NBA Live 2005

NBA Live adds some Hollywood for its 2005 edition, but there's enough going on inside the gym-to-gym rats happy, too.

Even when you're a basketball powerhouse making improvements to your overall game is the way to keep the competition on its toes. NBA Live 2005 is going for the crown this season with its flashy All-Star Weekend mode. But gym rats are going to appreciate the improved artificial intelligence, a new inside game, and graphical touch-ups working behind the scenes.

Court Sense

The A.I. has picked up its game again this year. On defense, for example, the pro hop move is no longer a gimme, and in fact unless you establish a clear path to the basket expect to lose that ball. The CPU offense also feels like it received a shot of adrenaline. It will try to run you ragged with its quick hitting transition game, and it sets some murderous picks if you aren't paying attention.

In fact, the action might feel a little lopsided at first. A.I. players seem like souped-up versions of their real selves. Is Shaq really that dominant inside the paint? Maybe he is, but Live's serving up some slick inside moves for you to use in the battle down low. Rebound the rock and you can choose to attempt a put-back, a dunk, or a tip-in with a single button press.

The A.I. gives you a hand, too. If your player is making an offensive move with his back to the basket, he automatically seeks out the best path to the hoop. The controls overall do a pro job of managing the action, but the PS2 controller feels particularly well tuned for this game.

The show looks and sounds great as well. EA Canada used a new render engine this season, and they've also redone all the player models from scratch. The Xbox and GameCube versions get slight the edge in visuals, but the PS2 looks ain't bad at all.

The audio is spot on. With Marv Albert and Mike Fratello calling the action this sounds like the NBA. But for an additional vocal support, this year Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith of TNT join the team for the All-Star Weekend.

All-Star Potential

The NBA All-Star Weekend mode is the added flash for 2005. On tap are the Rookie Challenge, the 3-point Shootout, the Slam Dunk Contest, and oh yes, the actual All-Star game itself.

The slam dunk mode, however, is where All-Star Weekend really struts its stuff. You can learn to pull 360, between the legs, two-handed rim rockers or go for a flying jam from the top of the key. The complexity and creativity of the moves is impressive, and it's not hard to imagine this feature becoming a contest in itself.

Part of the attraction is experimenting with practically every button on the controller to master the dunks. There the PS2 controller is a much more intuitive fit for this contest than the Xbox or the GameCube units.

All the Way Live

The slam dunk matchup is a slick game within the game, but let's not forget what got you to the gym in the first place. NBA Live 2005 is an all-pro caliber b-ball game that continues to show improvements...a winner all the way.

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