Graphics
Faces-6.7
In basketball unlike football detail face representation is very important. Though we don't get a close up of players all game long there should be a way to tell the difference between Lebron James and Ricky Davis when there is a close view. Live did ok in this department but no where near as good as it could be.
Player Models-6.5
The player models in this game are solid, but the skin textures look cartoonish and takes away from the overall look of the players. This problem is evident in two areas The first is that some players are way too dark compared to their real life counterparts which may be caused by the lack of quality in the textures and the second area is Dark skin players you can barely see any detail or or definition which also hurts the graphics in the Face Department.
Animations-8.8
This game excels in this department. There are varying jump shot animations from leaners, fadeways or even shots relased to early. The defense and offense collison animations are also best I have seen in a game so far. The blocks in the game are also done well with out being over done. The only reason that this game does not get a 10 in this departmetn is because of the speed issue. For anyone who has played this game will noticed that some animations look to occur too fast. Adjusted shots, passes, and even the dribble animations seem to be faster than the actual game speed which makes them look a little awkward. Also there are a few animations that are more rare in real life that seem to happen all the time in Live like the jump turn around pass and a few others.
Accessories-9.0
Nowadays what players wear is more recognizable than the player himself. Live has most of the gear and acessories that the pros wear and even some tattoos. The only knock in this department is the headbands. Not being able to add or take off headbands causes some problems when you are trying to update players looks.
OVERALL 7.8
Presentation
Sound -7.0
The commentary is pretty good this year no more repetitive than any other sports game I have played. Crowd noise is done well nothing ground breaking but it is done better than last years version. What hurts live in this department is the sound effects. The rim sounds horrible on dunks and the sound made when blocking shots sounds more like dodge ball. The PA music is cool and its a nice soundtrack, if you like rap music. The players callling out screens and double team as they react to it real time is cool but again nothing groundbreaking in this department.
Polished Looks- 7.0
While I don't expect this game to look like TNT broadcast while playing it I would like to have a better camera view to play on or the ability to choose a custom view. The Stat overlays are cool and the lack of cutscenes are a blessing in disguise for this game as they aren't as annoying as they have been in the past. The over all TV style polish is missing from this game but it doesn't drop the ball completely. Cool player features before franshise games are cool but I am sure its gonna get old. Honestly you would never mistake this game for a real game if you were walking by and glanced over.
OVERALL 7.0
GAMEPLAY
Actual Gameplay 9.0
Something about sports videogames that we must all realize is how we play the game directly affects how SIM or arcade a game will feel. This game can be a SIM if you play that way. The player movement on the court is great best I seen in a video game. Plays seem to develop as they should and of coure the 10 Man motion capture brings to life the action on the court. Teams also seem to play like the real teams style in real life. Live has done a great job of having teams look and feel differently when playing with them and against them. Playing the Hornets feels different from playing the Nets and you have to adnust your coaching accordingly.
Stats-9.0
Just as in important as how the gameplays is the results. Realistic stats are somewhat depeding on how you play the game but if you are looking to play SIM basketball it is possible unlike last year. Players that are dominate in real life are represented well in this game and stats seem to be accurate after a few slider adjustments. The only major issues in this department is the lack of OFfensive rebounds by the CPU and too many blocks but these also can be fixed.
OVERALL 9.0
Lasting Appeal
Franchise Mode 7.5
A decent feature a few extras add a little value to it. Free agent problem takes away from this feature but other than that there is nothing major to coplain about or praise it about. Cut Scenes are cool but will most likely get old. The Importing players from MArch Madness will be nice but again nothing ground breaking in this department.
Multi player- 7.5
Playing against your friends is again a mix bag as you get basically what you put in. The game is fun and give you a good game of basketball at the same time if your opponent doesn't play cheap. Online is the same as multiplayer games in person I have had some good games and I have had some games that made me question why I got online in the first place. Because NBA live is ONline exclusive to the PS2 the online gaming feature can not be appreciated but if you have a PS2 updated rosters and online gaming is cool.
OVERALL 7.5
For me LIve 2004 gets a 7.8 overall after playing it for about a week. I enjoy it and think it is a great game. Some might think 7.8 is kind of low but this is a honest critque of the game and is no way a putdown this game is my opinion the best game I have played game play to date and is a enormus step in the right direction for this series.
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