NBA Live 08 Community Day Report Update

[The X]

I can't wait to hear what dynasty mode has to offer....tell you what Andrew, if gameplay is back to where it should be, but dynasty is terrific, you will see me move back to Live after a one year hiatus of course I might end up owning both nba games, to get best of both worlds, but I'd like more of an option this year....but yep, can't wait to hear what you say about dynasty mode

[qrich_matrix]

By now they EA has had to include the trading block feature in this years game. please tell me theyve included it

[Bateman111]

I have a couple of questions:

1) I know you mentioned Allen Iverson, but will other players have multiple go-to moves?

2) Will we be able to select go-to moves for created players?

3) Are there more post-moves this year? Like hooks, up-and unders, turn-arounds. Also, with the new 'in the paint' feature, will we be able to control our shots or just fakes and triple threat moves?

Thanks

[Raptorel]

I wonder if the signature shots can end up being used by generated rookies... or they just dissapear when the specific player retires?

Also, does the weight factor matter? Or it's just a matter of strength between the players ratings that determines whether a player makes a shot or not?

And regarding to the free throw shooting, when using the right analog stick to shoot free throws, that player's free throw shooting ratings matter or not? Or it's just you? Because it kinda sucks to use Steve Nash and Shaq with the right analog controller and see it's the same thing... it should allow a higher chance of getting the free throw in with Nash even if it's not at the perfect release...

[jamon51]

For everyone wondering what players hotspots will be, a good place to start would be the NBA's own hotzone viewer:

http://www.nba.com/hotzones/

Looks like Lebron is the most effective under the hoop. No surprise there.

[Sauru]

at the risk of sounding like a broken record...

can we save mid game in 08? can you even answer that yet or know the answer?

anyway great write up, look forward to the dynasty report as that is the major draw for me to sports games.

[JaoSming]

how about the new practice gym / area. Did they really change it to inside the stadium?

[Darko_Milicic]

How about DEFENSE ?? It seems they just focused on offense, with all those gimmicks and stuff, and they forgot about the defense. I know that interior defense doesn't exist for the moment, but how about
perimeter defense ?

[tempo]

thanks for the write up andrew, your writing is funny and real easy to read.

i know what you mean about spending lots of money in the nba store! it would be rude not too.

[Andrew]

I can't wait to hear what dynasty mode has to offer....tell you what Andrew, if gameplay is back to where it should be, but dynasty is terrific, you will see me move back to Live after a one year hiatus of course I might end up owning both nba games, to get best of both worlds, but I'd like more of an option this year....but yep, can't wait to hear what you say about dynasty mode

I'm looking forward to it. I can't speak for everyone of course but if you're thinking of coming back to Live this year I'd suggest at least renting the game when it comes out if you're hesitant to put the money down and buying the game when it hits stores. I won't say it's perfect but it's not like NBA Live 07.

By now they EA has had to include the trading block feature in this years game. please tell me theyve included it

Look out for my Dynasty report coming soon, I can't talk about Dynasty just yet.

I have a couple of questions:

1) I know you mentioned Allen Iverson, but will other players have multiple go-to moves?

2) Will we be able to select go-to moves for created players?

3) Are there more post-moves this year? Like hooks, up-and unders, turn-arounds. Also, with the new 'in the paint' feature, will we be able to control our shots or just fakes and triple threat moves?

Thanks

1. There was someone else but I can't remember who at the moment. If it comes back to me I'll let you know.

2. No, but in theory Quick Strike will allow us to "create" our own Go To moves since we can break out of animations and string them together, much like the system in NBA Street: Homecourt.

3. There's supposedly over 100 moves that can be performed in the post this year, depending on button presses and context.

I wonder if the signature shots can end up being used by generated rookies... or they just dissapear when the specific player retires?

I think some might be randomly assigned, though truly unique ones like Shawn Marion will not.

Also, does the weight factor matter? Or it's just a matter of strength between the players ratings that determines whether a player makes a shot or not?

Bigger players should usually be able to throw their weight around, though the difficulty in playing interior defense does make this a bit of a concern at times.

And regarding to the free throw shooting, when using the right analog stick to shoot free throws, that player's free throw shooting ratings matter or not? Or it's just you? Because it kinda sucks to use Steve Nash and Shaq with the right analog controller and see it's the same thing... it should allow a higher chance of getting the free throw in with Nash even if it's not at the perfect release...

Better free throw shooters have a larger margin for error when shooting with the right analog stick but a skilled player will eventually beat that learning curve. It's probably going to be a matter of cranking up the free throw difficulty slider again.

can we save mid game in 08? can you even answer that yet or know the answer?

I'm afraid my answer sounds much like a broken record too; not this year.

how about the new practice gym / area. Did they really change it to inside the stadium?

They did, the "temple" is gone.

How about DEFENSE ?? It seems they just focused on offense, with all those gimmicks and stuff, and they forgot about the defense. I know that interior defense doesn't exist for the moment, but how about
perimeter defense ?

I have no major complaints about perimeter defense, the Defensive Assist button works pretty well defending on the perimeter and putting a body on the ballhandler. My only gripe is that the button has an autoswitch feature which is a bit confusing at first when you suddenly find yourself controlling another defender.

i know what you mean about spending lots of money in the nba store! it would be rude not too.

If you're a hoops fan, it's the worst store to walk into with a credit card...in a good way, of course.

[The X]

I can't wait to hear what dynasty mode has to offer....tell you what Andrew, if gameplay is back to where it should be, but dynasty is terrific, you will see me move back to Live after a one year hiatus of course I might end up owning both nba games, to get best of both worlds, but I'd like more of an option this year....but yep, can't wait to hear what you say about dynasty mode

I'm looking forward to it. I can't speak for everyone of course but if you're thinking of coming back to Live this year I'd suggest at least renting the game when it comes out if you're hesitant to put the money down and buying the game when it hits stores. I won't say it's perfect but it's not like NBA Live 07.

don't worry, I always do my research....read a handful of reviews, making sure game is at least rated 80%....will compare ratings & comments to that of NBA 2k game....even then, if I'm happy I'll buy it from EB so that I have a 7 day return of game policy if I'm not happy....so I'll be cautious when buying & wait for other player's reviews before jumping in....I'm just hoping for a good product like everyone else, that's all....

[Ty-Land]

I can't wait to hear what dynasty mode has to offer....tell you what Andrew, if gameplay is back to where it should be, but dynasty is terrific, you will see me move back to Live after a one year hiatus of course I might end up owning both nba games, to get best of both worlds, but I'd like more of an option this year....but yep, can't wait to hear what you say about dynasty mode

I'm looking forward to it. I can't speak for everyone of course but if you're thinking of coming back to Live this year I'd suggest at least renting the game when it comes out if you're hesitant to put the money down and buying the game when it hits stores. I won't say it's perfect but it's not like NBA Live 07.

don't worry, I always do my research....read a handful of reviews, making sure game is at least rated 80%....will compare ratings & comments to that of NBA 2k game....even then, if I'm happy I'll buy it from EB so that I have a 7 game return of game policy if I'm not happy....so I'll be cautious when buying & wait for other player's reviews before jumping in....I'm just hoping for a good product like everyone else, that's all....

Sounds like my plan of attack. The news coming about 08 is very positive to this point, but it would have to be a massive improvement to get me to switch away from the 2k series at this stage. If it is good enough, then I'll put my money out there and get a copy, if not I'll stick to playing 2k8 (presuming that it will continue to be up to a high standard of course).

[[Q]]

Sounds like my plan of attack. The news coming about 08 is very positive to this point, but it would have to be a massive improvement to get me to switch away from the 2k series at this stage. If it is good enough, then I'll put my money out there and get a copy, if not I'll stick to playing 2k8 (presuming that it will continue to be up to a high standard of course).

i can definitely see 2K release 2K7 with rookies and a few updated ratings with no news so far about 2K8

[The X]

Sounds like my plan of attack. The news coming about 08 is very positive to this point, but it would have to be a massive improvement to get me to switch away from the 2k series at this stage. If it is good enough, then I'll put my money out there and get a copy, if not I'll stick to playing 2k8 (presuming that it will continue to be up to a high standard of course).

i can definitely see 2K release 2K7 with rookies and a few updated ratings with no news so far about 2K8

I think it would be foolish for 2k to sit on their laurels, but we'll just have to wait & see....hopefully we get 2 very good NBA games to choose from....

[Platinum]

2k is being quiet. but they always have been quiet. they don't hype up their game but they still manage to deliver everytime.

anyway, Andrew, aside from the top plays, what are the other things that have changed in terms of presentation?

who's the commentators?
how do they announce the starting line up?
what's new with the create a player mode?
etc.

[Patr1ck]

Well, I just read that E3 is happening July 10-13 according to gamespot, so it shouldn't be long before we hear any information about the 2k series and the Live series, not to mention a bunch of other games.

[[Q]]

Sounds like my plan of attack. The news coming about 08 is very positive to this point, but it would have to be a massive improvement to get me to switch away from the 2k series at this stage. If it is good enough, then I'll put my money out there and get a copy, if not I'll stick to playing 2k8 (presuming that it will continue to be up to a high standard of course).

i can definitely see 2K release 2K7 with rookies and a few updated ratings with no news so far about 2K8

I think it would be foolish for 2k to sit on their laurels, but we'll just have to wait & see....hopefully we get 2 very good NBA games to choose from....

well after this last year, they've probably crowned themselves the winners of the Live/2k wars for the time being. I can see them getting an attitude like Live used to have... that they dominate the competition. It's possible they get a good game and then stop trying.

[06woz]

Does anyone know how much if any ESPN integration is in this game? I was hoping for like half time show post game show with stats of players and maybe a highlight or 2.

[[Q]]

well they mentioned highlight cliips at the end of the game, so maybe a sportscenter-like recap of the game?

[Sauru]

i cant believe they still have not added mid game saves. if they truely listened to the fans this would be in the game. its not a hard thing to do. games have had this "feature" for years. if they want to they can give it some fancy name and sell it as a gimmick as they seem to be doing with everything new they add to the game every year.

[06woz]

Alright well when is E3 over? Because they will likely reveal ALL of the information they have at E3 like they did last year.

EDIT: The EA sports press conference is scheduled for 2:00 PM(eastern?) on July 11th

We should know almost everything there is to know about the game at that time and that is likely the date that the embargo is lifted on which Andrew can speak about anything he wants.

Counting...........

[geodimo]

Hot Spots colors are displayed during the game?

or is sth that EA uses now in preview videos & images, just to highlight the new feature?

[Andrew]

who's the commentators?
how do they announce the starting line up?
what's new with the create a player mode?
etc.

1. Steve Kerr and Marv Albert.
2. Due to a glitch in the build, we couldn't view the starting lineup intros.
3. Nothing much as far as I can see, though ratings can now be modified in Dynasty Mode.

Does anyone know how much if any ESPN integration is in this game? I was hoping for like half time show post game show with stats of players and maybe a highlight or 2.

It doesn't look like there's much in the way of new ESPN Integration content this year, though perhaps that will be unveiled at a later date. It hasn't been the focus this year which I for one was pleased to hear. I don't have anything against ESPN Integration but it's not the most pressing issue in my opinion.

[06woz]

do you know the embargo date. because it is quite possibly tomorrow (wednesday july 11th at 2:00 pm is ea's e3 conference)

[[S]Reaver]

3. Nothing much as far as I can see, though ratings can now be modified in Dynasty Mode.

What...? Did you just say "Dynasty Mode"? Is this a preview for what's to come after the embargo dates?