NBA Live 15 News Post

NBA Live 15 Shows Improvement Across the Board This Season (PS4/XB1 Review)

11:24 AM - October 31, 2014 by RaychelSnr

Coming off of last year’s less than stellar debut on the PS4 and the Xbox One, the development team behind NBA Live 15 had a lot of work to do in just one development cycle if it planned on competing with the behemoth known as NBA 2K. Even if you set the competition aspect aside, earning the trust back from a fan-base is a difficult path. Although one could see the potential in the Live debut title, it takes more than potential and aspirations to warrant a $60 purchase. The question now is has there been enough improvement for people to start to have faith in the series and developers again? That’s what we are about to find out.

Game: NBA Live 15Reader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS4 / Xbox OneVotes for game: 13 - View All

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Member Comments

# 1 SuperKyle @ 10/31/14 11:42 AM

Competition breeds creativity. I won't play this game, but I'm glad Live is making a comeback.

# 2 snc237 @ 10/31/14 11:46 AM

Who would of guessed NHL and NBA live would get the same rating. Problem with live is the gameplay isn't where it should be yet and NHL doesn't have critical game modes. That saying live still has a lot of work to do but seems like they are heading the right way but in my opinion they are 2 years away from being a true competitor to 2k. Here's hoping

# 3 sportyguyfl31 @ 10/31/14 12:05 PM

good review. fair, and rational. The game is not "Trash", but isn't "Great" either. It feels like a stepping stone game. Would have been nice if it was done the 1st time around with 14, as that game clearly released well before it was ready.

# 4 Mercilus @ 10/31/14 12:14 PM

So people with poor internet or none, would this be good offline?

# 5 Rockie_Fresh88 @ 10/31/14 12:45 PM

Very good review. I definitely think the game is a good pick up and very fun. But it's a bit shallow in some areas and I don't know if it's worth $60. But way better than last year at release IMO lol.

# 6 Dantecamp21 @ 10/31/14 01:15 PM

I'd give it a 6,75.

The game already feels much better after the first patch. An open jumper with a great release isn't a given anymore. The same goes for a contested shot with a slightly late release, which won't result in an automatic miss. The ambience is amazing with proper arena lightning that accurately mimics every nuance of their real life counterparts (one of the few areas where the other game totally missed the point this year) and their signature sounds and chants. I love the cameras this year as well but we need to see much more ESPN integration next year.

Still, the overall feel of the game needs to be more organic. It shows flashes when the physics engine triggers in the lane. Overall, as a huge fan of the game (as well as the other one) I'm happy with this year's effort and definitely looking forward for even more fine tuning via the next patches (WE NEED A PLAYER EDITOR FUNCTION).

Can't wait for LIVE 16.

# 7 scottyp180 @ 10/31/14 01:20 PM

I have only played the demo but I would say that the review score of 5.5 does not reflect the quality of gameplay. If you are some one that has typically enjoyed Live's gameplay over 2k's then you will undoubtedly enjoy this game. It certainly has it's flaws, some being lingering Live issues, but overall the gameplay is fun and enjoyable. I would even argue that their are some aspects that are done betterthan 2k. I love the feel of walking up the court and the ovrerall responsiveness feels good, especislly the feeling of footplanting as I didnt notice or feeling sliding. I don't see the game winning over 2k loyalist but if you play this game without prejudging and without being overly critical then there is certainly fun to be had.

My personal experience with the demo: I have always been a 2k fan over Live but I also give Live a chance each year it is released. I downloaded the demo tuesday night and played a little over a quarter the following morning before work. I didn't quite form an opinion just yet. I was mostly getting use to the controls and getting a feel for the game. I thought not bad, definitely a Live game but I'll play again later now that I have a better idea how to play. So that night my plan was to play just a quarter, maybe a half, then switch over to 2k for comparison sake. I ended up playing an entire game and enjoying my time with it. Now it was a bit too easy as I was able to basically dominate with Lebron without trying, playing on allstar difficulty; however I enjoyed the overall feeling that I was in control. I got stops because I played quality defense and timed blocks and steals. I was able to score because my shot timing was accurate and I could move the ball quickly when a double team came or someone was left open.

I would definitely buy this game if or when it is on sale, I am not in need of owning 2 basketball games, but for those looking for something different than 2k and people who have enjoyed the Live series in the past I would definitely recommend the game.

# 8 bigeastbumrush @ 10/31/14 01:37 PM

The review didn't read like 5.5. I read the review first and then saw the score and was surprised.

It is very fair though. You could've been a lot more harsh for all the things which are missing.

# 9 MarkcusD @ 10/31/14 01:50 PM

It's a bad game. I want it to be good because of all of 2k's vc bs, but it's not.

# 10 esham313 @ 10/31/14 02:17 PM

5.5 is about right. it's a mediocre game at best. Only played the demo. Graphics are better but it plays like a ps2 game. No wonder none of the retailers in my city carried the game. Glad I couldn't find one before I played the demo.

# 11 wimp14 @ 10/31/14 03:05 PM

5.5 sounds about right I had the game at a 5 myself. It's just not a good game in my opinion. I was pulling for live maybe 2016.

# 12 WTF @ 10/31/14 06:25 PM

Hopefully guys read the review, instead of just looking at the score and passing. This line in particular:

Quote:


	Let’s make this clear, even though there are issues with the gameplay, for the most part it is solid, and in my humble opinion, a lot of fun to play.

# 13 RipCityAndy @ 10/31/14 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkcusD


	It's a bad game. I want it to be good because of all of 2k's vc bs, but it's not.

This is a good review. I like the way you game a brief, detailed summary of all the game modes. Your criticisms were all valid and on point. I think you could have gone a little more in-depth regarding the specifics of the game modes (e.g. NBA Rewind or LUT). Towards the end the review became more of a CliffsNotes summary instead of a review. Ultimately, I think you captured the essence of NBA Live 15 pretty well.

I give you a 5.5/10

# 14 RipCityAndy @ 10/31/14 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RipCityAndy


	This is a good review. I like the way you game a brief, detailed summary of all the game modes. Your criticisms were all valid and on point. I think you could have gone a little more in-depth regarding the specifics of the game modes (e.g. NBA Rewind or LUT). Towards the end the review became more of a CliffsNotes summary instead of a review. Ultimately, I think you captured the essence of NBA Live 15 pretty well. I give you a 5.5/10

I give my accidental quote fail a 5.5/10 as well.

# 15 scottyp180 @ 10/31/14 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WTF


	Hopefully guys read the review, instead of just looking at the score and passing. This line in particular:

I'd agree with this statement based on my time with the demo. While playing I couldn't help but think that me n my friends would have a blast playing. I understand that there are people disappointed and underwhelmed but in comparison to this series recent history this game is miles better.

it is simply unfair to compare or expect this game to be at the same quality as "the other game". We are talking about one game that has been continually improved over the past 15 years or so and another game that has essentially been rebuilt over the past two years. It would be like expecting a undeveloped 2 year player to play as well as a 15 year allstar. There is an enjoyable and fun game here if the game isn't looked at critically or cynically.

# 16 tracyllrkn @ 10/31/14 07:59 PM

How do you get the play visuals to show up in this game?!

# 17 WTF @ 10/31/14 08:08 PM

You have to manually call a play. Hold Left, Up or Right on the D-Pad and choose a play. Play art will show if you have the visuals turned on in your settings. It will not show during regular automotion.

# 18 tracyllrkn @ 10/31/14 08:32 PM

Auto motion is on, but when I manually call a play, it doesn't show up. Does auto motion have to be off for a manual play's visuals to show up? It's a shame that I have to ask this question.

# 19 WTF @ 10/31/14 09:01 PM

No, it should show as long as you have the play art set to on.

# 20 RdubYa @ 10/31/14 09:30 PM

I have been on the fence about purchasing this. I already own 2k15, and I really enjoy it - when I can play. Being an offline 2k player mostly I rolled the dice getting it this year thinking they would have at least learned something from the server issues last year. Suffice to say, they did not, and again I am left debating if I even want to commit to trying to play a game, because if the servers are down and I can't play my OFFLINE game I just get angry.

After playing the demo, Live isn't perfect, but perhaps it is passable enough that I can do what I intended from the beginning. Play an offline game and have some fun without having to worry about the status of the servers.

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