NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

[GStera7]

Whats up guys?

Figured we should make a Retail Impressions only thread for those of us that have the game early.

[GStera7]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

Disclaimer

First, let me preface by saying that I played NBA Live 15 more than most people. I actually enjoyed the game and really put time into learning the ins and outs of it. Also, Ultimate Team and Pro-Am are not available to play in the retail build pre-release. Dynasty Mode actually pulls stories from last year, so when I started my Rising Star with the Cavs, I saw Kevin Love and Andrew Wiggins traded.

My Impressions

Graphics

Graphically speaking, NBA Live took a very big step forward this year. The lighting is amazing (really) and the players look so much more realistic. I actually think the bodies in NBA Live (specifically LeBron) look like they are scaled better. LeBron is a train in real life, and I feel like in NBA 2K, he looks like a little kid.

Pros

• Player models look amazing
• Floors look amazing
• Lighting is so realistic

Cons

• Non-scanned players can look freaky (see Varejao)
• The bench looks dead/not detailed

Gameplay

This is a mixed bag for me. I will be straight up and say that I was expecting a little more of an improvement, but I am holding my full opinion until the Day 1 Patch. Currently, there are a few too many bugs, such as the high arching fall-away, unexpected speed layups (where the offensive player accelerates a tad too quick) and things like that that hamper the experience for me.

3 Point shooting is way too easy on All-Star, which was a problem that plagued NBA Live 15 until a patch addressed it. Again, I am waiting until the Day 1 Patch to expand further.

Defense is very hit or miss as well. Block timing can be easy (not nearly as bad as Live 15) but staying in front of a point guard can feel awkward (almost like you don't have total control of your guy).

Pros

• So much smoother than Live 15
• New shots look/feel great
• Definitely can make some great highlights

Cons

• Still has wonky animations from time-to-time
• 3 Pointers are way too easy
• I worry about the longevity of the gameplay (can feel a little stale)

Presentation

The presentation for NBA Live 16 is very similar to NBA Live 15. The announcing has gotten a little better/more organic, but still too much dead air. The highlight packages alone make me happy, so I could careless about spotty announcing (I still enjoy NHL, despite its awful commentary).

Pros

• ESPN Integration is always good
• Highlight packages make you happy

Cons

• Not much different from Live 15
• Not enough "life" to the presentation (replays seem dead mid-game)

Overall

Overall, right now pre-patch, I would give NBA Live anywhere between a 7 and an 8. I think it is well on its way to challenging 2K, but right now, it still lacks the polish that it will need to truly contend for people's money.

[The 24th Letter]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

Nice, balanced review....thanks!!


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[Mecca_G]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

Nice, balanced review....thanks!!


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I concur and can even see some of your observations in the demo.

[Mintsa]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

GStera7,

Can you make mental note and check out what jerseys the Raptors have this year (new or throwback) ? (next time your on the team select screen).

Thanks.

[GStera7]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

GStera7,

Can you make mental note and check out what jerseys the Raptors have this year (new or throwback) ? (next time your on the team select screen).

Thanks.

Absolutely


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[iLLWiLL]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

a couple questions:

- Are camera angles modifiable?

- Can you change skin tones for created players?

[RyanLaFalce83]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

Played my first game of the retail version, Lakers (Me) vs. Thunder. A very fun game, and nothing spectacular happened except for a beautiful backdoor cut from Kobe.

I tried taking screenshots, but it wouldn't let me so that might be blocked.

If anyone had any questions on the game just reply to this and I'll try to answer it or get to it later.

Edit: Actually, I am able to take screenshots. Not sure how to share them though.

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[Daddy123]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

Graphics wise, the game has taken a huge step, I do wish they would at least put some effort towards guys who haven't been scanned, they are just generic players rather than looking like them. Like Mirotic is a white guy, my friend thought it was Parsons when I showed him the screen.

Camera angles are getting there, EA broadcast is probably the best one for me, still needs to be a little closer to make the bodies and faces look better.

Gameplay, it's enjoyable..I couldn't say that for the past 2 years. Compared to the demo, it is definitely better and more balanced. I noticed the rebounding was much better on retail than compared to the demo or maybe it's because Anthony Davis was a beast. Layups still need to be fixed, the animation just lets you layup from where ever you want.

[GStera7]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

a couple questions:

- Are camera angles modifiable?

- Can you change skin tones for created players?

No and no

#10char

[RyanLaFalce83]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

Does anyone know how to do a post up fade away. It's fairly easy in 2K. Not sure how to do it in Live.

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[Mintsa]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

GStera7,

Can you make mental note and check out what jerseys the Raptors have this year (new or throwback) ? (next time your on the team select screen).

Thanks.

Just a friendly remainder.....lol.

[strawberryshortcake]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

Does anyone know how to do a post up fade away. It's fairly easy in 2K. Not sure how to do it in Live.

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I think you simply click the right analog stick (R3 button) to get into post up position, then hold L2 and the square shooting button and use your left analog stick to push in the direction you want to fade. ... I think......

[scottyp180]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

Sounds good so far. Similar to demo impressions. Curious to hear what kind of difference the day one patch will make. Does anyone know if the EA Access trial releases receive patches?

[strawberryshortcake]

Re: NBA Live 16 - Retail Impressions Thread

Graphics wise, the game has taken a huge step, I do wish they would at least put some effort towards guys who haven't been scanned, they are just generic players rather than looking like them. Like Mirotic is a white guy, my friend thought it was Parsons when I showed him the screen.

Camera angles are getting there, EA broadcast is probably the best one for me, still needs to be a little closer to make the bodies and faces look better.

Gameplay, it's enjoyable..I couldn't say that for the past 2 years. Compared to the demo, it is definitely better and more balanced. I noticed the rebounding was much better on retail than compared to the demo or maybe it's because Anthony Davis was a beast. Layups still need to be fixed, the animation just lets you layup from where ever you want.

What's the midrange game like? Are teams taking 2 point shots on a consistent basis in the retail version. Apparently the demo is usually cpu 3 pointers or driving to the basket only; seldom to almost rare to see 2 point shots.

Whats up guys?

Figured we should make a Retail Impressions only thread for those of us that have the game early.

Can you also check out the midrange game? Are teams purposely taking outside 2 point shots at all in the retail version?