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, except that 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 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. The game has been sped up to promote easier
offense, more spectacular plays, and fun for the whole 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 control using the right joystick, Freestyle
control allows unparalleled dribbling and defensive control. With just a few
taps of the right joystick, ballhandlers can crossover, reverse crossover, spin,
and go behind the back. It takes a bit of time to get used to, but the payoff
off 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, 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, don’t be
surprised when your team shoots 70% and scores 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 improved 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 will 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 who they are using. 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. This works very well for
the many powerful dunks, but hurts 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.
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: 8.8
A little
exaggerated, but the animations are smooth and look good.
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: 8.8
