It's reached the point where I'm quoting Yahoo reviews... Sad.
Anyway, here are the reviews:
GameZone (6.7/10)
Yahoo Games (3.5/5)
Even the most skilled NBA players hang up their jerseys. Those of us who grew up watching Jordan and Karl Malone were saddened by their eventual retirement. EA's NBA Live series has been around almost as long as those superstars, but hasn't lost a step. In fact, it continues to gain speed as the picture of intensity and excitement.
NBA Live 07 continues this run on PS2 and Xbox, and its emphasis on freestyle control and accentuating basketball's larger-than-life personalities. The freestyle superstar system gives guys like Dirk and Kobe the nod over everyone else on the court, with special moves that can allow them to take over the digital court just like they do in real life. It was a clever idea when it debuted last year, and it hasn't changed drastically for 07.
Superstar moves are a bit cheap at times, but it's really the only way to put the game's flow in their hands. Simple star moves (one rung lower) give nods to quality players who aren't All-Star worthy, and allowing role-players to step it up with X-factor to earn star freestyle moves themselves helps get others involved. Make no mistake, though: This is a game about individual performances, even if there is no "I" in "Freestlye superstar."
On-court action is again a mixed bag in NBA Live 07, but it does a lot of things well. The difficulty level of the series has gone from cakewalk to minefield at times, but it's at a good level this year -- requiring smart play, but not punishing you with block- and steal-happy AI. Both rebounds and steals feel natural enough, and the right-stick ballhandling control is excellent.
Assigning different buttons to shots and dunks always seemed excessive, so it's even more ridiculous that NBA Live 07 has a third offensive button for layups. Using the dunk button is often futile in heavy traffic, resulting in a miss where you'd think it'd be an easy two. When driving the lane, you really just want a quick button-press to hammer the rim -- not spend time thinking of which of three buttons to hit. Also, defense still isn't as entertaining to play as it should be. It always feels like you're just waiting around for your chance to score.
Modes are plentiful this year, with Dynasty as the usual highlight. It seems that EA has gone as far as it can with the mode, so only hardcore Live fans will tell much difference. It's still great, however, and starting with the 2006 draft is sweet. Team chemistry is stressed, which is ironic when the gameplay is so individual-centric. The All-Star shenanigans are in full effect, with a slam dunk contest that's quite appealing. Online is available for both systems, and is again solid.
Live's graphics have often erred on the side of being too cartoony, but Live 07 seems to embrace this style. You can only make players look so realistic on PS2 or Xbox, so the comic-book lean is welcome -- even if the players' heads still seem a little too big. On the audio front, Steve Kerr is a little dry on color commentary, but Marv Albert continues to be solid. EA is the master of musical selection, and Live 07's soundtrack scores major points. Crowd noise is also well done, with the fans really boosting the vibe of games.
NBA Live 07 is a lot like its cover athlete, Tracy McGrady: It's capable of some stunning moves, worthy of the highlight reels, but is a little too offensive-minded and selfish. It's got a lot of skill, but doesn't do enough to get to the playoffs. If you're a casual player looking to throw down like your favorite superstars, or you really loved last year's game, NBA Live is still the pick of the litter. More refined, strategy-minded tastes are again urged to go with the 2K series.
Anyway, here are the reviews:
GameZone (6.7/10)
Simulation sports titles typically outperform their arcade counterparts. Madden offers more features and sells more copies than NFL Street. Same goes for EA's NHL series when compared to the wonderfully entertaining (but recently absent) NHL Hitz. Baseball is no different.
The exception to the rule is basketball. In the early 90s, NBA Jam ruled the courts. Today, NBA Street is king. Extra features hardly matter when the core gameplay is as polished as it is in Street. Which might explain why the recent crop of simulation basketball games seem to be going in the Street direction.
NBA Live 07 picks up where the last game left off. The superstar feature makes its return with new risks. Players can now gain weight during the off-season. If they're too lazy and/or perform too badly, they'll lose their superstar status.
On the bright side, players may also slim down and improve during the off-season, and eventually become a superstar player.
Just before the season, new rookie drafting “logic” (EA’s word, not mine) will allow you to request three recommended picks. Each player is supposed to alleviate one of the team's shortcomings, making your job on the court a lot easier. Recommended players are not guaranteed to be the best in the league. But similar to the recommended plays feature in Madden, it's a safe bet for anyone who wants some advice.
Looking for more predictions? The ESPN Mock Draft gives you a quick look at what the game thinks will happen. Who should you pick? Who will your opponents pick? Both questions are answered.
Team chemistry has also been updated. The player chemistry ratings bar indicates how well players work together. Select a player to view who he feels comfortable playing with, then select the players on his list to compare. Are the comfort levels equal? Rarely is that the case.
Same goes for your opponents, whose chemistry ratings may also be viewed. Opponent functions are said to be based on their chemistry rating, but the technology just isn’t there yet. You won’t notice a significant difference in their actions. Opponents act as they always have. None of them seem to be particularly connected.
When a game is close and the end approaches, they'll do whatever it takes to get the ball. However, if the end approaches and you're in the lead, the opposing team is likely to start causing illegal interferences. That means more free throws and, if the shots are landed, a larger gap between you and the losing team.
For simulated games, it is now possible to choose how many minutes each player has on the court. This is extremely crucial. Simulated games are and always will be a sit-back-and-wait experience. But now you have the chance to influence the outcome before the sim begins. Oddly enough, when I first started the Dynasty mode, I had better luck with a rookie than with one of the game's default players. The rookie's potential was rated "excellent," which turned out to be true for those games. I took a dive toward the middle of the season and realized it was time to make some changes or stop simulating games.
Every eight weeks you'll receive an event scheduling notice (in-game default setting, not real-time). Decide how often players should have a:
Knowing how much to rest, practice, and promote your team is crucial. These actions are simulated and take only seconds to complete. Your job is to make sure the right choices were made before the simulation begins.
Based on the number of tweaks and additions, you'd think NBA Live 07 was a brand-new basketball game. I really wish it were, because the result of all this content is not nearly as spectacular as the game would have you believe.
First and foremost, the controls are akin to what would happen if a simulation sports game got trapped in NBA Street's world. Part of the game wants to be like Street and forget the rules. By putting any amount of emphasis on style, the game automatically drops below simulation level.
At the same time the game wants to be a simulator. Consequently, the pace is very, very slow. Menus are quick. The off-court Dynasty mode actions have been designed to take up as little of your time as possible. But when you're on the court – when you start a game for the first time and watch the ball fly into the air – shouldn't it be exciting? Shouldn't you be pumped? Shouldn't that feeling be followed by a fast, smooth, and seamless gaming experience?
That's where NBA Live 07 really disappoints. In addition to being a rehash (no amount of off-court additions could change that), the game is also very slow, graphically dated, and technologically challenged. Quirky animations (where a player leaps into the air with little to no leg movement) could be overlooked...if this were a first-generation title. The arena fans are basically lifeless, only having a few frames of animation to work with. You could praise the lifelike detail applied to each of the players’ faces, but we've been getting that since 2001.
I had high hopes for NBA Live 07. After seeing what could be done with Madden on the current generation of game consoles, I hoped the same could (would) be achieved for other sports series.
Unfortunately, we’re reminded every year that not every game can be Madden – or anywhere close.
Review Scoring Details for NBA Live 07
Gameplay: 6.7
A decent basketball game that fails to take the next step. The entertaining and arcade-like mechanics are somewhat of a contradiction to the slow player movement. It’s not that I expected the game to move at the pace of NBA Street. Then again, I didn’t expect them to include any arcade elements at all.
Graphics: 6.0
The smooth player animations are overshadowed by the dated paint job, unexciting audience reactions, repetitive start-up scenes, lackluster lighting, and a lack of cinematic effects applied to the pre-game presentation. I admit, that last one is a matter of opinion. Some players might prefer that their games are more like a real sports presentation, not a movie. But the other flaws are inexcusable. It’s as if the game is saying, “If you want prettier graphics, buy a next-gen console.” Meanwhile, the PS2’s remaining power goes to waste.
Sound: 5.0
Commentary is Ok, but nowhere near standout. Musically the game follows the belief that, since some basketball players rap, the whole soundtrack must be comprised of rap and hip-hop. The result is a grossly unbalanced mix of — actually, it’s not much of a mix at all. Which is fine and dandy if you love the genre. If not, you’re stuck using the mute button.
Difficulty: Medium
NBA Live 07’s moderate challenge should keep most players busy.
Concept: 6.0
Changes and/or game updates do not constitute innovation, nor do they guarantee that a series is making progress. It’s good to see Live’s Dynasty mode coming into its own, with new additions that increase the player’s managerial tasks. Unfortunately, once you enter the court, the game doesn’t feel like it has made much progress. The initial impression was a bit of a letdown, given the game’s slow (and rarely increasing) pace. The long-term impression wasn’t much more exciting. You get used to its pace. But there is not a moment of, “Oh, I get it!"
Multiplayer: 6.8
NBA Live 07’s replay value is disappointingly lacking. With the core gameplay being more of the same, the multiplayer competitions didn’t have anywhere to go. Though it’s always more fun to play sports games with friends than it is to play them alone, the difference between single-player and multiplayer excitement isn’t that great.
Overall: 6.7
At the very least a game should try to capture the thrill and intensity of whatever sport it’s hoping to mirror. While NBA Live 07 is a generally decent sports game with near-average replayability, it doesn’t “capture” anything. You’ll be amused but not engrossed. It’s an update to last year’s game, not a sequel. There aren’t any mind-blowing gameplay mechanics, or anything that comes close to pushing the series forward in the way that NHL 07 and Madden 07’s new features have. Unless you’re a die-hard Live fan that can’t live without every single update, this is a rent-only release.
The exception to the rule is basketball. In the early 90s, NBA Jam ruled the courts. Today, NBA Street is king. Extra features hardly matter when the core gameplay is as polished as it is in Street. Which might explain why the recent crop of simulation basketball games seem to be going in the Street direction.
NBA Live 07 picks up where the last game left off. The superstar feature makes its return with new risks. Players can now gain weight during the off-season. If they're too lazy and/or perform too badly, they'll lose their superstar status.
On the bright side, players may also slim down and improve during the off-season, and eventually become a superstar player.
Just before the season, new rookie drafting “logic” (EA’s word, not mine) will allow you to request three recommended picks. Each player is supposed to alleviate one of the team's shortcomings, making your job on the court a lot easier. Recommended players are not guaranteed to be the best in the league. But similar to the recommended plays feature in Madden, it's a safe bet for anyone who wants some advice.
Looking for more predictions? The ESPN Mock Draft gives you a quick look at what the game thinks will happen. Who should you pick? Who will your opponents pick? Both questions are answered.
Team chemistry has also been updated. The player chemistry ratings bar indicates how well players work together. Select a player to view who he feels comfortable playing with, then select the players on his list to compare. Are the comfort levels equal? Rarely is that the case.
Same goes for your opponents, whose chemistry ratings may also be viewed. Opponent functions are said to be based on their chemistry rating, but the technology just isn’t there yet. You won’t notice a significant difference in their actions. Opponents act as they always have. None of them seem to be particularly connected.
When a game is close and the end approaches, they'll do whatever it takes to get the ball. However, if the end approaches and you're in the lead, the opposing team is likely to start causing illegal interferences. That means more free throws and, if the shots are landed, a larger gap between you and the losing team.
For simulated games, it is now possible to choose how many minutes each player has on the court. This is extremely crucial. Simulated games are and always will be a sit-back-and-wait experience. But now you have the chance to influence the outcome before the sim begins. Oddly enough, when I first started the Dynasty mode, I had better luck with a rookie than with one of the game's default players. The rookie's potential was rated "excellent," which turned out to be true for those games. I took a dive toward the middle of the season and realized it was time to make some changes or stop simulating games.
Every eight weeks you'll receive an event scheduling notice (in-game default setting, not real-time). Decide how often players should have a:
- Team Event (increases communication on the court; small boost to passing and defensive awareness ratings).
- Press Event (increases team's ability to focus; small boost to dunks and free throws).
- Team Practice (boosts team's defense; decreases hardiness and fatigue resistance).
- Day Off (boosts hardiness and fatigue resistance).
Knowing how much to rest, practice, and promote your team is crucial. These actions are simulated and take only seconds to complete. Your job is to make sure the right choices were made before the simulation begins.
Based on the number of tweaks and additions, you'd think NBA Live 07 was a brand-new basketball game. I really wish it were, because the result of all this content is not nearly as spectacular as the game would have you believe.
First and foremost, the controls are akin to what would happen if a simulation sports game got trapped in NBA Street's world. Part of the game wants to be like Street and forget the rules. By putting any amount of emphasis on style, the game automatically drops below simulation level.
At the same time the game wants to be a simulator. Consequently, the pace is very, very slow. Menus are quick. The off-court Dynasty mode actions have been designed to take up as little of your time as possible. But when you're on the court – when you start a game for the first time and watch the ball fly into the air – shouldn't it be exciting? Shouldn't you be pumped? Shouldn't that feeling be followed by a fast, smooth, and seamless gaming experience?
That's where NBA Live 07 really disappoints. In addition to being a rehash (no amount of off-court additions could change that), the game is also very slow, graphically dated, and technologically challenged. Quirky animations (where a player leaps into the air with little to no leg movement) could be overlooked...if this were a first-generation title. The arena fans are basically lifeless, only having a few frames of animation to work with. You could praise the lifelike detail applied to each of the players’ faces, but we've been getting that since 2001.
I had high hopes for NBA Live 07. After seeing what could be done with Madden on the current generation of game consoles, I hoped the same could (would) be achieved for other sports series.
Unfortunately, we’re reminded every year that not every game can be Madden – or anywhere close.
Review Scoring Details for NBA Live 07
Gameplay: 6.7
A decent basketball game that fails to take the next step. The entertaining and arcade-like mechanics are somewhat of a contradiction to the slow player movement. It’s not that I expected the game to move at the pace of NBA Street. Then again, I didn’t expect them to include any arcade elements at all.
Graphics: 6.0
The smooth player animations are overshadowed by the dated paint job, unexciting audience reactions, repetitive start-up scenes, lackluster lighting, and a lack of cinematic effects applied to the pre-game presentation. I admit, that last one is a matter of opinion. Some players might prefer that their games are more like a real sports presentation, not a movie. But the other flaws are inexcusable. It’s as if the game is saying, “If you want prettier graphics, buy a next-gen console.” Meanwhile, the PS2’s remaining power goes to waste.
Sound: 5.0
Commentary is Ok, but nowhere near standout. Musically the game follows the belief that, since some basketball players rap, the whole soundtrack must be comprised of rap and hip-hop. The result is a grossly unbalanced mix of — actually, it’s not much of a mix at all. Which is fine and dandy if you love the genre. If not, you’re stuck using the mute button.
Difficulty: Medium
NBA Live 07’s moderate challenge should keep most players busy.
Concept: 6.0
Changes and/or game updates do not constitute innovation, nor do they guarantee that a series is making progress. It’s good to see Live’s Dynasty mode coming into its own, with new additions that increase the player’s managerial tasks. Unfortunately, once you enter the court, the game doesn’t feel like it has made much progress. The initial impression was a bit of a letdown, given the game’s slow (and rarely increasing) pace. The long-term impression wasn’t much more exciting. You get used to its pace. But there is not a moment of, “Oh, I get it!"
Multiplayer: 6.8
NBA Live 07’s replay value is disappointingly lacking. With the core gameplay being more of the same, the multiplayer competitions didn’t have anywhere to go. Though it’s always more fun to play sports games with friends than it is to play them alone, the difference between single-player and multiplayer excitement isn’t that great.
Overall: 6.7
At the very least a game should try to capture the thrill and intensity of whatever sport it’s hoping to mirror. While NBA Live 07 is a generally decent sports game with near-average replayability, it doesn’t “capture” anything. You’ll be amused but not engrossed. It’s an update to last year’s game, not a sequel. There aren’t any mind-blowing gameplay mechanics, or anything that comes close to pushing the series forward in the way that NHL 07 and Madden 07’s new features have. Unless you’re a die-hard Live fan that can’t live without every single update, this is a rent-only release.
Even the most skilled NBA players hang up their jerseys. Those of us who grew up watching Jordan and Karl Malone were saddened by their eventual retirement. EA's NBA Live series has been around almost as long as those superstars, but hasn't lost a step. In fact, it continues to gain speed as the picture of intensity and excitement.
NBA Live 07 continues this run on PS2 and Xbox, and its emphasis on freestyle control and accentuating basketball's larger-than-life personalities. The freestyle superstar system gives guys like Dirk and Kobe the nod over everyone else on the court, with special moves that can allow them to take over the digital court just like they do in real life. It was a clever idea when it debuted last year, and it hasn't changed drastically for 07.
Superstar moves are a bit cheap at times, but it's really the only way to put the game's flow in their hands. Simple star moves (one rung lower) give nods to quality players who aren't All-Star worthy, and allowing role-players to step it up with X-factor to earn star freestyle moves themselves helps get others involved. Make no mistake, though: This is a game about individual performances, even if there is no "I" in "Freestlye superstar."
On-court action is again a mixed bag in NBA Live 07, but it does a lot of things well. The difficulty level of the series has gone from cakewalk to minefield at times, but it's at a good level this year -- requiring smart play, but not punishing you with block- and steal-happy AI. Both rebounds and steals feel natural enough, and the right-stick ballhandling control is excellent.
Assigning different buttons to shots and dunks always seemed excessive, so it's even more ridiculous that NBA Live 07 has a third offensive button for layups. Using the dunk button is often futile in heavy traffic, resulting in a miss where you'd think it'd be an easy two. When driving the lane, you really just want a quick button-press to hammer the rim -- not spend time thinking of which of three buttons to hit. Also, defense still isn't as entertaining to play as it should be. It always feels like you're just waiting around for your chance to score.
Modes are plentiful this year, with Dynasty as the usual highlight. It seems that EA has gone as far as it can with the mode, so only hardcore Live fans will tell much difference. It's still great, however, and starting with the 2006 draft is sweet. Team chemistry is stressed, which is ironic when the gameplay is so individual-centric. The All-Star shenanigans are in full effect, with a slam dunk contest that's quite appealing. Online is available for both systems, and is again solid.
Live's graphics have often erred on the side of being too cartoony, but Live 07 seems to embrace this style. You can only make players look so realistic on PS2 or Xbox, so the comic-book lean is welcome -- even if the players' heads still seem a little too big. On the audio front, Steve Kerr is a little dry on color commentary, but Marv Albert continues to be solid. EA is the master of musical selection, and Live 07's soundtrack scores major points. Crowd noise is also well done, with the fans really boosting the vibe of games.
NBA Live 07 is a lot like its cover athlete, Tracy McGrady: It's capable of some stunning moves, worthy of the highlight reels, but is a little too offensive-minded and selfish. It's got a lot of skill, but doesn't do enough to get to the playoffs. If you're a casual player looking to throw down like your favorite superstars, or you really loved last year's game, NBA Live is still the pick of the litter. More refined, strategy-minded tastes are again urged to go with the 2K series.
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