it will keep you hooked up until NBA 2006, and now its lot cheaper if you of buying it you can get it for $30 anywhere.

RATINGS:

GRAPHICS: [10]
SOUND: [10]
GAME-PLAY: [9]
REPLAY: [10]

FINAL SCORE: 9.75 !

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/22/05