Gameplay Review (Xbox version)

[handlementalz]

First, let me tell you a little about myself. I've been playing live since the sega genesis days. I've played live on the PC from 1996 - 2003. I've been in several leagues for the PC version. I don't really play it on the console since IMO the PC version is better. This year I decided to try it out for the XBOX.

I haven't played enough of Dynasty mode so I won't review it.

What I like (On-court):

1. Defense

- The blocks are toned down compared to 2003. The ball will not get sent to the other side of the court.

- Double teaming is very effective. If you hold the ball too long the defense will smother you and you will lose the rock.

- In Previous Live's, it was very difficult to play Defense manually. Not in 2004, you can actually lock down your man if you really concentrate. If you're like me and like to play on defense as much as offense, this is a plus.

- They've included diving for loose balls, which is a very nice touch.

2. Offense

- Seperating the Jumpshot and Dunk/layup buttons. This adds to what I love about Live, which is the amount of control you are given. If you are not in position for a dunk or layup, you can choose to either do a one handed shot/floater or a lean in jumper (or fade away backwards or to the side).

- More freestyle moves. I'm sure there are a lot of moves you can create by stringing together different freestyle moves. Again, more control.

- The pro hop is a nice touch. You can hop backwards or forward, or do a power dribble. A hard move to stop in the game and in real life.

- Off ball control is a nice addition. In previous Live's you could only control the person who touched the ball last. Now you are allowed to choose and switch as much as possible.

- The chants in the arenas are nice. In the staples center, they chanted "Kobe! Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!"


What I don't Like (On-Court):

- Passing. The passes you make are usually off balance. Hardly do you see and crisp passing. Fast breaks are ruined becuase when you pass, your player will completely turn his body which causes a slight pause, if not a complete stop. This also creates an ice-skating feel because when the player turns around, his feet looks like they stopped moving.

- It seems like its too crowded on the court. There's is too much going on sometimes. Too much unnecessary animations and collisions.

- The dunk sound effect is still exagerrated.

- Game gets choppy, maybe due to the excessive and extreme animations.

- The player's body's look weird during certain animations. I've noticed during blocks, their arm's get longer. Same as during some layups. Players look stubby.

Conclusion

The passing/receiving animation really bothers me. This was a similar problem in NBA 2k3 (Sega). The choppy graphics at times and the crowded feeling can get annoying. Although, the amount of control you have on the player is amazing. Defense is a lot better which forces you to play with a strategic game plan. The commentary gives the game a nice feel.

A lot of the gameplay issues can be adressed with the sliders, but the bad physics and animations can't.

Hopefully this review helps some of you people who are still deciding whether to buy this game or not. Sorry if my review is a little hard to follow, this is the first time I've really reviewed a game.

[Uzumaki]

is the diving for balls something you can do manually, or does the player to it on his own?

[handlementalz]

is the diving for balls something you can do manually, or does the player to it on his own?

You can do it manually. If there is a loose ball, you can press [x] (For xbox) to dive. If you don't press [x] you will just simply pick up the ball.

[cyanide]

Good review You give a very good description of in-game pros and cons and the gameplay.