Customer Reviews

NBA Live 2005

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As an annual purchaser (some may say sucker) of the NBA Live and ESPN 2K series, I've found it interesting over the years how both franchises have gradually switched sides on the gaming spectrum. Once known for it's focus on arcade-like game play, NBA Live 2005 is now even more in tuned with an actual NBA game in which defense wins championships. On the other hand, ESPN 2K5 is now all about flash where highlight-reel dunks and high-scoring games are the norm. But that's for another review... However, if I'd have to choose between the two (geez, it's like choosing between Jessica Alba or Jessica Biel), I'd have to go with NBA Live 2005 over the other.

New to this year's edition is the All-Star Weekend mode which includes the Slam Dunk contest, 3-Point Shootout and the Rookie vs. Sophomores game. The Slam Dunk contest by itself is highly addicting. I have the blisters on my thumbs to prove it. Though it's quite difficult to pull off at first (thankfully there is a tutorial), once mastered, the different combination of dunks at your disposal are enormous. Some, obviously, are physically impossible such as banking the ball off the scoreboard, doing a cartwheel and catching the rock for a 360 between-the-legs jam. But it sure does looks neat. Alley-oops are by far the most difficult to accomplish because of the precise timing involved for it took me about an hour to finally pull one off.

What really sets NBA Live 2005 apart from ESPN 2K5 is it's "meat and potatoes" realism. Some prefer a more arcade-like approach where scoring is rampant, but I believe it's refreshing to have to work for a bucket. And boy do you have to work... I wouldn't say that the experience was outright frustrating, however, the AI will do you no favors. Out of the twenty or so games I've played, I have yet to score more than 62 points. Freestyle control, which is basically a set of crossover dribbles and spin moves is virtually useless because the defender will almost always recover. A new feature this year is called Freestyle Air which basically allows a you to adjust a shot in mid-air if you think it will be blocked a 'la Michael Jordan over Sam Perkins in the '92 Finals. However, it's rare that such a shot will go in the basket which really makes it more of a gimmick. Interestingly enough, the sheer amount of blocked shots in a game are astronomical. It's as if EA wanted you to utilize Freestyle Air as much as possible in order to avoid a stuff. Now if only the ball went in half the time... However, I did enjoy the newfound option to perform a tip in or a tip dunk if the ball rattles out of the basket. The hop step, which was introduced in last year's edition, is further refined this year-some may say for the worse. No longer will you be allowed to use it at will since it will most likely result in a turnover or an offensive foul. As a result, you'll hardly use it unless the lane is as wide as a freeway. But hey, that's how it is in real life. Furthermore, the defender will almost always catch up with you during a fast break on those rare occasions that your player will blow by him. And speaking of fast breaks, don't expect your teammates to help out because they ALWAYS STOP in mid-stride to catch a pass which kills whatever momentum you have towards the basket. The true way to win is to play a half court game by setting multiple picks to free your man and to memorize the money plays that will lead to an open shot. As boring as it may sound, this is how basketball is played. Obviously, the level of difficulty varies between settings. I had mine on the All-Star difficulty level as opposed to the default Starter level. However, the level of difficulty was so wide between these two settings that I felt I had no choice than to stick with the All-Star difficulty because it provided the most challenge without it being too easy.

The graphics in NBA Live 2005 are much better this year. Though it still doesn't hold a candle to the insane amount of detail in ESPN NBA 2K5, I felt the players looked more crisp and similar to their counterparts than last year's edition. EA also added some ambient lighting which looked like a fine powder of snow on the surface of the players which was rather nice. I still wished they added more cut scenes during the game other than the one during timeouts when the players are converged around the coach. It really would have added more personality to the game. Another gripe is that the game doesn't save the level of zoom from a camera angle. For instance, I play my games in the Press Box angle which, in my opinion, gives the best overall view of the action. However the default zoom level makes the players look like ants which makes it an annoyance to have to pause the game and manually adjust it every single time.

The franchise level has been tweaked a bit. The level of organization has been refined using a customizable PDA which breaks down all aspects of your franchise. Furthermore, players contracts now use real dollars rather than that ridiculous point system from past editions.

NBA Live 2005 is by far the best ever in the series. It's tough and gritty with just enough flash (NBA All-Star Weekend) to satisfy fans of new and old. Some may fault EA for ditching it's arcade roots in the series, however, I find it refreshing to have to work for a score. Kudos to EA for a great job.

This is my first year buying NBA Live since the Sega Genesis Years. I played 95 -96 and then found 97 to be complete garbage. So I took a break from b-ball games for awhile until I played NBA 2k1 at a friends house one day. I immediately went out and purchased a Dreamcast. I was in love with this game and the following year's version. Dreamcast went out so I purchased a Gamecube. I purchased NBA 2k3 which was fun but I couldn't play a full game without the reported freeze. ESPN decided to discontinue their games for Gamecube and I was in trouble. I refused to buy Live again.

This year I said "what the hay, it's only $25". I must say that I am pleasantly surprised by this game. I haven't played 2k4 or 2k5 but this game is pretty realistic this year. If you crank that baby up to superstar level and increase the game speed to about 75, you have yourself a game. I have never seen a defense and offense so smart from the computer. on previous 2k editions, if you don't call a play the men just stand around looking like "what should we do next". Live doesn't have that problem, I just got finished playing and Jermaine O'Neal came up top and set me a screen and began to roll. I didn't have to "tell" him to do it. Post men go to work in the post and shooters work to get free (running around picks and subtly pushing their men off). On the old 2k games the computer offense would usually take some crazy shots and bail you out on defense. Not this Live here. Whatever defense you play they adjust. I switched to the 2-3 and the Lakers were working all of the holes in the zone. When I switched back to man they worked the ball around until they had a free shot. That's smart b-ballin'. The computer offense will always find the open man when you double down leaving you to scramble to find the shooters. On defense the computer doubles your hot scorers. I was getting hot with O'Neal but the computer didn't just bring some lame double from the entry passers defensive man. They were bringing doubles from all over the floor. The doubles were aggressive and if i brought the ball down around waist level I had to worry about Kareem Rush or Chucky Atkins wrestling the ball out of my hands. Once the ball hit the floor people started diving to gain possession. I said "that's it this game is great".

The only thing I have found that I hate so far is playing defense. It feels like you are on skates and at your opponents freestyle dribbling will. When playing your friends I suggest playing some zone for when you get broke down off the dribble.

Take it from someone who loves playing and watching basketball, this game is pretty good and very realistic.

NBA LIVE 2005 is one of the realist basketball games ever made on a video game. It has more moves, more dunks, and more features that you would have to see to believe. When playing this game, you could easily mistake yourself for being in a heated game of real life basketball.

Freestyle air is one of the new features that are on the 2005 version of NBA LIVE. With freestyle air it is possible to get different types of new dunks, tip-ins, and you are able adjust your shot in mid-air for some spectacular finishes around the basket. For all of the high flyers that have been waiting, you can even get tip-dunks.

Another new feature is the NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND. ALL-STAR WEEKEND is the most exciting part of a real NBA season, so it was good move to add it on the game. The dunk contest consists of every dunk from Tomahawks, Double Pumps, to Windmills. The three point shootout was also a good addition, because it helps you to perfect your jump shot by shooting at the top of your release.

This game is so real that you actually run your own franchise. Not only that but you can even scout on rookies, which put even more control in your hands. You can lead your franchise for multiple seasons and become the mastermind of an unstoppable dynasty.

Overall this game is a great game. If you are a basketball fan, NBA LIVE 2005 is a must have. If you are not good at first, work hard on your game. Don't take it personal if you lose, because it is only a game.

Finally a basketball game with the greatest dunk contest ever. This game is the best basketball game out there. My opinion it's better than 2006. You also get the all stars game and much more. To me the controls on this is really easy to learn and they have better graphics in this one.The Dunk contest is great, you may need to practice the controls for that because it can be alittle tricky if you want a fantastic dunk. The only thing is that the hands on the players look huge, I don't like that look but everything else is way better. The franchise mode is excellent. the PDA is way better than 2004. All in all I highly recommend this game. You got so many options in this game and the moves on the players are outstanding. Awesome game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Deeper Dynasty Mode, with improved player proggression, offseason, and AI. Also, the free agent signing has been improved and the look of the calendar is better. All-Star Weeked is also a part of Dynasty Mode. Your player gets the invite, and you get to play him.
*New All-Star Weekend Mode with the Dunk Contest, Three-Point Competition, and Rookie vs Sophmore game.
*Improved graphics engine with better, crisper looking graphics. The faces look much better and the court's are much more realistic.
*The new "Freestyle Air" lets you tip in the ball, do jaw breaking dunks, and do just about anything in the air.

This is the best sports game I have ever played. This is my review.

Audio= 5 stars
The dribbling, the music, the crowd, and the voices are great sounding. The soundtrack is very good. Even though I have heard it so much, I didn't get tired of it!!!

Graphics= 4 stars
Decent is all I can say about these graphics. They could have done the graphics a bit better. But, hey it is only a Gamecube game.

Gameplay= 5 Stars
Oh... my... god! This game is... is... so great that words can't describe its fun. There are so many intresting features. There's Dynasty Mode, where you play as one team and play up to 30 seasons of gameplay, with off-seasons!!! There are all-star games, Rookie Vs. Sophmore games, slam dunk contests, and three-point shootouts. Plus, one on one slam dunk contests, three- point shootouts, and normal 1 on 1 games. You can even have fantasy drafts, where you have a draft with all the players in the league. Also you can play games with the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's All-Stars. Also, how do you know which players are better than others? I'll tell you how. Each person has an overall rating. Here are some. (more like a lot) Shaq, 92, Kobe, 94, Yao, 80, LeBron, 83, Duncan, 89, Garnett, 97, TMac, 90, Carter, 88, Marbury, 85, Kidd, 85, Iverson, 85, Nash, 75, Amare, 76, Ginobili, 74, Bibby, 75, Carmelo, 80, Jamison, 79, Pierce, 89, Baron, 88, Ray Allen, 86, Nowitzki, 85, Francis, 85, Jermaine, 84, Marion, 83, Kirilenko, 83, Gasol, 82, Finley, 81, Rasheed, 81, Stojakovic, 81, Brand, 81, Redd, 78, Webber, 77, Ben Wallace, Jason Richardson, 78, Cuttino, 76, Maggette, 76, Parker, 75, Jalen Rose, 73, Abdur-Rahim, 73, Okafor, 70, Brad Miller, 72, Camby, 70, Mourning, 70, Bonzi, 70, Stromile, 70, Andre Miller, 70, Bobby Jackson, 70, Billups, 71, Hamilton, 73, Wade, 76, Odom, 73, Walker, 80, Payton, 70, Spreewell, 71, Al Harrington, 71, Rashard Lewis, 76, Zach Randolph, 71, Arenas, 73, Hughes, 72, Boozer, 73, Artest, 72, Crawford, 72, and Jefferson, 74 Well, I probably missed a couple people that are 70 or higher, but that is a ton of people already. And last but not least is the create player option. Create a player with an identity, looks, and skills.

Overall= 5 Stars
Can you believe how much this game has?! Well... guess what! There's a lot more to come and you can find these special features just by buying this game!!! Have fun!!! :-D

this is by far, the best basketball game ever. Graphics, gameplay, everything. Up to now, espn has been its only rival, but espn has bad graphics and usually freezes or slows down. Revolutionary freestyle controls with the new all-star weekend make NBA live 2005 the best.

tHIS IS THE BEST NBA LIVE GAME! it has the all star weekend and better graphics! you should get this game!

My son Jack has not quit playing since it arrived. Its a home run around here. Opps wrong sport.

For someone who hasn't played video games since Super Nintendo it wasn't hard for me to desire more from todays gaming systems. I went on a spree and purchased the gamecube and Nintendo 64 from Amazon and found that the games have changed significantly over the years. Exception: I bought NBA Live 2002, 2003, and 2005. The first one I purchased for the Nin 64 and turned out just as I expected. Gameplay was somewhat tedious yet still entertaining. The 2003 for Gamecube was nice. Good streaming gameplay, competitive modes, occasionally I even had to think on defense. So naturally I expected the 2005 to be CRAZY NICE. It was NOT. It is cartoonish. The camera angles are horrible. The players heads are large as if to make it easier to see their faces. And now you have to earn skills in the NBA? Please EA go back to the formula you had for 2003. I will be ridding myself of 2005 as soon as I can simply because I'm having considerably more fun with the 2003 version. Heck, even the 2002 on Nintendo 64 was more fun than '05. Sorry Carmelo, they stuck you on the cover of a dud.