NBA Live 2005 - PS2

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NBA Live 2005 (PS2)
Also for: PC, Xbox, GameCube
Viewed: 3D Third-person, floating camera Genre:
Sport: Basketball
Media: DVD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Electronic Arts Soft. Co.: Electronic Arts
Publishers: Electronic Arts (GB)
Released: 29 Oct 2004 (GB)
Ratings: PEGI 3+
Accessories: Memory Card
Features: Vibration Function Compatible, Analogue Control Compatible: analogue sticks only, Multitap adaptable

Summary

Where some of you might think "another year, another update", it still remains true that each time Electronic Arts brings us its latest efforts in the world of sports, these games usually represent a significant improvement in both graphics and in gameplay. And by and large the same is true of NBA Live 2005.

Players expecting improved visuals, less bugs, and more gameplay options have been given exactly that. First up, is Live 2005's much-vaunted play mechanic. Physical control of the characters is basically the same, however, players are now given more freedom to influence how shots are taken with adjustable mid-air dunks and new put-back and tip-in touches. In addition NBA Live boasts off-ball animation, five-a-side motion capture, and better player spacing, eliminating that on-court crowding that plagues so many other basketball titles.

The comprehensive Dynasty mode returns for Live 2005, and sees players partaking as manager with their own NBA team over a period of 25 seasons. You'll get to put your management and negotiating skills to the test, learn how to deal with salary caps, and work your career around a virtual PDA that holds vital league information, team details and breaking news. That's the single player game.

The PS2 offering of Live 2005 provides the same multi-player options as its Xbox and GameCube counter-parts, but it also provides online play exclusive to the platform. Competing against NBA veterans stateside, you'll be able to meet and greet other players in a virtual lobby before going head-to-head with others in a bid for NBA supremacy as tournament winner. Furthermore, those with online capability can download roster updates and set up their own competitions.

Finally, as mentioned earlier, EA has also seen fit to improve the visuals of Live 2005 over its immediate predecessor through high-resolution textures used on faces, jerseys, skin and even tattoos, raising the series visual benchmark that little bit higher.

To the less informed gamer, NBA Live 2005 may appear to be a generic reiteration of every other EA basketball game produced in recent times. But to the NBA Live veteran and others in the know, Live 2005 is quite simply EA's best NBA outing yet.

Artwork

NBA Live 2005 - PS2 Artwork