Has there been a more polarizing sports game this year than EA’s most recent basketball title? Either people have really enjoyed the game or simply hated it, but very few have fallen in the middle. When Ben Vollmer initially reviewed NBA Live 16 here at Operation Sports, he gave the title a 6.0 out of 10, meaning the game was above average but far from a classic.

Some of the game's initial downfalls were no customization, average gameplay and poor commentary. While any review is subjective and only one person’s opinion, our review fell into line with what most thought. In addition to the shortcomings listed already, the game lacked proper animations, and many of the incoming rookies and lesser known players had generic created faces.

Now we are almost three months past release, and the game has received multiple patches and updates. But has it made that much of difference? In my opinion, I would say yes.



So what has improved you ask? For one, many of the faces have been implemented. Whether through actual scans or modified facial creations, most of the likeness issues have improved with varying degrees of approval. For instance, the third overall pick in the NBA Draft, Jahlil Okafor, now has a stunningly re-created in-game likeness. However, Nikola Mirotic (Bulls) looks more like the Cavs' Kevin Love than a true representation of his real-life counterpart. Still, most of the individuals look very good, or even great, which obviously helps with the reality factor.

While player likenesses are very important, if the on-court gameplay suffers, then the facial improvements mean very little. With that in mind, NBA Live’s most recent patch has addressed many of the game's shortcomings in the animation department, as well as focusing in on the inability to play interior defense. While I would not describe the gameplay as polished or on point as of yet, the improvements were quite noticeable for those who played the title prior to the patch.



Another area that has improved since release is the all-important rebounding department. Pre-patch it was not uncommon for the AI players to make little to no effort in trying to secure a rebound. Even worse, users would occasionally see a ball actually come to a full stop on the ground before any player made an attempt to secure it, which is obviously unacceptable. I would not go so far as to describe the rebounding in NBA Live as an area of strength, but it has improved quite a bit, and no longer do you feel the need to scream obscenities at the screen (unless you just like screaming obscenities at your screen just for kicks, which, hey, go for it).

So has NBA Live 16 improved enough to warrant a higher score? I would say yes, and if I were scoring the title today, I would argue the game has improved enough to warrant that uptick in score. It has taken steps forward in some key areas, and it still offers a huge amount of fun on the court. Be that as it may, NBA Live has a ways to go before it can be talked about as a title that is pushing for true authenticity and NBA realism in today's gaming landscape.


How has your experience been post-patch with NBA Live 16?