After several losing seasons, Electronic Arts' NBA Live franchise appears poised to capture a win. Most, if not all, of the quirks, the slow animations, 30 frames per second action and numerous glitches that plagued the previous games were repaired – instead we got a lighting fast five-on-five game of hoops, one that not only re-energizes the franchise, but gives 2K Sports something to worry about.
First of all, the game looks amazing. Electronic Arts always does an excellent job at delivering the most realistic-looking sports games, but NBA Live 08 trumps its previous efforts, thanks to photo-realistic NBA players and speedy 60 frames per second animation. No longer do players slowly plod up and down the court, nor do their feet ice skate along the hardwood. They race up and down the court, jerseys fluttering behind them and both their legs moving independently. Everything looks smooth, from the dazzling passes to the rim rattling dunks.
Even better, players exhibit emotion. Unlike previous games, in which they stood still after hitting a game-winning shot, Live 08's players pump their fists into the air, clap, congratulate their teammates and perform other, adrenaline-charged actions that creates a more believable experience.
In addition, EA did a masterful job capturing player movements. Instead of grouping players into categories or only allowing gamers to bust out special moves at certain moments, they made superstar moves available 24/7. Not only does Kobe Bryant's digital alter ego shoot like he does, but it also kicks its legs out as it fades away. Shawn Marion has his bizarre shooting style, and Jason Kidd and Steve Nash deliver their signature passes, threading the needle and delivering the rock in-between defenders. Dwight Howard dunks like Dwight Howard. Wade dashes to the rim. The game feels genuine.
It also has a pick-up-and-play feel, the type that attracts people of all skill levels. Shooting with two buttons (one for jump shots and one for dunks) takes some getting used to, but it shouldn't be long before people are firing rainbow threes and dunking in someone's face. Furthermore, the signature passing moves makes distributing fun, particularly during the fast break.
The developers also deserve credit for implementing new features, including offensive and defensive counter moves. Basically, for every offensive dribble, there's a defensive counter. The same goes for inside the paint. As a center jockeys for position, the defender can thwart his jump hook. This adds a much needed strategy element to the experience. Casual gamers will probably ignore this and fire away, but for basketball purists, this chess game enables them to break down the defense or make the game-winning block with precision. Now, chants of "D-FENSE" actually means something.
Furthermore, the game features Hot Zones for each player, based on data collected from the NBA that informs players where each superstar likes the ball. Accessible at any time, these statistics help gamers get the most from their team. San Antonio's Bruce Bowen, for example, loves shooting (and makes) threes from the corners, as indicated by his Hot Zone data.
Similar to last year's NBA Live, 08 features commentators Marv Albert and Steve Kerr. They do an adequate job, but deliver their lines a bit slowly. Since the game doesn't debut until the fall, EA might have time to correct that.
That being said, NBA Live 08 is much further along than 07 was last year. The brief glimpse we got of 07 last year's E3 was lackluster. This year, the company rolled out a playable and impressively polished 08 demo pre-E3, a remarkable achievement and proof that the publisher intends to create a quality product. Bottom line, we can't wait to play it again.
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