New IGN Article

[joemimic]

August 14, 2003 - The game of basketball hasn't changed much over the last two years, but in NBA Live 2004 EA Sports has moved into phase two of the series' overhaul. Last year, the world was introduced to the magic of freestyle control on the right analog stick. It not only opened up more offensive creativity and run and gun fun in the franchise, but the concept has trickled down to football and hockey games by any and all sports videogame publishers out there. Hopefully you've got a firm grasp of freestyle control, because Live 2004 is adding even more creative control for the real basketball fans out there. In our most recent look at the game, we got to see the nuts and bolts behind the game's enhanced franchise mode, but the biggest news is the new gameplay mechanics we're getting this time around.

Kobe Bryant will tell you there's more than one way to shoot a basketball --he's tried and missed most all of them-- so Live 2004 is releasing us from the constriction of just one shot button. There will now be a dedicated jump shot button and separate layup/dunk button so you'll know exactly what kind of shot you're taking. Now, if your 7-footer pulls up for an 3 foot jump shot under the basket, it'll be because you told him to. The system is logical so that if you're 20 feet from the basket and hit the dunk button, your player will take a step and try a running one hander or teardrop shot --the only "layup" available to him at that range. Think Nick Van Exel or Mike Bibby around the top of the key and you'll get an idea of what we're talking about. Of course, his shooting percentage will be ridiculously low on a shot like this, but the idea is that you're getting what you asked for, so it's all your fault. The real magic of the two dedicated shoot button doesn't reveal itself until you start incorporating it with the freestyle control and the new pro-hop button that causes the player to pick up his dribble, take two steps and gather themselves for a leap or shot. Now you will be able to create your own All-Star caliber sequences where you shimmy shake, split the defense and take off for whichever shot you want. Rookies will still be able to create some stellar looking offensive moves, but Live veterans will be able to make every game session look like a highlight reel.

If the shot buttons weren't enough, Live 2004 is also introducing off-the-ball control on offense. Just like we've been able to do on defense for the last several years of videogame basketball, you can take control of any player on offense at any time, even if they don't have the ball. You simple toggle OTB control on, hit the button for the player you want to control and let the fun begin. Your AI teammates will run whatever offense you've selected, passing, screening and cutting to the best of their ability. It's up to you whether or not you want to work within the offense as well, moving your man and making the passes you're supposed to make. If not, you can tell your teammates to take an open shot if you think it's available and most importantly you can call for an instant pass at any time. They'll do their best to get the ball to you right away. The first thing we tried to do using OTB control was create custom alley oops by playing as Yao Ming and calling for the ball whenever Steve Francis had the ball on the perimeter. It's a lot easier said than done, but again, it will be a skill veteran Live players will learn to develop.

With all of this freedom on the offensive end of the court, it might sound like the scores in Live 2004 games will be even higher than those from last year. However, the defensive intensity looks like it's been greatly improved. The improved momentum system and 10-man motion capture animation system have already combined to limit the effectiveness of the freestyle control. You can't just spin and crossover your way all over the court at will. Even Jason Kidd can lose the rock if you try to string too many moves together in high traffic and through a tenacious defender. In the case of the off-the-ball control, it will be a piece of cake to abuse AI defenders on the lower difficulties. At the higher difficulty settings and against human opponents, the OTB control on both offense and defense will open up all kinds of mini-strategies and a whole new game within the game as you try to work the offense to your liking.

The franchise mode in Live 2004 is beginning to catch up to the franchise modes of its football and hockey cousins. Developing your team using the Dynasty development system more or less applies the Madden Card system in a new way so that you'll be motivated to win and perform well. As you put together win streaks, reach milestones, win your division, make playoffs etc, you'll earn Dynasty Points that can be spent on Training Sessions or Dynasty Extras. Training Sessions --which function the same way as Preseason Training Camp-- allow you to buy practice time for individual players or your entire team where they'll be able to permanently improve the four major attributes of shooting, offense, defense and conditioning. Obviously, training your team costs more than training a specific player. Dynasty Extras are coaches, facilities and equipment you can buy that will affect very specific skills of your entire team for 1, 5 or 10 games or even an entire season if you have enough points. For example you can hire a free throw coach to improve the Lakers' (read: Shaq's) technique at the line right before a big game that has playoff implications. If you want the effects of the free throw coach's training to last 10 games or throughout the whole season, it'll definitely cost you but deep into your franchise it may be worth it.

You're rewarded for both team and individual performances throughout NBA Live 2004. The NBA Store is where you'll be able to spend NBA Store points you've earned from playing all different aspects of the game and buy goodies for your team. Store points can even be used to buy Dynasty points if you're desperate. The NBA Store however is where you'll find headbands, socks, practice gear and throwback jerseys like the glorious 1986-87 Cleveland Cavs orange nightmare worn by Ron Harper and the now old-school smiley Houston Rockets jersey. But the biggest draw in the NBA Store will be the genuine Nike hoop shoes available including Classics like the Revolution, the new fangled Shox and the Holy Grail of all basketball footwear: the Air Jordan. Apparently Nike has a bit more experience at playing the role of dominant arrogant empire because they've only allowed EA to use the Air Jordan I's, IV's, XII's and XVIII's (hi and low) in NBA Live 2004. But then again that's 100% more Air Jordan than we've seen in any other hoop game to date.

IGN will have much more on NBA Live 2004 because we could never afford Air Jordans back in the day and now they are all belong to us.

-- Aaron Boulding

[DaManFromGapo]

whoa!....very impressive article from IGN. I think this is something we've been waiting to hear....so many new features. I like the feature where you can choose your shot using any of the two shoot buttons. Looking good so far. They really are trying to catch up with the Madden and NHL franchises.


Interesting!...hope that a actual gameplay footage video comes out soon. we really need to see this as soon as possible.

Cheers!

[cocobee]

thanks Joe, but one major concern--"Where's trading of draft picks?"

Lemme see what would make the franchise mode deeper? Jordans or trading of future draft picks that actually happen in the NBA?

C'mon EA, FOCUS!

[Kenyon_Martin]

wow i thought live was gonna have many new features, but i never expected this the game sounds REALLY great now. and i really like the fact that you can choose your own shot and make a "teardrop" shot. Absolutley Awesome

[Andrew]

Kobe Bryant will tell you there's more than one way to shoot a basketball --he's tried and missed most all of them-- so Live 2004 is releasing us from the constriction of just one shot button. There will now be a dedicated jump shot button and separate layup/dunk button so you'll know exactly what kind of shot you're taking. Now, if your 7-footer pulls up for an 3 foot jump shot under the basket, it'll be because you told him to.

An innovative idea, but one that require some adjustment. No doubt I'll be shooting jumpers right under the basket and attempting dunks from 20 feet while learning the new controls.

If the shot buttons weren't enough, Live 2004 is also introducing off-the-ball control on offense. Just like we've been able to do on defense for the last several years of videogame basketball, you can take control of any player on offense at any time, even if they don't have the ball. You simple toggle OTB control on, hit the button for the player you want to control and let the fun begin.

Sounds much better than the traditional "hold pass to retain control without the ball". Hopefully when you turn the offense over to your CPU teammates to run, they'll play intelligently.

You can't just spin and crossover your way all over the court at will. Even Jason Kidd can lose the rock if you try to string too many moves together in high traffic and through a tenacious defender.

Good news, but I hope this holds true for the CPU as well. If you can't spin your way easily to the basket, then neither should your CPU opponent.

Developing your team using the Dynasty development system more or less applies the Madden Card system in a new way so that you'll be motivated to win and perform well. As you put together win streaks, reach milestones, win your division, make playoffs etc, you'll earn Dynasty Points that can be spent on Training Sessions or Dynasty Extras.

Not quite what I had in mind, but it won't be so bad I guess.

You're rewarded for both team and individual performances throughout NBA Live 2004. The NBA Store is where you'll be able to spend NBA Store points you've earned from playing all different aspects of the game and buy goodies for your team. Store points can even be used to buy Dynasty points if you're desperate. The NBA Store however is where you'll find headbands, socks, practice gear and throwback jerseys like the glorious 1986-87 Cleveland Cavs orange nightmare worn by Ron Harper and the now old-school smiley Houston Rockets jersey.

I don't like that idea. Unlockables should not be in a basketball sim. It's very arcade-ish. If I want to play an exhibition game using old school jerseys, I shouldn't have to unlock them in Dynasty Mode first. But since that's the way it's going to be, hopefully not everything has to be unlocked.

[TRUball]

Kobe Bryant will tell you there's more than one way to shoot a basketball --he's tried and missed most all of them-- so Live 2004 is releasing us from the constriction of just one shot button. There will now be a dedicated jump shot button and separate layup/dunk button so you'll know exactly what kind of shot you're taking. Now, if your 7-footer pulls up for an 3 foot jump shot under the basket, it'll be because you told him to.

Lol, I really like this idea, that as they said with attemping dunks from 20 feet, maybe now we will be able to do a foul-line dunk I will probaly be doing the same thing andrew in the beginning but I am a fast learner so i will get used to it fast, very good thing in teh game

If the shot buttons weren't enough, Live 2004 is also introducing off-the-ball control on offense. Just like we've been able to do on defense for the last several years of videogame basketball, you can take control of any player on offense at any time, even if they don't have the ball. You simple toggle OTB control on, hit the button for the player you want to control and let the fun begin.

I really like this idea, that i can be in the post and have the guards pass into around the perimeter than pass it into me in the post

You can't just spin and crossover your way all over the court at will. Even Jason Kidd can lose the rock if you try to string too many moves together in high traffic and through a tenacious defender.

Good news, but I hope this holds true for the CPU as well. If you can't spin your way easily to the basket, then neither should your CPU opponent.

I feel the same way andrew!

Developing your team using the Dynasty development system more or less applies the Madden Card system in a new way so that you'll be motivated to win and perform well. As you put together win streaks, reach milestones, win your division, make playoffs etc, you'll earn Dynasty Points that can be spent on Training Sessions or Dynasty Extras.

I like this idea, i thought i wouldn't but i do. Mostly because of the Training sessions, that we can train them in the off-season so that means must be a more in depth off-season

You're rewarded for both team and individual performances throughout NBA Live 2004. The NBA Store is where you'll be able to spend NBA Store points you've earned from playing all different aspects of the game and buy goodies for your team. Store points can even be used to buy Dynasty points if you're desperate. The NBA Store however is where you'll find headbands, socks, practice gear and throwback jerseys like the glorious 1986-87 Cleveland Cavs orange nightmare worn by Ron Harper and the now old-school smiley Houston Rockets jersey.

Hopefully you only have to earn these to use them in the dynasty mode. Like so you can use the jerseys and stuff whenever in the other modes, otherwise not very good idea, from the old-school jerseys, but from using the NBA store and the basic idea, i really like.

Nike has a bit more experience at playing the role of dominant arrogant empire

LOL

[Andrew]

With the new controls, Practice will become a more useful game mode. I'd still like to see free throw practice added though.

Hopefully you only have to earn these to use them in the dynasty mode. Like so you can use the jerseys and stuff whenever in the other modes, otherwise not very good idea, from the old-school jerseys, but from using the NBA store and the basic idea, i really like.

You'll have to unlock them through Dynasty Mode to use them all in all modes, but it's not as bad as I first thought. The focus of Dynasty Mode will still be guiding your team to success in the NBA.

[ThisizaJackMove]

This game is shapin up to be F!ckin awesome.

[Vins15]

the preview tells me this is the live we've been waiting for..and those Houstan new jerseys are ugly....

[Metsis]

Hiring a coach to train Shaq throw free throws and it's effects will be only for a couple of games unless you pull up the big bucks.

There was no mention of any money transactions or player salaries.

Dunking from the 3pt line and doing jumpers underneath the hoop seem likely in the first dozen games. I hope we can assign the buttons like we want them to and not like they want us to.

Buying Nike's at a in-game store, well that isn't quite what I was expecting for...

Ah, hell... I love the way the game sounds don't you??? I think this year will restore EA back to the glory days of Live 2000.

[Andreas Dahl]

soooooooo sweet. SWEET I TELL YOU!!!

it sounds like this years live will be greatly improved uppon live2003...

i for one realy like the NBA Store idea...
although im a little worried about the nike colabration there... it might get a litle wierd scinse it's reebok that's the official sponsor (by the way, why include air jordan 1 and 4 , if i were them i would take 3 and 5...(mostly cuz i like them much more ))



by the way, it doesn't stand you can attemt 20feet dunks, it sais that the player will do some sort of floating onehanded shot

[Matthew]

I like the NBA store idea too. I know it doesnt help the gameplay or make it more of a sim, but it gives the player more rewards of playing and it was (imo) a success in madden with madden cards.
The floater option looks sweet, especially when on the fastbreak or after comming off a screen. This game is looking nice

[Swoosh]

it looks very great , the only thing left what keeps me thinking is, how is the interface gonna look(the menus etc.), cuz basically, they just plain sucked in live 2003, maybe lots of people dont but personally i liked the interface of live 98, bring it back

[Matthew]

You know what would be good if they brought back? Remeber in 96, when before you played they had like a team comparison and a view shots of the city you played in? Well that was like the best part of the game . Maybe if they brought back somthing similar in terms of presentation, i think that would be fun.

[Scary Hedo]

great news. the 2 way shot thing, practice and the nba store thing sound really amazing.
i am really looking out for the game now.

[diafenes]

Hiring a coach to train Shaq throw free throws and it's effects will be only for a couple of games unless you pull up the big bucks.

coaching Shaq free throws? he's been through a dozen or so coaches and only now has he picked up his percentage (slightly). seriously how are they going to realisticly implement this idea, without making it something that equate to more $=better free throws of something that affects the natural progression of a player.

There was no mention of any money transactions or player salaries.

All I've been hearing is a points system, which is a shame, it's about time that EA implements a salary system that is more realistic.
With points, it means that I'll (well maybe more than just me ) be waiting for someone to make a patch fixing salaries and so on.

[Andreas Dahl]

All I've been hearing is a points system, which is a shame, it's about time that EA implements a salary system that is more realistic.
With points, it means that I'll (well maybe more than just me ) be waiting for someone to make a patch fixing salaries and so on.

hm, yea. i'm a bit woried about that to... a real money-system would be a lot better then the point-system... but hopefully if it isn't impleanted in the game, a patch could be made (maybe )

[Metsis]

coaching Shaq free throws? he's been through a dozen or so coaches and only now has he picked up his percentage (slightly). seriously how are they going to realisticly implement this idea, without making it something that equate to more $=better free throws of something that affects the natural progression of a player.

I think we can expect to see all sorts of new hidden ratings or packages or something to implement the practice thing. And it maybe that it costs more to practice with a better player.

Finally we have the tool to make atleast something out of those second round picks. I for one am going to try to practice the hell out of a second rounder and see where it takes me. Just to see if I can make a player out of him. Although you get the idea that it will be quite expensive to practice with the players. But I like the idea anyway. Wonder how it's implemented though???

We could use real cash, so Garnett would get his 25 million and Shaq his 20 million and not both of them getting the 300k point salaries. 5 million is a big difference with what you can pay atleast another player to play for you.

I have a very good feeling about this...

And to point out... I don't hate the NBA store idea, I just mean that they could have done something else with the time. But if the game is excellent otherwise too, well this is most welcomed...

[emadhn15]

Hiring a coach to train Shaq throw free throws and it's effects will be only for a couple of games unless you pull up the big bucks.

I hope that doesnt mean that if i spent alot on training shaq on the freethrow that he will shoot more than 75%!!

[TRUball]

Hiring a coach to train Shaq throw free throws and it's effects will be only for a couple of games unless you pull up the big bucks.

I hope that doesnt mean that if i spent alot on training shaq on the freethrow that he will shoot more than 75%!!

i wouldn't mind that that much, because as it said you have to be winning and win alot so you get lots of money/points than maybe it will increase abit maybe 5%. but like it shouldn't be like say george tyler(made up player) was shooting 50% from the line, he worked on his free throw with a free throw instructor and raised it to 80%. stuff like that bearly ever happens. but also the way it could be implemented probably is if they add work ethic to the ratings. than if you have a higher work ethic the more your skills improve while training with these coachs. and the lower you have your won't improve as much.

[Metsis]

I hope that doesnt mean that if i spent alot on training shaq on the freethrow that he will shoot more than 75%!!

I think it's gonna be a similar system to what the normal player development already is. So that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, so teaching Shaq to throw free throws might not get him that much of an advantage.

But if you drafted a player as awful as Shaq is on the free throw line, well you (I think) should be able to practice him up to 65-70% percent, but no way into the 80% area... So I think this practicing should be linked to player age and some sort of a rating for their intrest in training and practicing...

I don't think you can get Shaq to shoot 75% in simulation no matter how many coaches you apply to the task.

[BIG GREEN]

Im blown away here...very impressive.

[rudogg33]

2 button for shooting or lay up is stupid imo. I dont want 2 have 2 push l1 for a layup, i always like circle as shot button(ps2 control on pc). Its still the same method, if ur close enough and high rating on dunkin then dunk, low rating layup. This is retarded. 1 shot button is better.

unlockables.......stupid and in franchise, jerseys sneaks......i rather be able 2 have salary fixed, better scouting, setting practice time, playbooks, better draft, signing extensions, fix trade....so we can use multiple teams......look at madden 2004 franshise.

also i doubt the playing off the ball will work well, all i wanted was solid franchise with freat offseason.....and great gameplay, who cares bout jordans or nba store.

[TRUball]

2 button for shooting or lay up is stupid imo. I dont want 2 have 2 push l1 for a layup, i always like circle as shot button(ps2 control on pc). Its still the same method, if ur close enough and high rating on dunkin then dunk, low rating layup. This is retarded. 1 shot button is better.

How you do know it is retarded. It is a very good addition. Cause if you read it, if you do the dunk/lay-up button of out of range of a dunk, you would do tear drops and stuff. Those were never in the game(as i can remember). Cause what i hated was when you were in the post and you pump faked and you were going to the net for a dunk, when u press shoot, he would do like a fadeaway, i hated that, and i hated when u were right under the net and they would like just shoot it right there and hit the bottom of the rim. With this those things won't happen(unless you press the wrong buttom).

[sixerfan03]

2 button for shooting or lay up is stupid imo. I dont want 2 have 2 push l1 for a layup, i always like circle as shot button(ps2 control on pc). Its still the same method, if ur close enough and high rating on dunkin then dunk, low rating layup. This is retarded. 1 shot button is better.

It would be nice if they let you switch between two button and classic modes of shooting.