NBA Live 2005 could be the most improved sports game at E3.

'NBA Live 2005 could be the most improved sports game at E3.'

So far this year, the biggest jump in gameplay from one year to the next has got to be MVP Baseball. But if the early look at NBA Live 2005 is any indication, EA's hoop game might give MVP a run for its money.

If you look at last year's game, the two main complaints were the game's graphics and the constant collisions that slowed down the action. This year, not only did the game receive a complete graphical overhaul from the Nike's to the headbands, but the spacing has also been improved to make sure the gameplay is as smooth as the players running the floor. The new graphics engine involves everything from body types to body styles to individual animations. Play as LeBron and watch as he soars through the air, cocks the ball back for style, then sails right past the defense for a dunk. The slick animation showcases the individualities of each player and how you'll be able to distinguish moves from The King and his rookie counterpart, Melo.

An improved version of 10-man mo-cap has also been incorporated to provide the proper spacing, proper perimeter, and proper sliding of the defense. Last year, when you brought the ball down the left side of the lane, there might be three defenders collapsing on the ball, slowing the action as the triple team tried to strip the ball. In the new game, the proper players will slide over position to stop the ball while the rest of the players keep their positions away from the ball. For example: In a game of Cavs/Lakers, Boozer took the ball down low, beating Malone along the baseline. Shaq slid over guarding the hoop, while the perimeter players held their spots to guard against the kick back. Last year if this happened, you would've had Shaq, Kobe, and Fox all on Boozer's ass, completely grinding the flow of the game to a hault.

The other big addition is the ability to manually tip the ball instead of simply going for the rebound. You can tip the ball against the glass to keep it alive, try to tip it back in from a distance, or jump in and try for a tip slam. One play I tipped the ball three consecutive times, then finally tipped it in. It was reminiscent of Dennis Rodman down low, getting into position, then doing anything a Worm can do to keep the play alive.

Online, the game is going to be on both the PS2 and Xbox Live, and will even include leaderboards this year to help distinguish the champs from the chumps.

As a wise man once told me (actually he told me on the show floor), when you meet a girl, the first thing you notice isn't her personality. You're attracted to her looks first, then you look for depth. Same holds true for video games. You need to be drawn in by the looks, but if that's all the game offers, it's dumped after the first date.

Luckily for NBA Live, not only did the game receive an extreme makeover, it's also added depth to the gameplay, something that will keep ballers around long after first the initial attraction.

Well, that's a positive preview. Not alot of new stuff, but the collapsing on the ball thing seems to be cool.

If this was posted before, apologies. + Delete.

Boxing out + trying to do everything for the ball will be awesome.

:D Yea that is a very good review
sounds like EA Canada made great improvements to live this year
do u know what Crib mode is all about it was leaked then it was put under wraps id like to know what its about :cool:

LOL I don't think this 'Crib' mode will actually make it into the game, it will be out soon and you dug up a thread from ancient times! I think it's too late to throw something new in.

YOU R RIGHT 'LIVE 2005' edition could be the "MOST IMPROVED' Sports title this year but let's be aware that there is ESPN NBA 2K5 and IT MIGHT BECOME THE BEST basketball title this year and the indication was the SUCCESS OF NFL 2K5 (9.2 gamespot) & NHL 2K5 (9.1 gamespot)..
BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO WINS between live & espn because the 'REAL WINNER' is ALL OF US, gamers beco'z this is going to be the BEST YEAR yet for BASKETBALL game since it was introduced to PS2 & XBOX..

YOU R RIGHT 'LIVE 2005' edition could be the "MOST IMPROVED' Sports title this year but let's be aware that there is ESPN NBA 2K5 and IT MIGHT BECOME THE BEST basketball title this year and the indication was the SUCCESS OF NFL 2K5 (9.2 gamespot) & NHL 2K5 (9.1 gamespot)..
BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO WINS between live & espn because the 'REAL WINNER' is ALL OF US, gamers beco'z this is going to be the BEST YEAR yet for BASKETBALL game since it was introduced to PS2 & XBOX..

yes your definately right unless EA just improved at least 50% this year on graphics and animations they will lose once again because they get cocky over people like you guys who say they are doing a great job, hahahah, keep it up and they'll still put out crap again this year. I've seen more fluid animations on some of the dunks in live last year in nba live 97'

wow, you calling all of us biased? You are trashing EA in every single post. OMG...go go the ESPN boards please.

This preview looks wicked. I'm pissing my pants over this game.

YOU R RIGHT 'LIVE 2005' edition could be the "MOST IMPROVED' Sports title this year but let's be aware that there is ESPN NBA 2K5 and IT MIGHT BECOME THE BEST basketball title this year and the indication was the SUCCESS OF NFL 2K5 (9.2 gamespot) & NHL 2K5 (9.1 gamespot)..
BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO WINS between live & espn because the 'REAL WINNER' is ALL OF US, gamers beco'z this is going to be the BEST YEAR yet for BASKETBALL game since it was introduced to PS2 & XBOX..

this is damn right. i hope espn makes a good game this year. then i hope they top it next year. i dont care what i buy, live or 2k. when both go head to head its like you said, we win. it happened before with madden. gameday came out and alot of people jumped ship, then the very next year madden came back and detroyed gameday. this year i have seen alot of people saying they like espn better than madden. this pleases me greatly. though i still feel madden is the best sports game(not just football) hands down, the fact that espn is converting people will make madden jump back next year.