"Awesome, simply awesome."

NBA Live 98 is probably one of the best sport games I have ever played on the Snes. It has probably given me more replayability and fun than any other game that I have played. Maybe it's because I don't have the new systems, but this game is one of the funnest sport games I have played.

Graphics

Graphics are fairly good SNES quality. The character models are nicely done. Their not breathtaking, but you'll be able to tell the difference between, say Muresean and Stockton. There are numbers on the back of the shirt of the players although the actual name of the player is not placed on. But, once you play for a while, you know who everyone is anyways.

Gameplay

Awesome gameplay. There is so much to do in this game. From completing a regular 82 season with your favourite team, to 3 on 3 basketball, to playing in an all-star game. Everything that you would expect to be in a good realistic game is here.

You can play with all the rules of a regular NBA game, or Arcade style. You can customize the time of quarters, substitution, fatigue, injuries, etc.

Although, there are some aspects of the game that are kind of unreal. Points are way to easy to score in this game. I mean.. way too easy. It really drops the realism of the game. Three points are incredibly easy to score. It's not even surprising if you can score all the way from way behind midcourt. Good Three Point shooters such as stockton and miller are basically can't miss. Even guys like Kevin Garnett... KG is a 50% three point shooter. Shaq can even drain the occasional three. But, you can fix this problem by customizing the stats.

The PC level is way too easy as well even on the Allstar level. Once you get semi-good, there's basically no challenge. Again, you can customize new players with insane stats to play again.. that will BE a challenge.

Sound

Not really that great. You hear the ball dribbling, crowd cheers, "Three" but thats basically it. The Sound doesn't take anything away from the game though.

Controls

Simple and effective. Shoot,Run, pass, steal, block, foul, crossover.
Controls are really easy to get into.

Replayability

Even now, I play this game on a consistent basis. Why? Because I'm dirt poor =D. The ability to create and customize your players based on hairstyle, colour, height, weight, number, statistics is good. You can always create an uber super team to play against once you get good. You can also create current day players and place them on their appropriate teams, juggling around their stats. It's really fun. Everything thats needed in a Ball game is here.

Conclusion

Great Ball game, known for its simple style of play and insane replayability.

Hits

-Replayability
-Simple Controls
-Fun Factor

Misses

-Easy CPU, play against a friend
- Unrealistic at times
- 99 Player meant to be Jordan is really not that unstoppable. =D

All in all, great game. IF you still have your snes, I highly recommend you spend a few dollars to get this game.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/31/04