Why I Love to Play NBA Live 16

Feature Article

Submitted on: 11/24/2015 by Robert Kollars

If you’re an older gamer like myself, then you remember the reason(s) that got you into playing video games in the first place. Sure, there are a handful of auxiliary reasons, but for me it was the insane amount of fun and excitement they provided. As the gaming demographics have changed over the years, so have the expectations from the gaming community.

Now, not only do we ask the games be fun, but also incredibly realistic, both in look and play -- especially in regards to sports games. Fair or not, that’s the world each developer lives in these days, and any misstep (or four) can set your franchise back for years.

Although NBA Live 16 was met with average review ratings (59 Metascore) and generally considered a failure in terms of retail sales (hard to find accurate numbers, but they are not good so far), it has carved out a small niche in the industry. The people who are enjoying Live might point to many different reasons as to why they like it, but most would agree the reason NBA Live 16 still gets a lot of play time in their rotation is simple: it's just fun to play.

Sure, its competition does a much better job at simulating what we as fans see on the court on TV, but that’s not my point of comparison. When I fire up Live 16, I find myself attracted to the simplistic fun that it provides me, much like what got me interested in video games in the first place.

One could obviously argue NBA Live’s failures in the paint, lack of proper animations, and missing player likenesses (all things the most recent patch are trying to remedy to a degree), and I couldn’t argue against you as you would be correct. As I have gotten older though, I find myself with less time to devote to (and worry about) video games, and NBA Live allows me that courtesy of playing a game just for the simple fun of playing it. I fell in love with games like RBI Baseball, Coach K College Basketball, and Ken Griffey Jr. Presents MLB, not because of how incredibly authentic they were but because of how fun they were.

Regardless, I'm aware there is no turning back at this stage. Sports video games will only edge closer in reality to the sport they attempt to replicate as we move forward as an industry, and that’s fine. For myself though, there will always be place for games that just provide fun on the most simplistic level, and my appreciation and support will always be there for developers who can deliver a game like that. In the quest to provide the ultimate sports simulation, developers walk a very thin line in remembering that games need to be fun also, and NBA Live 16 provides exactly that.

NBA Live 16 Videos

Member Comments

# 21 Nemesis Enforcer @ 11/24/15 10:15 PM

As far as gameplay I don't think live is simplistic. It's responsive, flexible and intuitive where the user can play to their own style whether sim or street. Like all sports games it's tuned in favor of offense and EA does the flashy stuff more in their dribbling and finishing.

# 22 bigbuckeyeboi @ 11/25/15 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballin2k0


	im honestly considerring buying live 16 just for the online play,i cant take losing the ball constantly on myteam in 2k16 online players constantly get in front of you so the ball gets knocked out of your hands its too much to even have any type of fun,its hard to even play in the paint the ball will be knocked out of your hands 99% of the time if you try to maneuver in the paint in 2k16,i wonder did they even try the game before releasing it if they had of played it 2 or 3 times they would have realized its unplayable online this way.

No disrespect but it sounds like you're just not good at the game. That's not the game's fault.

# 23 TarHeelPhenom @ 11/25/15 03:01 AM

As a 40 year old married man with a family and tons of responsibility, totally get what he was saying. I've been gaming since I was 7 and outside of playing sports, gaming was my main hobby. Me and my cousin was just having this convo last week. We both came up gaming together. I was trying out 2k16 on his XBox One to get a feel for the console before i bought one. I told him, can you imagine what it would have been like for us if we had current gen consoles and a game this deep when we were younger? I said we prolly wouldnt have ever left the house. I said i played competitive basketball for over 30 years and believe i have pretty good knowledge of the game itself. But, when i pick up a video game and am having to decide whether to ICE the pick n roll, pre-rotate, etc...i feel like Air Gordon playing this game. Don't get me wrong, i love how deep 2k16 is...but sometimes you just wanna pick up and play and keep it simple...which is why on Thursday im gonna take the plunge and get me a current gen console and Live will be one of the games i pick up.

Can it be that it was all so simple then??????

# 24 jmount78 @ 11/25/15 07:25 AM

I agree with this article 100%! When you reach middle age, have kids, commute, etc., video games are a luxury. That is why I like Live 16. Still terrible at basketball games, but it isn't frustrating to the point where it feels like work trying to learn how to play.

# 25 DBMcGee3 @ 11/25/15 10:20 AM

I wish I could agree, but in my time with both games I'd say 2k was much, much more fun. Maybe I'll wait on another patch or 2 and try again, but they were light years behind 2k at release.

# 26 PopcornJones77 @ 11/25/15 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMChrisS


	If you�re an older gamer like myself, then you remember the reason(s) that got you into playing video games in the first place. Sure, there are a handful of auxiliary reasons, but for me it was the insane amount of fun and excitement they provided. As the gaming demographics have changed over the years, so have the expectations from the gaming community. Now, not only do we ask the games be fun, but also incredibly realistic, both in look and play -- especially in regards to sports games. Fair or not, that�s the world each developer lives in these days, and any misstep (or four) can set your franchise back for years. Read More - Why I Love to Play NBA Live 16

Great post. As an older game who remembers fondly Coach K College Basketball on the Sega Genesis, I get the poster's point about how NBA Live 16 is fun and playable.

I dig the other game intensely, both its offline modes (MyLeague, especially with custom rosters, and MyCareer) and online modes (Pro-Am and Play Online Now).

But I still always make time to play NBA Live's LIVE RUN mode because it offers short, competitive and fun pickup games. (Helps that I've found users who know how to play team ball.)

As for NBA Live's other modes, I haven't gotten into them yet. Pre-patch gameplay annoyed me. I'll give it another go after the new patch, though.

Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

# 27 KG @ 11/25/15 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DetroitStyle


	Not a very good article in my opinion. I understand what Robert is trying to say but he never says it. It's just a short rambling on nostalgia and the games of yore. The author never explained what exactly makes Live "simplistic" or any game for that matter. Is it a straightforward association mode? Is it a lack of convoluted controls that we see in 2K? Does it load faster and throw you right into a game as opposed to the competition? If you want simple look at The Show and NHL series. They offer simplistic, sometimes one button controls such as NHL 95 controls for the NHL series and in the show they offer simplistic modes such as Season mode as opposed to the more dynamic franchise mode. While I don't agree or disagree with what the article is about it lacks the substance as to why Live is the better pick up and play option. You can't have "half court jesus" (the ill fated Live a few years ago) and say "well, tis' but a simple game". This in reference to Live's mentioned shortcomings of "NBA Live�s failures in the paint, lack of proper animations, and missing player likenesses ". You need to be careful how you approach this because lack of features and bugs aren't the same as stream lined modes and control making a game a fun pick up and go option. Just my two cents.

His article has nothing to do with anything related to "Why Live is better than 2K..." or anything 2K related at all. It's just a short piece about how Live reminds him of games from yesteryear and generates a nostalgic type of feeling.

He (the author) could be easily enjoying 2K for the same, or different reasons.

# 28 DetroitStyle @ 11/25/15 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG


	His article has nothing to do with anything related to "Why Live is better than 2K..." or anything 2K related at all. It's just a short piece about how Live reminds him of games from yesteryear and generates a nostalgic type of feeling. He (the author) could be easily enjoying 2K for the same, or different reasons.

I believe you're mistaken. I mention 2K as an example along with the show and NHL. My comment never delved into comparison shopping between the two brands.

Yes, its a short piece on yesteryear and nostalgia but I felt it lacked substance as to what qualities define it as such. The article wasn't title "I love simple and fun games". It was titles "why I love LIVE". But after after reading the article I'm scratching my head trying to find a specific detail about the game that he loves.

# 29 scottyp180 @ 11/25/15 06:30 PM

Definitely agree that gamers, to an extent, have forgot to play games just for fun. Now the big thing here is that the definitipn of fun varies from one person to the next. Some people find a game like Bloodborne fun and challenging. Others will spend 10 minutes with the game, toss theit controller, and quit the game in rage. All a matter of opinion.

Personally I have been having too much fun with 2K to go back to Live. I was enjoying Live when the demo released and bought the game when Toys R Us had their 2 games from $70 ($75?) deal going on but I have barely touched it. I went back the other week to give it ago but 2K gameplay is so ingrained in me now that I couldn't bother taking the time to get back into the feel of Live.

How back to the idea of the lack of "fun" in games and particularly sports games. There was a time whee arcade style sports games were common, if not every year at least every other. We would get Blitz, Hitz, Slugfest, NBA/NFL Street, Fifa Street, etc. Now these games have become a rarity. I don't know if sales were poor for these games or if developers feel as though there is a lack of demand for these games but I would love to see a returned focus on these type of games. The NFL Blitz that released on 360/ps3 might have been disappointing, especially compared to the earlier titles, but me and my friends had as much fun with that games as any. I enjoy sim sports games but there are times when I would rather play a quick, fast paced game with and against friends that doesn't require much thought or strategy.

# 30 worstsportsgamer1977 @ 11/25/15 07:50 PM

I enjoy live for its fluidity on offense. I feel there is so much with 2k that things you can do on offense that it gets overwhelming and clunky at times. the pick in roll reaction time is so fast. the give and go works very well too. I dont feel like live is dumbed down but it never feels overwhelming. yes some of the post mechanics look funny,(which they actually improved quite a bit with this new patch.) but once you get them down its all good.

Another reason i enjoy live is it knows its a video game. it does not try to be as realistic as possible. If i had any gripe i would say i wish more people played the game and opened packs. the auction house is pretty quiet. Also i hope they let us create multiple line ups like they do in other EA sports ultimate team games.

# 31 pslieber @ 11/26/15 09:36 AM

They're both awesome games for different reasons.

2K is so damn polished...stadiums/presentation...and those classic teams! I love playing with HOFers, my 60/90's NYK. Never been a fan of over-reliance on a right stick. But it's awesome when it works to perfection in 2K.

Live rewards/punishes based on timing between ball bounces (on D and O). Also what direction you're facing when passing the ball. That's why Live feels so different. It's really cool once you realize/adjust [to] this.

IMHO, I don't find one easier than the other. Just - as the OP said - Live feels more 'fun,' more random in play, which keeps things a bit more interesting.

Cheesers are an unfortunate part of the online community. I personally loathe them. But I also don't play games to win, rather escapism. I'll take a 1-point loss than 20-point blowout win, any day. I'm also in the minority.

# 32 Ginesis22 @ 11/26/15 03:53 PM

Universal created players and the ability to edit players and rosters. These are the reasons I passed on Live this year. Its a fun game for sure but I've waited two years for these things to arrive and they're still absent. I still want them in this genre but if someone from Live is listening, i have may friends who are ready to switch to you but what holds them back are these items.

# 33 simfballcritic @ 11/28/15 04:45 PM

Great post man. That's why options are a win/win for everyone. That's why I don't try to destroy a game, just provide feedback to make them better. The more games we have the more people that can be happy with a game.

# 34 mp3 @ 11/28/15 05:13 PM

We need there to be two games on the market competing to be the best, that's how we ended up with the games being so good.

I think the next steps EA HAS TO MAKE are to give us roster/player editing (and sort out the frickin generic looking players in live 16 now) and give us a deeper dynasty mode.

# 35 Calvenn @ 11/28/15 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mp3


	We need there to be two games on the market competing to be the best, that's how we ended up with the games being so good. I think the next steps EA HAS TO MAKE are to give us roster/player editing (and sort out the frickin generic looking players in live 16 now) and give us a deeper dynasty mode.

I would be shocked if they haven't received the message loud clear by now. If they ignore the masses the lackluster results will follow. I am a big proponent of competition in the marketplace and that this has driven both companies to improve their products. I like where they have taken the game this year, surprising in some ways to be honest. However, it needs more meat. Next year will be crucial for EA in the bball arena!

# 36 Da_Vinci_B @ 12/01/15 07:16 AM

Being a VET of the game, I started playing back in 95 for the Super Nintendo and have been hooked ever since. (Although they had some game issues the last few years) live 16 brings back all the joy and memories of playing my buddies back in high school !

# 37 seanhazz1 @ 12/01/15 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worstsportsgamer1977


	I enjoy live for its fluidity on offense. I feel there is so much with 2k that things you can do on offense that it gets overwhelming and clunky at times.

I 100% agree. 2k16 borders on greatness at times with its feature set (myleague online?), but I've been an EA BBall gamer since Jordan vs. Bird. Live 16 is sort of a welcome home, even if its a shack to others, and if they had just included a connected career mode, ala Madden, or full editing as some requested (not a fan of "opinion" rosters though) they would have captured a large chunk of gamers this time around.

Why I Love to Play NBA Live 16....

I feel like from start to finish, live stays focused on whats happening on the court, and 2K is more concerned with off the court features. Don't get me wrong, I definitely enjoy 2K16, as it is a good game against like minded friends, and in offline dynasty, but it feels like the games take much longer, with all the cut scenes and filler content in 5 on 5 play, even if you just want to pick up and play a short game, it takes a longer time to complete than it does in LIVE.

Any game that gives me the RL enjoyment sensation and thrill in the fraction of the actual time it takes, is a winner, and LIVE does that well.

I feel like player movements are more responsive on the court and I think the facial scans are actually better for the non generic players.

I Prefer the shot button over the shot stick, and think Live's right stick control is better.

The change of pace and available space to operate "feel" better in LIVE.

The crowd....

Its rare that I feel cheesed on the court in LIVE like I do in 2K (subtle bumps knocking the player silly and the ball away?), and that's just talking about the CPU.

We went from an empty glass since Live 10 to a glass half full in Live 16, but people are still calling it empty, just because.... The improvements from 14 to now are nothing short of amazing, and give hope for the future.....with specific community requested additions.

I think OP is right on, but the decision to prefer/play NBA LIVE is almost nostalgic now if the masses keep telling us the other game is "better", but we keep coming back.....

The main reason I'd have to say is because its NOT 2k, and i don't ever want it to be. I like the variety as long as its palatable, and Live 16 is definitely that and more in moments.

# 38 Earl1963 @ 12/02/15 09:40 AM

Live 16 is my most played game on PS4 because to me it's more fun than any game that has come out this gen. I read all the negative impressions and I agree with a lot of them, lol. But for some reason this game resembles what I see on TV more than the other hoop games. The flow/pace, the spacing, graphics, atmosphere and the off ball movement is on point.

Sent using a telephone

# 39 josephNBA @ 01/03/18 11:35 AM

The author never explained what exactly makes Live "simplistic" or any game for that matter. Is it a straightforward association mode? Is it a lack of convoluted controls that we see in 2K? Does it load faster and throw you right into a game as opposed to the competition?

# 40 bigdnlaca @ 01/03/18 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josephNBA


	The author never explained what exactly makes Live "simplistic" or any game for that matter. Is it a straightforward association mode? Is it a lack of convoluted controls that we see in 2K? Does it load faster and throw you right into a game as opposed to the competition?

Why was this brought up? Live 18 is a way better game than 16 and you can get it cheaper if you buy it digitally than 16.

If you think about getting 16, stop it. It was a good game but after playing 18, you can't go back.

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