NBA Live 2004 Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

  • Summary: Step up your game with NBA Live 2004. With brand-new 10-Man Freestyle, authentic gameplay and stunning graphics, NBA Live 2004 delivers a complete basketball experience. Whether running the point with one-button Quick Plays, spinning free in the lane for a vicious dunk or locking down on "D," the revamped EA Sports Freestyle Controller puts you in total control. With a dramatically enhanced Dynasty Mode, the ability to take the court at all NBA arenas and all-new commentary from Marv Albert and Mike Fratello, NBA Live 2004 looks to step up the authenticity. Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. EA has done it again, implementing expanded Freestyle control, improved defensive AI, superior graphics and a brand-new announce team...Looking for the best basketball game? NBA Live 2004 is nothing but net. [Nov 2003, p.105]
  2. 85
    The game has some button scheme issues, but still comes across as a super sim that'll let you control your man like no game before.
  3. Thanks to some intelligent tweaks, you'll now find a much better balance between offense and defense. It's not as easy to blow by a defender on the perimeter, but when you do, the adjusted A.I. compensates and another defender picks you up.
  4. The action itself is fast and fluid.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. It's rare to see a sports game franchise regress from year to year, but that's what happened here- NBA Live 2004 is a huge disappointment compared with 2003. The fun arcade-y sim style of 2003 has been revamped to try to make it more realistic, but this was less than successful, resulting in a game that's less fun than its predecessor. Expand