Its Worthy.
User Rating: 9.3 | NBA Live 2005 XBOX
Electronic Arts have been producing the most realistic and or most popular basketball sim for over ten years. Thier experiance shows with each passing year. They improve upon the title tremendously every year Imo. 2004 and 2005 are almost perfect simulations. I don't see how they can improve upon the gameplay. This may be the best anyone can do using todays hand controller interface technology. The hand controller interface has not changed throughout the years but EA has done all they could to maximize the format. Many innovations EA made with 2003 and 2004 are still present. I really became comfortable with the seperate dunk and shoot buttons and the addictive freestyle stick. The most significant improvements 2004 made over 2003 was the ten-man movement and the improved defense. Those features are still available on 2005 along with an awesome All Star Weekend mode. The All star weekend mode contains great commentary from two thirds of the NBA on TNT team. Although I did miss Barkley Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith were hilarious at times. There are a couple of things I dont like about the game. I think the dunk and shoot buttons have been switched on the gamecube. Its more difficult to double team or dunk, and the players look like they have a sheen to them. Mabey the sheen is sweat. Those complaints still won't keep me from thoroughly enjoying this edition of Live. Hats off to you EA sports. Thank you for a superb product. If Live is not your cup of tea after spending a reasonable amount of time with it try Sega's ESPN 2k5 title. The visuals are incredible but the gameplay is not incredible. Also if you don't mind the stiff player animations and the wide open gamplay, then you probably want to check out 2k5.
