PlayStation 2

NBA Live 2004

It feels like it was only a few weeks ago when Basketball season ended. It is now Autumn and the new basketball season is about to start up again, with hopes that the Mavericks will make it into the finals this year. Just as a new sports season starts, EA is waiting with keen anticipation to release the latest game using updated technology, AI, and other goodies. Will NBA Live 2004 live up to EA’s other sports franchise this year? Read on to find out!

Overall, this is such a monumental improvement in what had been a ignored and dieing franchise that not only did EA stymie SEGA’s growth into the market, but they may have slapped them back a few years. Now after having played SEGA’s offering this year, SEGA probably did enough of that themselves…

Want to play NBA Live 2004 online? PS2 owners only, please. NBA Live 2004 ramps up the defense and piles on the features for an impressive all-around game, but some game-balance issues remain.

NBA Live is about taking it to the hoop and ramming the rock down your opponent's throat. It's about coming up big on D, elevating your game to the next level, and batting that dunk back into the stands. It's about freestyle, ankle-breaking moves, where all the defender can do is sit and marvel at your Air Force Ones as you rise toward the rim.

All in all, NBA Live 2004 is a very solid game and one worthy of resurrecting the argument of which franchise is better, EA's or Sega's. This time around the nod goes to Sega, but Live isn't too far behind anymore. Perhaps if the developers spent a little less time implementing real shoes into the game, and more time refining the online play mode things would have been a little better, but I guess that's what next year is for.

You know that the basketball season is getting close when you start to see games like NBA Live being released. EA has been doing basketball games for a while now, dating back to the "vs." games on the Genesis and SNES to the current NBA Live series. The series has always been a blast to play, and it has provided one of the best basketball experiences in a video game. Lately the Live series has faltered some, and EA has started to feel the pressure from Sega Sports' NBA 2k series. Last year’s game looked to help pick the series up out of its slump. Does NBA Live 2004 continue that progress?

Overall NBA Live 2004 does a fantastic job of representing the professional basketball game. Despite its flaws NBA Live 2004 is a great basketball game that should be enjoy by anyone that is a basketball fan. Everything from the pacing of an NBA basketball game to the simple mannerism of a NBA event, NBA Live has it. For the first time EA's slogan just about fits the game that it is selling, if it's in the game, then it's in the game. Besides a few animation problems and stupid passing controls NBA Live 2004 is a great title for basketball fans that want to live out their dreams of making it to the pro ranks. Just forget that the other NBA Lives came out (expect for last year's) and pick up this season's version, you will be glad you did.

It isn't easy being an ex-athlete-turned-game-reviewer. Where once I had dreams of fadeaway jumpers and no-look passes, I now suffer from nightmares of hiccupping framerates and long load times. Damn you, stunted gene pool, damn you!

The NBA Live series has long-carried a reputation as an enjoyable, though fast-paced, basketball game. Last year's NBA Live 2003 certainly lived up to that billing--and then some. It was a great game in its own right, but many criticized the game's breakneck pace and extremely arcadelike feel. While no one will confuse this year's edition with an ultrarealistic rendition of professional basketball, NBA Live 2004 definitely takes a couple of steps closer to being a more serious simulation, with a slower pace and more emphasis on defense and team play. With several additional features, as well as online play and improvements to the game's graphics, sound, and overall polish, NBA Live 2004 is a great game for Live fans and general basketball fans alike.

NBA Live 2004 does his job when it comes to new additions. The all new “off the ball play” together with the seperate dunk/shoot button make for a fresh gameplay. The passing system on the other hand often results in a turnover (= frustration). Graphically it’s good enough, especially the animations look great. For now NBA Live 2004 is the best B-ball game out there but Sega’s ESPN Basketball could turn the tide as it has some promising new game modes. If you’re just looking for a fun sports game NBA Live 2004 delivers!

Wilt Chamberlain versus Bill Russell. Bird versus Magic. Kobe versus the State of Colorado. Basketball has always been about great rivalries -- and you can add another one to the list. While EA Sports once owned the court, Sega Sports has been matching them shot for shot since it went multiplatform with its 2K -- now ESPN -- series two years ago. It's now year three of the rivalry, and EA Sports has cranked up the intensity. NBA Live 2004 picks up where 2003 left off and makes a strong argument for reclaiming the title.