You know that
things did not go so well for last year’s edition of NBA Live 2002 when the
developers decided to scrap the whole thing and start from scratch with NBA Live
2003. Normally, chucking the previous version into the trashcan could have
disastrous results. Fortunately for EA, anything would be better than the
dismal NBA Live 2002. After tinkering with an entirely new game in the lab, the
developers at EA Canada came up with a winner: NBA Live 2003. NBA Live 2003 was
made in the same building as the fast-paced NHL 2003, and it shows. NBA Live
follows the mold of NHL with its combination of a technical sim and arcade
shooter, and the finished product will be enjoyed by both run-and-gun
streetballers and old-school five-on-fivers.
The first thing
you’ll notice about NBA Live 2003 is the pace. The game whips by like Damon
Stoudamire on a fast break. NBA Live has been sped up to promote easier
offense, more spectacular plays, and fun for the whole fast-breaking family.
Rather than make the game a simple lay up drill, EA has countered its explosive
offense with a juiced-up defense. Everyone on the floor can block shots like
Dikembe Mutombo, and in my franchise games, Lamar Odom was averaging about five
per game (perhaps because he always got real high?). When not swatting the ball
back into the bleachers, defenders can pick pockets of would-be ball-handlers
for steals. Without these two defensive elements, games would look like NBA
All-Star games, with players trying to show off and defending like a turtle on
its back. Sports games require balance more than anything else, and NBA Live
2003 is like a seesaw at equilibrium.
The second thing
you’ll notice about NBA Live 2003 is the much-hyped Freestyle control. Much
like NHL 2003’s manual deking, Freestyle control allows unparalleled dribbling
and defensive control. With just a few taps of the C-stick, ball-handlers can
crossover, reverse crossover, spin, and go behind the back. It takes a bit of
time to get used to, but the payoff of lulling your defender to sleep with
crossovers and fakes before driving past him is a worthy reward for those who
take the time to learn. On the defensive side, Freestyle control lets players
assume an aggressive defensive stance, attempt steals with either hand, and put
both hands in the air to deflect passes or contest shots. In fact, defense can
almost be played exclusively with just both joysticks. Whether on offense or
defense, Freestyle control is the best thing to happen to a basketball game in a
long time.
The offense of NBA
Live is incredibly solid and rich, probably even more so than NBA 2K3’s. NBA
Live still has the best post-up and isolation game of any basketball video game,
and thanks to the Freestyle controls, players can palm the ball or hold it out
in the post before making one of several moves on their way to the basket. With
all the offensive options and friendly rims all over the NBA Live league, it’s
not surprising that teams shoot 70% and score twenty points per five minute
quarter.
Playing defense is
often for naught. Even with the defensive Freestyle controls, the
offense-oriented NBA Live 2003 offers little in the way of effective defense.
Aside from deflecting passes or blocking shots, there is little one can do to
stop a competent offense. EA has added a “take charge” button to stop an out of
control dribbler, but getting the call is much easier said than done.
Rebounding on both ends of the floor is much improved, and unlike last year,
taking control of a man to crash the boards will improve your chances for
rebounding.
The franchise mode
in NBA Live 2003 lets players take control of a basketball over a series of
seasons. As general manager of the team, gamers have options to trade, draft,
and sign players. Free agents can be pursued by other teams, so managers are
going to need to keep them happy by offering the right contract. After the
completion of a season, several awards are given out including first-team all
NBA, an all-rookie squad, and of course MVP of the league.
The graphics in
NBA Live are exceptional. The frames per second rate on the player animations
is very high and really smooths out player movements. Gamers won’t have to look
at the back of jerseys to see which player they are controlling. The player
models are very well done and have the best looking faces of the new crop of
basketball games. EA has opted for a more exaggerated animation style which
works very well for the many powerful dunks, but hurts realism in NBA Live when
defenders attempt NBA Jam style blocks. The crowd is composed mostly of 2-D
sprites in a loop, but the full 3-D bench players and coaches on the sidelines
look very real.
EA has gotten
several big name hip-hop artists to contribute to the soundtrack including Snoop
Dogg, Fabolous, and Busta Rhymes. The commentary is usually very timely, but
because the game moves so fast, it can get thrown off. The crowd could be a
little more enthusiastic, but the stadium announcer is excellent. The Xbox
version seems to have a slight edge on audio over the GameCube version, but
nothing significant.
NBA Live 2003 is
rated E for everyone.
Gameplay: 9
This is the best
combination of arcade and sim styles, making this a game anyone can pick up and
immediately enjoy.
Graphics: 9.2
The graphics on
the GameCube outshine the other platforms in crispness and fluidity.
Sound: 7.5
An excellent
soundtrack helps out some weak ambient sounds.
Difficulty: Medium
A great game for
ballers who like to throw up three’s and throw down dunks. The generous field
goal percentage make it easier for novices to pick up a controller and score.
Concept: 9.5
The Freestyle
control is an excellent addition, and really makes this game worth purchasing.
Multiplayer: 7
You’ll want to
spend more time dribbling by your friends then passing to them. There’s no
online feature, which hurts the score.
Overall: 9
NBA Live 2003 is
perfect for gamers looking for a non-stop bombardment of highlight reel plays.
The freestyle controls are excellent and the graphics are easily the best of any
basketball game available for the GameCube.
