It feels like it was only a few weeks ago when Basketball season ended. It is now Autumn and the new basketball season is about to start up again, with hopes that the Mavericks will make it into the finals this year. Just as a new sports season starts, EA is waiting with keen anticipation to release the latest game using updated technology, AI, and other goodies. Will NBA Live 2004 live up to EA’s other sports franchise this year? Read on to find out!

Like all sports games, NBA Live 2004 has plenty of different modes to offer gamers. First there is the practice mode where gamers can develop the necessary skills to play the game more effectively. “Play Now” lets players get down and dirty and play a quick game. Season mode lets gamers play though an entire season with any team. This allows gamers to get a feel for how the game plays out and helps them decide if they wanted to start a Dynasty.

The real meat of this game is the Dynasty Mode. In this mode players can take any team, real or created, and see if they have what it takes to go to the NBA Championship and win. Gamers will have control over everything in order to get this done. During the season, gamers have to manage the scheduling, dealing with the roster, injuries, and everything else. Before each season starts, players have the option of going into the training camp to improve each of the player’s skills to help them out during the season. Also when gamers are in the off-season, players have to participate in the draft, managing the roster, retiring, signing, and trading players.

Each year EA adds something new to their games that makes them better and more realistic. This year one of the best things is that players now have two different buttons for shooting the ball. One button is for slam-dunks and the other is for all other types of shots. Even though this sounds really small, this brings a whole lot of depth into the game, and makes players think that they have more control over the characters. Another new thing that EA put into this years game is the Pro Hop. This will make the player with the ball do a jump shot, and it really helps get that extra space needed to make some of those harder and much need points.

One of the best things that EA has implemented into all of their sports games is the EA Sports Bio. The idea is that the higher points and the better that you do in the game, players will be rewarded with new stadiums, teams, and other goodies that makes the game even better. You might be thinking, ok, other games have stuff like this in them, but that is not the only thing that it does. If you have any other EA branded game you have the potential to unlock a lot of other goodies just from this game. This shows that EA is really caring for its customer loyalty by providing extra incentives to stay with the EA brand of sports games.

One of the best, features in NBA Live 2004 is the online mode. I have broadband Internet connection, and I never ran into any lag. EA Canada really made it possible for everyone to enjoy this game. Online players can meet other players in the lobby, play a game, check their stats, and do a variety of other things. There are also a few unique things that EA Canada included while developing this game. The first one is the “EA Messenger”, which allows players to get buddies, store them, and see them when they are online. Also included is “EA Sports Talk”, this means that if you have a headset you can talk trash with other players from around the US while playing a game. This is also a lot easier than using a keyboard, as nothing can beat actually talking to someone real-time. The last thing is the “Fair Play,” which helps tone down on the cheating that online games are plagued with.

NBA Live 2004 is rated E for Everyone. It requires up to 2.6 MB on your memory card and can play up to 1-8 players (via multitap). To play online you must have the Network card and broadband or dialup. It also is compatible with AOL Dial-Up.

Gameplay: 9.4
The gameplay is extremely tight and well done in NBA Live 2004! The game plays like a dream, and will have gamers coming back for more action. What makes this game even better is the camera; it never fails to give players the best view point at all times. EA Freestyle is back and makes the game better than ever! Once you put this game in your Playstation 2 it will not come out for some time!

Graphics: 9.4
The graphics in NBA Live 2004 are outstanding! The best thing is the animations of all of the players during the course of the game. All ten players in the game act and move as they would in any basketball game, from changing positions, keeping their eyes on the  ball, and anything else you expect players would do. This adds a whole new level of realism in the game, and makes it better than ever! The character models and stadiums are also pleasing to the eyes.

Sound: 9.2
As always EA makes full use of Dolby Surround Sound Pro Logic II, which brings their game closer to realism. The commentary is still extremely really well done and doesn’t get old or repetitive. The music and sounds from the crowds really makes the gamers feel that they are in an actual basketball stadium!

Difficulty: Medium
NBA Live 2004 treats beginners well, but the hardest thing about this game is the defensive AI. At times it is almost impossible to make any points! If players have enough patience they will be able to figure out how to get around this, and become the better basketball player.

Concept: 9.1
With the inclusion of two different buttons for shooting, dunks and the other is for shooting, and the pro hop, players can tell that EA Canada is continually looking for ways to make their games better each year!

Multiplayer: 9.4
You can play up to eight players in one room or play against people from all around the United States! Thank you EA Sports for online gaming with the Playstation 2!

Overall: 9.3
To be honest NBA Live 2004 is one of the best basketball games I have played in a long time. Anyone who enjoys basketball should pick this one up as soon as they see it, because you will not regret it!