NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

[wacko11]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

Couple things...

Do not have the new patch yet but compared to Play Now, The One, on court has quite a few framerate drops .



Also, can Rocky or any EA devs posting comment on whether Pro and Xbox X will be getting enhancements? 4k HDR, higher res assets? Etc?

Also, although this is nowhere what I usually listen to, the soundtrack is awesome.

I want to know this also.... I'm about to pre order the Xbox X

[sarlndr]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

What's to know? They said "everything will look and play better in the One X", right? So just get it.

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[dasunsrule32]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

This demo is exactly what I wanted it to be. I didn't expect it to be on 2k's level yet as far as details, signature styles, depth, etc.. but thought first they should just build a solid foundation, and they did exactly that.

Player movement and responsiveness is top notch. Curry and Kyrie can carve through the defense, LeBron can bully his way into the paint. Mismatches and ratings really matter. The overall freedom of movement without getting stuck, suctioned, or feeling out of control, is my favorite thing about the game so far.

CPU AI is pretty solid. I've been impressed with the iso moves they pull off, in that it doesn't look or feel like they are spamming their way into the paint, they actually put together some pretty nice realistic combos. They can find the open man, find mismatches, and the superstars play like superstars. It makes defense really fun. I haven't seen anything too crazy like I've read from others in this thread, such as Zaza euro-stepping or shooting 3's. For the most part, I've seen players play within their skill sets.

The one on one game is great. Creating and using space feels intuitive and pays off. Help defense and rotations feel natural, which makes breaking down the defense a lot of fun and you can get really creative on both offense and defense.

My biggest concern is how far the solid gameplay will go. Right now everything feels fresh and new, but I am worried about the lack of player individuality for the rest of the league. LeBron, Kyrie, Durant, and Curry all feel pretty unique and their playstyles are captured very well (although some of the jumpers are weird), but those are all big names, and I wonder about non star players. Ratings only individualize a player so much. We need lots of signature stuff in NBA games. I think they can focus on that more down the road now that the core gameplay is in a good place.

I didn't like the jump shooting at first, but after playing more it has grown on me. I think they could tone down the animations when a guy leans in after his shot, along with the celebratory animations that happen causing you to know the shot is going in before it does. That should be very rare. It does seem like some animations are a sure make or miss as soon as the animation starts. I don't want to know if the ball is going in or not based on the shot animation. Every animation should have makes and misses.

Some of the sound effects are too loud, or just sound off. The ball clanking around on the rim is too loud, and the beach ball sound of blocks and when a player grabs a rebound awkwardly stand out.

Post game is a bit underwhelming, as shot fakes into shots don't feel or look right, making up and unders tough to execute, and there just aren't a lot of options to throw off the defender in the post, unless I am missing something.

I wish there was an option to chose a hook shot or fadeaway. I was trying to drop some turnaround fades with Livingston in the post and a few times he would throw up a hook shot.

Crowd is great. Commentary is boring and robotic, but I'll wait for the full version to judge it, and it's not a big deal to me, personally, because I usually turn it off in sports games.

I know I've missed a few things off the top of my head...but overall...this game is a lot of fun. I haven't bought a Live game since '10, but I'll be getting this day one.

I've had them celebrate and miss the shot several times. I laughed each time as well lol

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[JustSteve]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

I've been having a lot of fun with this demo. I hadn't played 2K17 since last year so I pulled it out and played a game with my Suns versus the Knicks last night. It was pretty good (except for the fact that the Knicks went off from three in the fourth quarter and ran away with it after a previously close game). I then played the Live demo Cavs/Warriors game and it was just a lot more fun. I went and preordered Live 18 on the spot.

I'll still get 2K18 for all the classic teams and likenesses but I think I'm going to be having more fun with this one.

[videobastard]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

Hit my first 4 point play with curry. I have learned to use the hop step back with shot stick turned off. A quick down movement on the right stick, let go and then proceed to shoot with the square button. Works well with curry and durant when the shot clock is running down and your stuck on the perimeter.

[EA Rocky]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

Couple things...

Do not have the new patch yet but compared to Play Now, The One, on court has quite a few framerate drops .



Also, can Rocky or any EA devs posting comment on whether Pro and Xbox X will be getting enhancements? 4k HDR, higher res assets? Etc?

Also, although this is nowhere what I usually listen to, the soundtrack is awesome.

Nothing I can share at this point.

[Smallville102001]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

Clock management is still bad even after last patch I can say. I was just playing a game last night were I was down 3 with like 8 seconds left and trying to foul and the CPU took a open 3 they did make it but being up 3 with only 8 seconds and having the ball and shoot clock off they should be just waiting for you to foul them.

[CujoMatty]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

Thanks,

I am going to hold off on that. It is a demo. Once the retail version drops I will cook something up. I am undecided if I am going Pro with amped up difficulty via sliders or All-Star and doing some balance.

When it comes to Basketball games, I am not a high level player. I am what I call a “Regular Joe” on basketball and hockey games lol. However I love simulation style...calling loads of plays and really playing sim style all the way.

BTW That EA Action Camera Low is simply awesome. That will be my camera of choice for franchise.

I wish there was an EA camera medium. Lol
The high is too high and the low a little low.
ESPN cam I'm enjoying though.

I'll be looking forward to your sliders.

[CMH]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

Clock management is still bad even after last patch I can say. I was just playing a game last night were I was down 3 with like 8 seconds left and trying to foul and the CPU took a open 3 they did make it but being up 3 with only 8 seconds and having the ball and shoot clock off they should be just waiting for you to foul them.

I have noticed this. I haven't complained because it's likely in response to the cpu not taking shots late, but it needs an extra touch.


I always - ALWAYS - see the cpu heave up a shot to end the game even when up.

I never get the ball back as the clock expires, but it's still odd to see.

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[Smallville102001]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

I have noticed this. I haven't complained because it's likely in response to the cpu not taking shots late, but it needs an extra touch.


I always - ALWAYS - see the cpu heave up a shot to end the game even when up.

I never get the ball back as the clock expires, but it's still odd to see.

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Yeah I have seen that to at the end of the game when CPU is up a lot to. It is a big issue because it could cost CPU some games. Say they had missed the shoot when I was down 3 and I got the ball back and end up making a 3 to tie and then end up winning in over time when had CPU not shoot and I fouled they would have only need to make like 1 foul shoot and it would basically be over.

[Americas Team]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

This demo is exactly what I wanted it to be. I didn't expect it to be on 2k's level yet as far as details, signature styles, depth, etc.. but thought first they should just build a solid foundation, and they did exactly that.

Player movement and responsiveness is top notch. Curry and Kyrie can carve through the defense, LeBron can bully his way into the paint. Mismatches and ratings really matter. The overall freedom of movement without getting stuck, suctioned, or feeling out of control, is my favorite thing about the game so far.

CPU AI is pretty solid. I've been impressed with the iso moves they pull off, in that it doesn't look or feel like they are spamming their way into the paint, they actually put together some pretty nice realistic combos. They can find the open man, find mismatches, and the superstars play like superstars. It makes defense really fun. I haven't seen anything too crazy like I've read from others in this thread, such as Zaza euro-stepping or shooting 3's. For the most part, I've seen players play within their skill sets.

The one on one game is great. Creating and using space feels intuitive and pays off. Help defense and rotations feel natural, which makes breaking down the defense a lot of fun and you can get really creative on both offense and defense.

My biggest concern is how far the solid gameplay will go. Right now everything feels fresh and new, but I am worried about the lack of player individuality for the rest of the league. LeBron, Kyrie, Durant, and Curry all feel pretty unique and their playstyles are captured very well (although some of the jumpers are weird), but those are all big names, and I wonder about non star players. Ratings only individualize a player so much. We need lots of signature stuff in NBA games. I think they can focus on that more down the road now that the core gameplay is in a good place.

I didn't like the jump shooting at first, but after playing more it has grown on me. I think they could tone down the animations when a guy leans in after his shot, along with the celebratory animations that happen causing you to know the shot is going in before it does. That should be very rare. It does seem like some animations are a sure make or miss as soon as the animation starts. I don't want to know if the ball is going in or not based on the shot animation. Every animation should have makes and misses.

Some of the sound effects are too loud, or just sound off. The ball clanking around on the rim is too loud, and the beach ball sound of blocks and when a player grabs a rebound awkwardly stand out.

Post game is a bit underwhelming, as shot fakes into shots don't feel or look right, making up and unders tough to execute, and there just aren't a lot of options to throw off the defender in the post, unless I am missing something.

I wish there was an option to chose a hook shot or fadeaway. I was trying to drop some turnaround fades with Livingston in the post and a few times he would throw up a hook shot.

Crowd is great. Commentary is boring and robotic, but I'll wait for the full version to judge it, and it's not a big deal to me, personally, because I usually turn it off in sports games.

I know I've missed a few things off the top of my head...but overall...this game is a lot of fun. I haven't bought a Live game since '10, but I'll be getting this day one.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks the sound effects are too loud, blocked shots sound like a 1970's kung fu movie, lol.

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[DonWuan]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

So I'm certain the shot clock is off by at least .5 seconds.

Attached photo was made basket at the end of quarter.

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[sheehy83]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

I haven't bought Live in absolutely years as I stuck with 2K every year. I'm sick of buying 2K on launch and making the exact same complaints every year. Love the Live 18 demo, The Rise was excellent and and looking forward to continuing the journey but Online Pick Up really surprised me.

I wanted to like 2K Park so bad but it was just awful between waiting for games, lag (always bad in Europe) and crappy 'teammates' who prefer to take on 3 defenders and shoot a fade away 3 than pass to an open man. Live Pick Up still has crappy teammates but the games are way more fun. Most baskets feel deserved (still a lot of cheesy 360 heavy contact layups, as cool as they look), games can be close and tense and usually the losses or dominations come from fools who can't find the pass button.

I started with a 6'2 Playmaker with maxed passes and dribbling. I was turning over easy passes and kinda bothered me that I couldn't dunk, even wide open fast breaks. Rest him and made a few more and found my favourite, a 6ft Slasher with max dribbling and layup but he's well able to dunk over taller defenders. 90 speed with dribble moves has me zipping past D but most open shots I take are contested if anyone is near me at all. My online shooting has bad lag though, I let go of the shoot button and the meter drops back down stopping near the bottom of the bar resulting in an awful shot so I'm sticking to driving/assisting.

Another annoying thing is I usually get given the PG role but most people including slow bigs will stand in front of me to get the ball instead. I didn't make you pick a 7ft tank, play your role!

I'm gonna pick this up at launch and I'd like the 33% discount but no shops seem to be doing it for physical copies. EA's site lists Gamestop and Argos as participants in the UK so I thought they'd apply it to Ireland too but guess not. If it comes to it, I will get the digital version on PSN but anyone else in Europe find a physical version with the 33% preorder discount?

[NoleFan]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

Haven't purchased an NBA Live game in probably 2 console generations but I am enjoying the demo and may make Live 18 my sports game of choice when I'm taking a break from RPGs.

[EA Rocky]

Re: NBA Live 18 - Demo Impressions

-The commentary hasn't added anything. JVG still saying Curry the reigning MVP and all other lines were in 15 and 16.

Found it! At least, I'm pretty sure we did.


Sample transcription: "That's just swagger, Mike, the way Steph's doing that little shimmy right there. He's the league's reigning MVP and nothing if not confident in his game."


Regardless, we're looking to have that sample removed in the full title patch.


Thanks for the heads up!