Live 2005 is vast improvement, but we're still missing...

[JWL2672]

Forget the graphics, the feel for 2005 is so much better than 2004. There isn't some force field around each player that makes him bump back. The animation actually shows the guy being hit and the resulting physics. That said, we didn't get everything on our Christmas list:


1) In game save feature - not hard at all to implement, yet EA refuses to do it. (all you have to do is save the game stats for the players so that when you reload the game later on, you're starting from that point.)

2) flagrant fouls and clear path fouls.

3) Defenders still react too fast to passing. Sometimes, they get to the pass recipient before the ball does. Supposedly wide-open jumpers are almost always challenged. We need slider for this.

4) Menu settings need to be saved. Sucks having to change game strategy, camera zoom settings, defensive matchups each game. I like playing defensive low on everyone. Takes me 3 minutes to get settings perfect before each game.

5) Sort stats by column. (like in 2004) Clicking on column lets you sort stats.


Great game otherwise. As an NBA Live player since NBA Live 95 (I play at least 8 games a week the whole year over 10 years), I absolutely hated 2004. 2003 had great animation but no defense. 2005's animation isn't nearly as smooth as '03, but it's much improved over last year's.

[cyanide]

2005's animation isn't nearly as smooth as '03, but it's much improved over last year's.

It depends.. 2005 has better dunks, greater variety of moves, and better blocks, but it's not smooth at all. It's a continuous flow of catch-stop, catch-stop, catch-stop, when passing.

[MaD_hAND1e]

I still haven't got the game.... should I get it? I'm getting some mixed reviews from people on this forum... could someone lay out the pros and cons? Personally I didn't like 2004/2003 much after playing about 20 games, cos I would be able to beat the computer by30 points on superstar every game. I could go undefeated in a 28 game season, even when I purposely try to lost to the cpu (by e.g. only taking 3s)

Edit: Nvm, I'm reading Andrew's review.

[JWL2672]

By all means, get the game. They've reduced the price to $29.99 already and I'm sure if you bought other EA games in the past, they send you $15 off coupons for use at www.eastore.ea.com. That makes it $15 + shipping which is about $22 total.

It's a very good game if you like bball at all. 2004 pissed me off so much but 2005 is a vast improvement for offensive minded players like me. Also, the three point contest and dunk contest are fantastic add-ons to this game. They've really made it feel like you're a part of All Star weekend, complete with the light show and environment and the commentary. The commentary is awesome from Kenny Smith and Ernie; it does get old after awhile but it's so appropriate. If you do a stinker dunk, they really ride you.

Bottom line is, get the game. If you're a hard core bball fan, you won't find any basketball game out there that's better. Get the PC version too. Forget PS2 and Xbox, the resolution and graphics just doesn't stack up.

[BrotherJRB]

MaD_hAND1e Andrew's review was lacking.

It is basically the same game as last year with some improvements in the fact that the CPU does take midrange shots but the game has no feel or flow. I have found it to be just as easy as last year because all you have to do is double the post and make sure you get out to 3pt shooters(very easy to block jump shots again)

jr