"Freestyle may fool some people- but not me"

EA was getting desperate. They were falling behind in the basketball business, with Sega's 2K3 series currently ahead. So, to combat this- they COMPLETELY overhaul the game's unique (but cool) formula to try and win the cheap way- with all flash and no substance.

However, they failed miserably. Live now comes off as a second-rate basketball game that's good for relaxation and newbies who don't appreciate the small nuances of basketball- not a serious sports gamer. It is- to put it in a simple phrase- an arcade game. Yes, it's one word that has probably haunted EA day and night- but it is one. However, it didn't try to become one- so I'm going to rate it like a serious sports game.

First off, the graphics have improved tremendously- with the shiny court reflections, the detailed ball and, this year, EA has apparently had some kind of obsession with shoes. Just about every major shoe company is represented (on the NBA players' feet,) and they all match up to their real-life counterparts with startling realism. Plus, you get retro jerseys that look exactly like they did 10 to 50 years ago for every single applicable team. Still, that only goes to prove my point about all flash and no substance.

The atmosphere is also arguably one of the best in sports games, the best in basketball. This is mainly because of the sound- the sound is incredible. They might as well have recorded every single individual sound effect, it all sounds so realistic. The crowd can really get into th egame, and it's almost possible for you to begin to sweat in a close game. Note that I said ALMOST, because the whole arcadey style takes away almost all of the realism. But still, that can be a pro in Live's book- if they can get you to the point of sweating with this game, they must at least be doing SOMETHING right.

But, sadly, the gameplay is where the game stumbles and falls.

The main event this time around is the freestyle control. Take the C-Stick, a player with great ball control, and the ball itself, and get ready for some flashy dribbling that really only belongs in those nike commercials than on the court in a real game. Yes, the moves are amazing and slick, and yes, the control is great- you really ARE in control- but really, when's the last time you've seen an NBA player dribble through their legs 27 times before going behind their back while spinning through the lane and then putting up a reverse through-the-legs dunk over a 7-foot 6 center? Or, better yet- HAVE you ever seen an NBA player do that?

Plus, it's WAY too unbalanced. The freestyle stick is... just too powerful. EA probably knew this, and added freestyle defense- but it doesn't really work. You'll have a better chance pressing the regular steal button.

So, if you have an Iverson or Kidd on your team, you'll be able to cut through the defense like a knife through butter. Expect regular 48-minute scores in 20-minute games. And that's just wrong.

But still, if that scenario sounds like top-notch gameplay to you, be my guest, and play this all you want. If it sounds kind of... so so, read on- it gets worse.

For another thing, the gameplay... is... way... too... FAST.

It's not just a random happening, but it's a COMMON SIGHT for you to make a three-pointer to tie the game with one second left- and then have your opponent have the nerve to throw it the LENGTH OF THE COURT to a free person at the other end- while you're still celebrating. He makes the shot- game over. And, it may just be negligence on your part, or so you would think. But no, I think that I would have time to celebrate for ONE SECOND after the shot goes in. But Live takes that chance away. It's even worse when you have a cheap human opponent- expect about 40% of the shots to be uncontested layups.

And last, the whole thing is too arcadey for a true simulation game. And, even so, the arcade-style isn't even done right. With dunks where players jump seven feet into the air, a game tempo too fast for words, and the blocks- oh, the blocks- plus, second-rate season and franchise modes- this game is better left to people who want a break from simulation. And, if that's you- you won' t be dissappointed. Much, that is.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 05/09/04