Instead of relying on the standard button press method, Freestyle allows the player to really get into the game and perform fake outs and other moves based on in-game situations rather than having a pre-determined script for how a move should work. Hopefully EA will include a mode similar to Madden's Mini-camp in next year's version to help make things a little more enjoyable.įreestyle control is probably one of the biggest innovations to ever hit the sports genre. Even though the tutorial was helpful, it's still a tad boring. Live even offers a tutorial to not only help players learn the Freestyle system, but also teach basketball newbies (like myself) about the game. Live also offers Franchise, 1-on-1, Playoffs and other modes which help keep the game interesting - even after you've won a championship or two. Much like the offense, the game really forces you to keep yourself aware of what's going on at all times. This is where I felt my lack of any real basketball knowledge hurt me since, at least initially, I had a hard time defending the ball. On the defensive side of the ball, Live is still unforgiving - at least when playing the AI.
If you're not paying attention, you can easily hand the ball off to your opponent. This system also helps the game run smooth offensively, and forces players to really keep their head in the game. This system is very easy to pick up, hard to master, and gives the game that extra little zest not found in other basketball games. By using the right analog stick, players are able to pull off all kinds of amazing cross-overs, hesitation dribbles, and off-the-wall passes. The real star of this season's version is the brand new Freestyle control option. The general rules, details, and overall style are still around and working in the background, but it's the ease of control as well as the ability to execute some truly stylish moves and ramped up speed that help make Live what it is. It's the good mix of simulation and arcade style game play that really help to make Live fun. One of the things I like about Live is that it is completely accessible to nearly anyone. My knowledge of basketball is very limited and, much like Gary Coleman and his fabled pantry, I can see the bottom two shelves, but everything else is completely over my head. Here's the part where I become completely honest with you guys. Calvin Murphy does an excellent job at color commentary and even though he's no Marv Albert, the play-by-play man (whose name eludes me at this moment) is good as well. The announcers and arena sounds are fantastic and add a lot to the overall experience. The soundtrack selection fits so well with the game that it's hard not to enjoy it, even if you don't like rap. NBA Live features songs by Angie Martinez, Fabolous, and even a song by Snoop Dogg written especially for Live. When a game ships with its soundtrack in the case, you know it has to be good.
Overall, the players look very generic and if it wasn't for things like Baron Davis' headband or Allen Iverson's tattoos, I probably wouldn't have been able to tell players apart. The player animations are top-notch and have a crisp feel to them, but it's the look of the models that really hurts the game. When it comes to the actual players, Live is a mixed bag. The only downside I found to this was that there are a limited number of scenes and they tend to get repetitive after a few games.
Nba live 2003 gamecube tv#
It was the little cut scenes like players shaking the TV camera around and playing keep away with the ref that made the game enjoyable and provided some much needed laughs. I really liked how the game tried to take itself seriously, yet kept a playful demeanor the entire game. The game play experience in Live is very smooth and delivers a fast-paced and fun game. In fact, I think the last game to make us marvel over graphics was probably Madden 2001 on the PS2. There are very few sports games that make my roommate and I gasp simultaneously when it comes to looks. This season it's a whole new ball game and Live delivers. With the basketball season looming, it was clear that EA had to pull off an amazing jump-shot at the buzzer to keep itself alive in the eyes of fans.
The game was sorely lacking in just about every way possible and enough to drive many long-time basketball fans to Live's rival game, NBA 2k2. Although it never appeared on the GameCube, last year's version of NBA Live was an absolute mess.
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