NBA Live 18: Here's What You Need to Know

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  • RaychelSnr
    Executive Editor
    • Jan 2007
    • 4845

    #1

    NBA Live 18: Here's What You Need to Know



    Now that we're over a week past release date, you may still be on the fence...

    Written By: Brandon Kosal

    Click here to view the article.
    OS Executive Editor
    Check out my blog here at OS. Add me on Twitter.
  • dynastymgrguy
    Rookie
    • Sep 2014
    • 103

    #2
    Brandon, thanks for the review. But NBA Live 18 doesn't need praise. The EA team and devs have shown no interest in informing those who shelled out $60+ (on faith) believing that they were getting a complete product. I am an everyday reader of OS and have not missed visiting the site daily for years, and I rarely ever make my voice heard... Lately, I visit the Forum daily to see if there's any news regarding NBA Live 18 roster UPDATES and -- there's nothing to report. I really want NBA Live to success because I love the gameplay and visuals, but I also want the ROSTER updated before I dive in further. I bought NBA 2K 18 along with NBA Live 18, and in1 to 2 more days, I will decide if NBA Live 18 goes on eBay so I can recoup some money. I can not use it if there is no roster update. Please, Brandon, OS, don't let NBA Live 18 team off the hook for their incredibly poor customer support.

    Comment

    • DBMcGee3
      MVP
      • Oct 2011
      • 1166

      #3
      I'm having a blast with the game, although I'm really struggling to make jumpers on the higher difficulty levels, where there seems to be little or no room for error with the shot meter.  What I love about Live is that the controls are so responsive.  I never feel like I can't control what my guy is doing, and there's never any latent or unregistered inputs like I have experienced with 2k.  The 1v1 interactions are fantastic and as a result I find defense to be really fun and engaging.

      Hopefully they continue to patch the game, I've been happy with what they've accomplished so far.  I would really like to be able to use the street courts for other modes than 'The One' (Rucker Park scrimmage/shootaround anyone?), and I feel like there's definitely miles of improvement they could make to the passing game, but overall I'm really enjoying my experience, even more so knowing it only cost me $40 and the game isn't "pay to do everything" like some other games.  It's pretty fun playing against the CPU as well, I'm liking the AI so far.

      Comment

      • tril
        MVP
        • Nov 2004
        • 2914

        #4
        I can see younger kids/teens enjoying Live more than 2k.  anyone who's looking for a deep, game of ball, with the in's and outs of basketball strategy, this isn the game for you. you will get bored very quickly.     I played it a few times at a relatives house and that was enough for me.    not saying its a  bad game, just wont be challenging or  deep enough for my tastes in the long run. 

        Comment

        • KelseyPlumGoat
          Rookie
          • Sep 2017
          • 138

          #5
          Re: NBA Live 18: Here's What You Need to Know

          Originally posted by tril
          I can see younger kids/teens enjoying Live more than 2k.* anyone who's looking for a deep, game of ball, with the in's and outs of basketball strategy, this isn the game for you. you will get bored very quickly.**** I played it a few times at a relatives house and that was enough for me.*** not saying its a* bad game, just wont be challenging or* deep enough for my tastes in the long run.*
          your literally saying its a bad game lol

          Comment

          • Justonepost
            Rookie
            • Nov 2015
            • 482

            #6
            Re: NBA Live 18: Here's What You Need to Know

            There are some drawbacks, though. Plays at the rim, whether it’s a dunk or a jump hook, feel canned and pre-determined, leaving you with little control.
            I disagree with this.

            Most animations have various outcomes.

            For example, most animations have a no contact playout and also one that changes if you get bumped. The shots going in or missing are not pre-determined based on the animation either. Likewise, foul calls.

            On top of that, you can also press shoot mid shot to change 'most' of the shot animations into double clutches or other unnatural shots.

            Still a nice write-up and great to see the game getting praise and being enjoyed, despite its shortcomings.

            Comment

            • maltliquor23
              Rookie
              • Sep 2009
              • 153

              #7
              I've been very happy with the game. With some slider adjustments, it plays very well. I was hesitant to pre order it but the 40 dollar price point was a kicker for me. Its the first time since 2010 I have had 2 good basketball titles. Admittedly I am playing Live for The One and couch co-op and 2K for Association but with a trade in or a sale, I think both are very good purchases. 

              Comment

              • Gramps91
                MVP
                • Sep 2010
                • 2116

                #8
                I'm pretty happy with it and hope they continue to work and make progress on this build in future years. The roster updates definitely need to be sooner though.
                NCAA: Kentucky Wildcats
                MLB: Atlanta Braves
                NBA: San Antonio Spurs

                Comment

                • tril
                  MVP
                  • Nov 2004
                  • 2914

                  #9
                  Re: NBA Live 18: Here's What You Need to Know

                  Originally posted by KelseyPlumGoat
                  your literally saying its a bad game lol
                  LOL...... just saying it isnt deep enough for my tastes.

                  We are on Operation Sports cause most of us take our sports gaming experience seriously. Cant speak for others, but I want my sports gaming experience as sim as possible. to me that is fun.

                  Comment

                  • Fist Of Kings
                    Pro
                    • Oct 2009
                    • 793

                    #10
                    Re: NBA Live 18: Here's What You Need to Know

                    I actually love the shot meter, and hot/cold streaks. Hopefully, those things stay the same in future live games to come. The best thing about the shot meter is that it takes skill to get a perfect release, and that I don't have to worry about shot timing of different jumpshots, it's perfect imo.

                    Comment

                    • Cavs2016
                      Rookie
                      • Oct 2015
                      • 391

                      #11
                      Re: NBA Live 18: Here's What You Need to Know

                      Live feels more realistic than 2k. Live feels more like real basketball on both sides of the ball. I have both games (this is my first year buying both games, stopped buying Live games after 09, and I was all 2k since then), but I've found Live to be much more enjoyable thus far. I'm a sim player, and with sliders, Live has given me a basketball experience that is incredibly real-feeling and enjoyable at the same time.

                      Each possession in Live has me glued to the screen. The gameplay is a perfect blend of user skill, playing ratings, and basketball IQ.

                      The shot meter is A++++. Shooting in this game is incredibly satisfying. It's addicting. Very well done. Perfect balance of shot IQ, player ratings, and user skill.

                      The defensive system is very well done as well, as is the defensive AI. Definitely an A here.

                      The movement system, dribbling system, are excellent. Layups are gorgeous. A-

                      Players look and play like they do in real life for the most part. Id give them a B+ in this area.

                      Overall gameplay is a B+. Or about an 8 out of 10. Some rough edges, and it is somewhat raw, but it excels in several key areas. It's addicting. It's fun. And the replay value is very high. Very good basketball game.

                      2k's gameplay seems more like a chore. It feels like you're running a CPU simulation. It's hard to get into. Wasn't always like that, but this year that's what it feels like tbh. At least to me. It feels like the only satisfying part of 2k18 is the box score at the end, that you pieced together. But the gameplay itself is.... dare I say boring? Just feels too predictable and too repetitive. Pretty? yes, kind of... idk... see it just seems off to me. If it's not fun, something is wrong. I mean it's basketball. And 2k18 just hasnt been a fun basketball game in my experience.

                      I'm not the only one who feels that way. I will continue to play both however... but as of right now, Live is the better game this year by a significant margin.

                      Comment

                      • The 24th Letter
                        ERA
                        • Oct 2007
                        • 39373

                        #12
                        Re: NBA Live 18: Here's What You Need to Know

                        Good article.

                        I feel like NBA LIVE represents basketball well in many ways too. Loving The One, but I haven't gotten much into the 5 on 5 gameplay because I feel like it lacks intangibles. Between all the canned game play in the paint, lack of offense run by teams...It's tough for me to get invested...I feel like I am watching the same couple of sequences play out....I don't fear the Rockets are going to space the floor and kill me behind the line....I'm preparing for CP3, Harden attempting to barrel into the paint and dumping it down to Capela when they're stuck to hit hooks he has no business hitting.

                        That's not to say the game completely lacks dynamic sequences at times, but I would love to see this focused on going forward.



                        Sent from my SM-G955U using Operation Sports mobile app

                        Comment

                        • tril
                          MVP
                          • Nov 2004
                          • 2914

                          #13
                          Re: NBA Live 18: Here's What You Need to Know

                          Originally posted by Cavs2016
                          Live feels more realistic than 2k. Live feels more like real basketball on both sides of the ball. I have both games (this is my first year buying both games, stopped buying Live games after 09, and I was all 2k since then), but I've found Live to be much more enjoyable thus far. I'm a sim player, and with sliders, Live has given me a basketball experience that is incredibly real-feeling and enjoyable at the same time.

                          Each possession in Live has me glued to the screen. The gameplay is a perfect blend of user skill, playing ratings, and basketball IQ.

                          The shot meter is A++++. Shooting in this game is incredibly satisfying. It's addicting. Very well done. Perfect balance of shot IQ, player ratings, and user skill.

                          The defensive system is very well done as well, as is the defensive AI. Definitely an A here.

                          The movement system, dribbling system, are excellent. Layups are gorgeous. A-

                          Players look and play like they do in real life for the most part. Id give them a B+ in this area.

                          Overall gameplay is a B+. Or about an 8 out of 10. Some rough edges, and it is somewhat raw, but it excels in several key areas. It's addicting. It's fun. And the replay value is very high. Very good basketball game.

                          2k's gameplay seems more like a chore. It feels like you're running a CPU simulation. It's hard to get into. Wasn't always like that, but this year that's what it feels like tbh. At least to me. It feels like the only satisfying part of 2k18 is the box score at the end, that you pieced together. But the gameplay itself is.... dare I say boring? Just feels too predictable and too repetitive. Pretty? yes, kind of... idk... see it just seems off to me. If it's not fun, something is wrong. I mean it's basketball. And 2k18 just hasnt been a fun basketball game in my experience.

                          I'm not the only one who feels that way. I will continue to play both however... but as of right now, Live is the better game this year by a significant margin.
                          you are right about 2k being more sim. but here is where your argument kind of breaks down.

                          give the controllers to a 5 year old with an EA game, kind of tell them what to do and they will remain competitive against the AI. this is Madden and I can see this true with Live.

                          try doing the same with a 2k game, and watch them get exposed immediately.

                          not knocking Live, but in the end Live will be fun in spurts, not longevity. just my opinion.

                          pick up and play, ease of use advantage goes to Live. and it is a pretty looking and sounding game.

                          it would also be wise for 2k to reinstate their arcade, casual, sim modes in future installments.

                          Comment

                          • The 24th Letter
                            ERA
                            • Oct 2007
                            • 39373

                            #14
                            Re: NBA Live 18: Here's What You Need to Know

                            Can we please not turn this into another vs. thread fellas?

                            Sent from my SM-G955U using Operation Sports mobile app

                            Comment

                            • MLBNFLNBALGS
                              Banned
                              • Aug 2017
                              • 81

                              #15
                              Re: NBA Live 18: Here's What You Need to Know

                              Originally posted by tril
                              you are right about 2k being more sim. but here is where your argument kind of breaks down.

                              give the controllers to a 5 year old with an EA game, kind of tell them what to do and they will remain competitive against the AI. this is Madden and I can see this true with Live.

                              try doing the same with a 2k game, and watch them get exposed immediately.

                              not knocking Live, but in the end Live will be fun in spurts, not longevity. just my opinion.

                              pick up and play, ease of use advantage goes to Live. and it is a pretty looking and sounding game.

                              it would also be wise for 2k to reinstate their arcade, casual, sim modes in future installments.
                              You must be crazy.... NBA LIVE has always had the upper hand when it comes to outright smart basketball gameplay.... Dating back to god knows when but I'll tell you this: why do you think kids gravitate toward NBA 2K in the first place?? Wait, I'll answer that for you... Because there's hand holders implemented in game to help those that know how to make a run or matter of fact, that don't know what making a run is... NBA LIVE has always " ALWAYS " made you do the appropriate whether the gameplay was there or not... Don't lie to these people boy!!

                              Comment

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