It feels like it was only
a few weeks ago when Basketball season ended. It is now Autumn and the new
basketball season is about to start up again, with hopes that the Mavericks will
make it into the finals this year. Just as a new sports season starts, EA is
waiting with keen anticipation to release the latest game using updated
technology, AI, and other goodies. Will NBA Live 2004 live up to EA’s other
sports franchise this year? Read on to find out!
Like all sports games, NBA Live 2004 has plenty of different modes to offer
gamers. First there is the practice mode where gamers can develop the necessary
skills to play the game more effectively. “Play Now” lets players get down and
dirty and play a quick game. Season mode lets gamers play though an entire
season with any team. This allows gamers to get a feel for how the game plays
out and helps them decide if they wanted to start a Dynasty.
The real meat of this game is the Dynasty Mode. In this mode players can take
any team, real or created, and see if they have what it takes to go to the NBA
Championship and win. Gamers will have control over everything in order to get
this done. During the season, gamers have to manage the scheduling, dealing with
the roster, injuries, and everything else. Before each season starts, players
have the option of going into the training camp to improve each of the player’s
skills to help them out during the season. Also when gamers are in the
off-season, players have to participate in the draft, managing the roster,
retiring, signing, and trading players.
Each year EA adds something new to their games that makes them better and more
realistic. This year one of the best things is that players now have two
different buttons for shooting the ball. One button is for slam-dunks and the
other is for all other types of shots. Even though this sounds really small,
this brings a whole lot of depth into the game, and makes players think that
they have more control over the characters. Another new thing that EA put into
this years game is the Pro Hop. This will make the player with the ball do a
jump shot, and it really helps get that extra space needed to make some of those
harder and much need points.
One of the best things that EA has implemented into all of their sports games is
the EA Sports Bio. The idea is that the higher points and the better that you do
in the game, players will be rewarded with new stadiums, teams, and other
goodies that makes the game even better. You might be thinking, ok, other games
have stuff like this in them, but that is not the only thing that it does. If
you have any other EA branded game you have the potential to unlock a lot of
other goodies just from this game. This shows that EA is really caring for its
customer loyalty by providing extra incentives to stay with the EA brand of
sports games.
One of the best, features in NBA Live 2004 is the online mode. I have broadband
Internet connection, and I never ran into any lag. EA Canada really made it
possible for everyone to enjoy this game. Online players can meet other players
in the lobby, play a game, check their stats, and do a variety of other things.
There are also a few unique things that EA Canada included while developing this
game. The first one is the “EA Messenger”, which allows players to get buddies,
store them, and see them when they are online. Also included is “EA Sports
Talk”, this means that if you have a headset you can talk trash with other
players from around the US while playing a game. This is also a lot easier than
using a keyboard, as nothing can beat actually talking to someone real-time. The
last thing is the “Fair Play,” which helps tone down on the cheating that online
games are plagued with.
NBA Live 2004 is rated E for Everyone. It requires up to 2.6 MB on your memory
card and can play up to 1-8 players (via multitap). To play online you must have
the Network card and broadband or dialup. It also is compatible with AOL
Dial-Up.
Gameplay: 9.4
The gameplay is extremely tight and well done in NBA Live 2004! The game
plays like a dream, and will have gamers coming back for more action. What makes
this game even better is the camera; it never fails to give players the best
view point at all times. EA Freestyle is back and makes the game better than
ever! Once you put this game in your Playstation 2 it will not come out for some
time!
Graphics: 9.4
The graphics in NBA Live 2004 are outstanding! The best thing is the animations
of all of the players during the course of the game. All ten players in the game
act and move as they would in any basketball game, from changing positions,
keeping their eyes on the ball, and anything else you expect players would
do. This adds a whole new level of realism in the game, and makes it better than
ever! The character models and stadiums are also pleasing to the eyes.
Sound: 9.2
As always EA makes full use of Dolby Surround Sound Pro Logic II, which brings
their game closer to realism. The commentary is still extremely really well done
and doesn’t get old or repetitive. The music and sounds from the crowds really
makes the gamers feel that they are in an actual basketball stadium!
Difficulty: Medium
NBA Live 2004 treats beginners well, but the hardest thing about this game is
the defensive AI. At times it is almost impossible to make any points! If
players have enough patience they will be able to figure out how to get around
this, and become the better basketball player.
Concept: 9.1
With the inclusion of two different buttons for shooting, dunks and the other is
for shooting, and the pro hop, players can tell that EA Canada is continually
looking for ways to make their games better each year!
Multiplayer: 9.4
You can play up to eight players in one room or play against people from all
around the United States! Thank you EA Sports for online gaming with the
Playstation 2!
Overall: 9.3
To be honest NBA Live 2004 is one of the best basketball games I have played in
a long time. Anyone who enjoys basketball should pick this one up as soon as
they see it, because you will not regret it!
