NBA Live 2003

"Drop it like it's hot."

Gameplay (9/10)

This is my first game on the psx with NBA live and I absolutely love the gameplay. The AI has four levels of difficulty and actually make a difference if you play it on the hardest mode. There are challenges to complete which allow you to buy rewards. These rewards include creating a super player, having two new eyewear, and ability boosters. The modes include exhibition, season, playoff, 1-on-1 with MJ, Practice, NBA Draft, and the 3-point contest. I only have NBA in the zone '99 as my other B-ball game but it is not even close to these many options at all. The game is really good. Shots must be realeased around the height of the jump, shots won't go in accurately if a defender is in your face, and other things that make the game great.

Graphics (7/10)

Well, I believe this is the place where the game falls short. The players kinda look like blobs when sometimes playing which dissapoints me because NBA in the zone had great looking players. The motion captures for the dunks are not as good as NBA in the zone's as well but the variety of fakes and moves to make immediately makes the game great to play. Inclusion of a referee running around In my opinion would have helped the games graphics visually. Other than that, the games graphics are good. The game menus are also easy to see and does not kill the eyes to look at it.

Sound (9/10)

I was kinda surprised to see that the game has excellent music and commentary. I was expecting annoying commentary like the Madden series but actually got decent commentating. The ball hitting the floor, rim, and backboard sound real and you gotta love to hear that shoe sqeak on the floor. If alse fails, the great music makes the sound even better. There are songs from Fabolous, Flipmode Squad featuring Busta Rhymes, Hot Karl, and even Snoop Dogg. There are not as many tracks like the Madden 2003 version but still has good music to have in the game.

Replayability (10/10)

Yes, definitely a great game to continue playing. The difficult AI makes the game more challengin and fun to play.

From what I've heard, this years version is similar to last years version so if I had the game from last year, I would rent the game first and maybe buy it if I like it at all. If you don't have an Basketball game for the PSX yet, NBA live in my opinion would be the game to buy.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/05/04