"EA shoots, EA scores!"

The NBA Live series. Another one of EA's best selling sports franchises. Live 2000 continued the series reign of excellence. Featuring slick graphics and all new legends teams were some of the better points of this game. But the real icing of the cake was the inclusion of arguably the greatest player ever, Michael Jordan.

MJ hadn't appeared in any NBA licensed games in years. I remember him being in a few NES games but since then has been absent. Reason being that Jordan was so highly marketable he wasn't part of the NBA's license. Therefore he was not featured in any NBA products. Instead he was marketed on his own and even had his own video game. Anyone remember Chaos in the Windy City? A decent platformer used as an excuse to market Jordan further. But since MJ retired EA negotiated with him and was granted permission to use him in the game. And that is one thing no other game had. Which just puts Live 2K even farther over the top.

Graphics

It's an EA Sports game; did you expect less than the best? Graphics in this game are some of the best I've seen in PC sports games. Even realistic enough that you can tell individual players by looking at their mugs. Iverson has his cornrows and Dr. J comes complete with 'fro. Uniforms are almost detailed down to the point where you can see the tiny holes in the jerseys. If you look close you might can, I've never really tried.

The courts are nicely done as each team's is and exact replica. You can even see the lights reflecting of the shiny hardwood. The ever-present crowd is nicely done, as you can now see individual people. If you look closely you can tell that there is a man wearing a ''Raw is War'' T-shirt. But only a WWF fan like myself would notice that.

Detail is also great. The players will High Five and Chest Bump much like they would in real life. Players will even shout instructions during the game and celebrate after a big dunk.

Frame rate is done nicely but the game will stutter on occasion. Even though 32MBs of RAM is required, the game doesn't play that well on anything less than 128 Megs. Great overall, only problem is that people with underpowered systems may not have as great a time.

Overall: (8.3/10)

Sound

Sound in Live 2000 is a mixed bag. You have great music, but in-game commentary is surprisingly weak. But overall I'm pleased.

For Live 2000 EA went out and licensed a few popular acts. Included on the game soundtrack are Run DMC, Naughty by Nature, and Rahzel. All the music included is HipHop/Funk. And major points to EA for including the hip hop anthem and one of the best songs to listen to during pickup games in the park, HipHop Hooray by Naughty by Nature.

Commentary is done in two-man fashion but is it only says two man. Don Poier is the Play-by-Play announcer while color commentary is handled by Reggie Theus. Poier does an excellent job calling the game but Theus is a disappointment. He only chimes in to say things like ''Player X has 15 points.'' Or ''Player Y is ice cold from 3 point range.'' He comes off as dry and weak.

Other things included are fan chants like, ''Let's go Magic!'' and other team chants. Many of the themes you hear played in the arenas are included here such as ''Charge!'' and others.

Overall the sound is done nicely, but lackluster commentary hurts big time.

Overall: (6.7/10)

Story

Er…it's a basketball game. Were you expecting a story? Here's the goal: Win the game. That's as much of a story as your gonna get.

Overall: N/A

Gameplay

This is one place EA does not disappoint. This thing is loaded with modes, options, and variables that will keep you playing for a while.

Modes in this game include your standard Exhibition, Playoff, Season, and Multiplayer. Add to that the always fun 3 Point Shootout, Franchise, and the debut of the 1-on-1 game and you have quite a package.

Gameplay in the Live series has always been pretty basic and simple. The goal is to put the ball in the basket. But I think you already knew that. Gameplay is kicked up a notch almost every year. This year it seems like more fun that ever.

One of the unique features this year was the way the AI handled the ball. The better players in real life scored more and go the ball more. So if you're playing Philadelphia, you better have and answer for The Answer. If it's the Lakers, you better be prepared to stop the Diesel. It's a unique touch that shows dedication by the developers. No longer will a no-name bench warmer drop forty on you.

The object of the game is to put the ball in the basket. But I figure you already know that. I had a damn good time putting the ball in the basket in the various game modes. Let's delve into a few of them, shall we?

But first, I'll touch on how the game plays. Control is all the Live games has always been tight, and this game is no exception. I was using the Microsoft Sidewinder to play and had no problems at all. Still your basic set-up with nine different controls. Now, on to those promised game modes.

One of my favorite things in sports games is the Franchise mode. This is where you can draft a team and then take them through several seasons having to replace free agents and retired players. All this, while remaining under the salary cap. Once, I was able to make deals to get Iverson, Duncan, and Vince Carter on my team. Needless to say, we kicked much ass.

New to the Live series this year is the 1 on 1 mode. It really involves little strategy. Turbo, crossover, jam, repeat. But it is pretty fun and now you can settle on the court who's better. Jordan or Dr J? Shaq or Chamberlain? Stockton or Havilchek?

Overall, gameplay is fantastic. No major complaints here. A few small problems, but nothing worth mentioning.

Overall: (9.8/10)

Fun Factor

This has to be the most fun I've had with a PC sports game. I liked Network play but it was a bit too slow for my tastes. That's the only thing that holds this down.

Overall: (8.3/10)

Play Time

I got this game back in December. I'm still playing it in August. I know I've done at least 7 full seasons. 7 times 82. Hmmm….that's way higher than I can multiply. But that's a damn lotta games. I'm not guarenteeing you'll like it as much as me, but you'll have fun with it.

Difficulty

Four different levels are in the game: Rookie, Starter, All-Star, and Superstar. While there isn't much of a challenge on the lower 2 levels you will have some trouble with All-Star, and Superstar will come down to the end almost every time.

High Spots

- Franchise Mode
- Legend Teams
- Jordan!!!

Low Spots

- 128 Megs of RAM needed for full enjoyment
- Network play not all that great.
- Poor commentary.

Overall: (8.3/10)

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/02/00, Updated 03/06/01