NBA Live 14 Reviews From Around the Web

[DonWuan]

I can only assume that some people just need a change. As great as the other game is its still the same game after the honeymoon period.

Some people just want change.

[noshun]

Quote: Originally Posted by seanhazz1

For all the 2K fans/LIVE haters, I'd like to offer them the purchase of my silver 65 Shelby GT. Great custom paint job, no dents or scratches, custom rims and tires, it absolutely looks mint, but it has no engine, no radio, no lights, no seats(all missing parts will be delivered at a future undetermined date) etc., ..... ...kind of like the NG NBA 2K14 offering, it looks great, might be one of the top looking sports titles of all time, it plays a little better than CG, but has no soul (Features). People are still playing NFL 2K5 because it had a great soul!! In fact, according to reviews, they ripped out the soul just so it would "look better", and its still void of STANDARD CG features (roster edits, 30 team control, defensive settings, sliders not saving, etc.). Video game basketball fans now have a legitimate chance promote positive change in both franchises (in theory), by just being honest, if they could just get past eye candy, and prejudice. I think 2k's strategy may have been to take everything out we enjoy in CG and put them back in for year two, as new features, to compete with LIVE's inevitable graphics upgrades for next year. I never expected LIVE to beat this year's 2K14 in the ring, but I also didn't expect 2K to purposely try to take a fall either, by skimping out on all the standard features in game that could have knocked NG LIVE out for the count for another 3 years. Maybe we can buy them (missing features) back with VC?? And still we buy... Those who REALLY want to know, and can afford to, can go buy both and return the one they don't like as much for another game. That's my official game plan. I'll stack them side by side, feature for feature, and determine a winner (or keep both as I collect them too).

CRUTCH post spotted..

[GisherJohn24]

Im going with the Bleacher Report. IGN seems to think being unrealistic at times makes for a "NOT FUN" experience. Live has always been a bit over the top, some people like that. I'm glad I'm getting it.

The gameplay actually exceeded my expectations. The on-court A.I. is excellent. The quality here is a product of the new CourtQ feature that enhances the way players react away from the ball on offense and defense.

A.I.-controlled players rotate on defense and cut to the basket on offense with great realism. Solid defensive teams really shine as they play as a unit to help limit the solid looks opponents get.

As usual, the dribbling is sharp. The signature dribbling skills helps add diversity to controlling perimeter players, but not as much attention is paid to post players. The low-post play lacks the overall depth that the game delivers away from the basket.

One issue I also found in extended gameplay piggybacks on that issue. It came in the contact/foul dynamics near the basket. I played three full games with five-minute quarters and both teams shot a total of five free throws. Even if both squads ran offenses that shot a ton of jump shots, that's an oddly small number of trips to the line.
This can likely be tweaked in the sliders or with a patch, but it is one of those things that should be more realistic in the default/retail settings.

On a whole, there is a solid base here for the series moving forward, but a few improvements are still needed.

Overall
Is the NBA Live series ready to regain its spot atop the virtual basketball world? No, it isn't, but the foundation has finally been laid to build the game to an elite level—no pun intended.

If the player models and animation can catch up to some of the mode innovation and presentation, this series could be great again. Here's a look at the game by the numbers.

Graphics and Animation: 6.75
Gameplay and Realism: 7.75
Sound and Presentation: 9
Game Modes and Options: 8

Overall: 7.8

[NoTiCe_O]

The game is a realistic simulation of basketball, bleacher report a site known for their basketball analysis and knowledge of the game gives it a 7.8 because they see the basketball realism in the game.

It's not just about the graphics but how the game plays from a purely basketball standpoint, and NBA Live delivers a solid basketball simulation. People are really spoiled by graphics and animations it annoying really. If you have a solid Bball I.Q and a basketball mind then you can see the potential in Live, and the amount of fun it could be with two solid players going at it.

I wish more people saw the Scott OG stream or at least he archived it, because the game looked better than any other stream I'd seen of Live, if you understand basketball strategy and tactics then you;ll like the game for what it is. A maybe raw, but solid sim of basketball, not just NBA basketball, but basketball in general.

*Waits for the wise guy to say "but you haven't even played it, stop deffnding EA man"*

I'm not defending EA but just commending someone for implementing core basketball tactics and strategies into a game with full control. I like the fact the game delivers a a solid basketball experience and the control is in my hands.

[DirtyJerz32]

This is my last comment in any Live 14 thread as it's starting to get out of hand... just as I thought it would.

For those of you that are just reading the review and/or basing your decisions on videos, you can play the demo.

For those that don't like the game or anything about it, why continue coming on this thread and bashing guys who may like it? It's their decision and money, let them do what they want with it.

And for those that like the game, stay out of any of the Live threads and enjoy the game. You don't need to explain yourself or your purchase to anyone.

Sorry for the rant, but some of you guys are just... wow.

I"m out! Duces!

Carry on...

[H to the Oza]

Quote: Originally Posted by seanhazz1

For all the 2K fans/LIVE haters, I'd like to offer them the purchase of my silver 65 Shelby GT. Great custom paint job, no dents or scratches, custom rims and tires, it absolutely looks mint, but it has no engine, no radio, no lights, no seats(all missing parts will be delivered at a future undetermined date) etc., .....

You forgot to include the part where NBA Live has no body, frame, character. Just a bunch of parts thrown in a pile. Im not trying to have a go at you, but cmon man, 2K does has a (small) engine, and it clearly has seats considering it keeps me seated for hours playing the game.

Quote: Originally Posted by seanhazz1

Those who REALLY want to know, and can afford to, can go buy both and return the one they don't like as much for another game. That's my official game plan. I'll stack them side by side, feature for feature, and determine a winner (or keep both as I collect them too).

If you are strictly comparing them by features, Live will probably win. It has more interesting features in my opinion. But I dont think that is a fair assessment.

[swaggedout]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gorilla Glass

Then there is the other side of your post, the one where people hate the game based on the developers, not the experience. Just with Madden 25 on PS4 which is a pretty awesome game but of course, here comes the bobble head haters. I don't blame them for wanting the best, but most base their rants off of past experiences and compressed YouTube videos, so I take thy haters opinion as a grain of salt. Maybe NBAL14 does stink, but until you've actually tried it, then 'what are you talking about Willis'?

I guess you're one of those people I was describing. No I haven't played the game and I won't unless its a demo. $60, yeah right. Playing the game won't change the graphics, the bad animations, the commentary, or anything gameplay wise that you haven't seen. You want presentation, pregame warmups, then this is your game. What you see on your screen is not an oasis, its a sigh of what is. You guys think once you play it, that everything you've seen is gonna change. Spend your money, and after ill see you back here complaining and defending your little heart out.

[GisherJohn24]

Quote: Originally Posted by NoTiCe_O

The game is a realistic simulation of basketball, bleacher report a site known for their basketball analysis and knowledge of the game gives it a 7.8 because they see the basketball realism in the game. It's not just about the graphics but how the game plays from a purely basketball standpoint, and NBA Live delivers a solid basketball simulation. People are really spoiled by graphics and animations it annoying really. If you have a solid Bball I.Q and a basketball mind then you can see the potential in Live, and the amount of fun it could be with two solid players going at it. I wish more people saw the Scott OG stream or at least he archived it, because the game looked better than any other stream I'd seen of Live, if you understand basketball strategy and tactics then you;ll like the game for what it is. A maybe raw, but solid sim of basketball, not just NBA basketball, but basketball in general. *Waits for the wise guy to say "but you haven't even played it, stop deffnding EA man"* I'm not defending EA but just commending someone for implementing core basketball tactics and strategies into a game with full control. I like the fact the game delivers a a solid basketball experience and the control is in my hands.

finally a decent response.