How do you really play NBA Live?

[Ankido]

I've been trying to play this game since it came out and believe me, I've tried my best and failed. It seems as though I can't defend anyone, it's really hard this year. If I go one on one, they always burn me to the rack. I've trying pushing every button possible to clamp up on D and it doesn't work. My guys are too loose on defense.

I've been trying to learn how to use the plays and that's another failure with me. Seems like the ball is stolen way too many times and offensively I can't shoot for anything. I love what they've done with the game but I can't seem to find myself in the groove of understanding how to play or enjoy it. Before I make the jump back to NBA 2K, I would really appreciate if someone could tell me how to play this game.

I know it sounds stupid but seriously, I feel like an idiot playing live. I miss how the plays ran in NBA2K and I want that so bad.

[nron]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

I watched a few really good tutorials on the nba live website, shooting, defense. and my game has really improved!

Give those a try, don't give up, it's a changed game once you know how to play

[Tomba]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

Game edits help

[Wiffyjustus]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

The game will own you until you get accustomed to it. Especially post patch. When the patch first arrived I was struggling to even get a decent shot off.

But once you get used to the controls you'll be fine.

I'm the exact opposite to you. I'm so used to Live's controls that I feel like an idiot when I try to do anything in 2K. That's not a criticism of either game, it's just noting that we are more comfortable with the things we are familiar with.

[UK_Bullsfan]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

Ok some general tips.

Play on the pro difficulty to start off with.

 I've trying pushing every button possible to clamp up on D and it doesn't work

Dont press every available button! In fact.. you dont really press anything at all. Just position your defender well with the left stick to cut of drives and be ready to contest if they shoot. Position yourself so that the ball handler can only drive into more defenders. Know the oppositions tendencies.. you dont have to know them in great detail, just play them smart. Sag off guys like Rondo to cut off their drives, play guys like Ray Allen tight so they cant get off a clean jumper.

On offence, the plays are really easy to use.. especially compared to 2K. Go to your playbook and look at the moving diagrams.. learn some of the simple plays and find a couple that are reliable and you can pull off when you need a bucket. When you start one, markers on the court will show you where to go and who to pass to.

Also, use the pick and roll controls.. they will help you get players open for jumpers. You mention the ball gets stolen away a lot, I'm guessing its because you drive into traffic a lot. Only drive when you have a clear lane and dont use turbo unless you have a spot to run to. In fact.. just dont use turbo at all apart from on fast breaks and for dunks/specific layups. You just have to play under control, be patient and the good shots will come.

[ILLSmak]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

First things first, you gotta get a feel for the game. If you are still in the 2k mind state, it won't work. You have to realize it's NBA Live.

As for plays, I don't run them... I don't like it, either. I mean running someone off a screen is one thing, but a real play that involves multiple passes... is not a good idea in NBA Live. You gotta learn to use off ball control and make your own plays. It was much more 'money' before the patch, but if it's not a bad angle the give and go is still great. Pass to a player and make the cut. Best to pass to a post option, I'd say, and cut around the helper. Also try switching offball and running to get open for a jumper.

Defensively, the best advice I can give you is to stay in front of the person. Don't reach, don't jump... especially inside, just try to put a body on them. I tend to wiggle back and forth a bit in front of the offensive player and it makes it so that he can't get by me. The computer plays stupid about defending the corners, so you also have to watch out for that, manually switching sometimes.

Most of all, as I said, you just have to get a feel for it. It might have DNA but there is still an average 'code' for what the computer wants to do. An overriding one. Once you get experience and figure that out, the game is almost too easy (which is why on Superstar they make all kinds of insane shots because they know the AI can't outsmart you.)

-Smak

[RoyalBoyle78]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

I just watch who I'm guarding, Like I will use the R1 button on the PS3, thats to help keep your guy in front of the player your guarding. I don't use it unless I'm guarding someone I know could break me down.

[dorismary]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

I mostly play all modes and freaked when I tried to play playoff mode .
So bad I almost quit but I really like this game so I just lessen alot of cpu attributes that get boosted SAME IN nhl 10 too .
Well lets see if I can whether the 4th quarter magic.
Ps EA your games are really great and fun with the proper sliders but lose the BOOOST CRUD

[Sovartus]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

On defense, you need to start thinking like you really guarding the man. Think about who you are guarding and who you are guarding him with. Think about it realistically. If you are guarding Chris Paul, back up. If you don't, it makes it easier to blow by you. If you are guarding someone that isn't quick like Paul but can shoot lights out, you need to press up on him and make it hard to get a shot off.

The next thing to take into account is playing the angles like you would in real life. The best way to stop a person that likes to drive is to back off and cut off his angle to the basket. You can't play defense like 2K and expect good results. You also have to take momentum into consideration. Remember, the stick is sensitive so it's important to use it when you play defense. Too much pressure on the stick and your player will build up too much momentum to make a quick change of direction especially if doesn't have a very high agility rating.

Lastly, you need to keep DNA in mind. You may want to scout the players you will be guarding. For example, if a player has a high "no dribble guarded" shooting percentage, he is more likely to hit a shot in your face if you don't contest it in time. It's best to get in his grill or back off of him if he doesn't shoot as well unguarded or off the dribble. You simply need to know who you are dealing with.

Another good tip is to use the defensive assist button to "help" with guarding your man by tapping it periodically to keep you square with your check. Don't just hold it to play defense like the lock on defense on 2K. When you are holding the D-assist button you can't jump to contest shots and you will get done by quicker players. It is also good to use during changes of possessions. It will allow you to find your man in all the confusion. Also, remember, guys like Paul, Aarron Brooks, and other quick players are going to get by you. That's why there are in the NBA, no one can keep up with these speedy cat like players. Look at your player's on the ball defense ratings as well because high on the ball d players simply guard people better.

[Sovartus]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

As far as running plays, have you looked at your player's DNA? Have you set up your plays to put players in places and situations to use their DNA?

Example: I play with the Grizzlies a lot so I have a play that sets a pick for Conley on the right side of the court. The pick is set on the defender's right side so that Conley can drive left and get into the lane. Conley's strongest tendency is to drive left and attack the basket. Conley is also an 83% FT Shooter so it allows me to get him to the line a lot and try to get the other team's bigs in foul trouble.

Multiple passes in plays work really well if you don't pass like 2K where it's easy to pass into tight places. If you pass in Live when someone is in the passing lane, they will pick off the pass, like it should be. Sometimes you have to make the extra dribble to get in better position to make the good pass.

[dorismary]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

Agreed its really a great game and its makes you think alot .
Well it seems like my adjustments helped crazy 4th quarter stuff to play more realistic and yes you have to play D and smart ?
But does anyone see any clear breakaway or partial dunks/baskets ?

[Sovartus]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

I see them about as often as I do in the real NBA.

[dorismary]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

yeah im getting more fb points now

[inkpimp007]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

I've been trying to play this game since it came out and believe me, I've tried my best and failed. It seems as though I can't defend anyone, it's really hard this year. If I go one on one, they always burn me to the rack. I've trying pushing every button possible to clamp up on D and it doesn't work. My guys are too loose on defense.

I've been trying to learn how to use the plays and that's another failure with me. Seems like the ball is stolen way too many times and offensively I can't shoot for anything. I love what they've done with the game but I can't seem to find myself in the groove of understanding how to play or enjoy it. Before I make the jump back to NBA 2K, I would really appreciate if someone could tell me how to play this game.

I know it sounds stupid but seriously, I feel like an idiot playing live. I miss how the plays ran in NBA2K and I want that so bad.

I think people are throwing out some really good advice, not to rehash what's been suggested. On D you need think less like a video game approach and more like real life. If you are playing D or eve=n watching a game on TV it's really a chess match. You need to no when to play tight D and you need to know when to sag off. It's all about knowing your players.

I was struggling with this game so bad i considered never playing it again.... yes that bad, i'm talking 20 to 30 point beat down (on allstar 11qrt no slider tweaks). But last night something strange happened..... I decided to scout my players right before tipoff. Here's the thing that matter with this game that makes it shine. DNA matters player ratings is just cosmetic, it's the shot tendencies and shot success is what you want to look at. I really don't see many people talking about what scouting does for your over all game but let me just say you'll love this game that much more.

By nature we are in the habit of falling in love with the overall rating number. If you take a look at Kobe he's playing more of a post up game right now so you need to follow that trend in the game because that's where his success rate is highest at the current moment. Scouting came be overwhelming so start out looking at your 3 key players and learn their tendencies so you can use them to your advantage in the game. By the old standard you might think well Kobe is a 97 rate and he can hit 3's so bombs away and attack, attack, attack. Dynamic DNA has changed all of that.... trust me FOLLOW the scouting and you will love this game.

You might want to do this on D as well. knowing where your opponent is successful and what he like to do will save your life. This will allow you to know when to call for help D in certain situation and when to play tight or sag off.

All of this is what i was to lazy to explore before and now i'm winning games because it is what i do every game. You wont win every game but a promise you it will be competitive and fun.

Give it a try.

[black man]

Re: How do you really play NBA Live?

Great thread.

Live 10 is an unpolished gem. That's been my opinion for Day 1 and hasn't changed one bit, pre or post patch.