NBA Live 2005 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: EA Sports
  • Release Date: Sep 28, 2004
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
84 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. IGN
    89
    In one year, Live has really transformed its 5-on-5 game into more of a sim without losing the fun and flash of previous seasons, Dynasty mode has been revamped completely, and the AI across the board, from the trade scenarios to how players behave on the court, is far superior to any basketball game EA Canada has ever put out.
  2. GameSpy
    90
    A deep Dynasty Mode and some cool new gameplay additions ensure that you'll be playing the game for months to come, and while we can't say yet if the game will be able to gain ground on its biggest rival, we can say this: NBA Live 2005 is the best EA Sports basketball game ever.
  3. GamePro
    90
    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. [Dec 2004, p.140]
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  4. 1UP
    90
    There isn't much to complain about in NBA Live 2005. And with the addition of the Slam Dunk Contest, the replay value is huge.
  5. Play Magazine
    100
    For this year's game, EA has taken freestyle control to a whole new level. A level so out of control, it's going to change the way you play basketball games...forever. [Oct 2004, p.89]
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  6. PSM Magazine
    90
    Live doesn't have as many online goodies as "ESPN," but create-a-player mode is jaw-droppingly detailed and All-Star weekend is cool. [Dec 2004, p.78]
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  7. Next Level Gaming
    87
    The gameplay is improved a good deal from last year, giving you more of a realistic feel while maintaining a fast-paced arcadey kind of feel. The fight has been taken right to the competition, and EA might just be catching up in the Basketball department.
  8. PGNx Media
    90
    A great basketball game with excellent gameplay, and the addition of the all-star weekend is a nice treat.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 25
  3. Negative: 5 out of 25
  1. Don'tneedtoknowDon'tneedtoknow
    0
    You all say that Live seems more real. If you want a game to seem real than play the real game!!! Talkin bout improve game, why don't you do something useful with ya fingers such and picking up a real basket ball and balling. It's just like driving games, driving a car is actually easier than driving the ones on the tv with the joystick. Plus it ain't all real. Games are meant to be fun, not annoying and bearly impossible. Bottomline, Live is garbage, ESPN is better. Seems like ESPN made a huge comeback after making 2k4, 2k6, and 2k7. I gotta admit, ESPN 5 was garbage, but all the Live Games are whack and who ever tryna base it off realism need to get up and face reality instead of tryna go blinde off of lookin at a tv screen for 24 hours......12 may be good but 24 is too long. You gotta add in sleep!… Full Review »
  2. JoshB.
    10
    Best NBA game ever.. Can't believe there's a bunch of crybabies whining about it.. Too hard on All-Star?? lolLearn how to play buddy. This is game is awsome! Real defense, and Real Offense, You gotta work for your shots.. When you get open they fall, if you don't get open, it's hard to hit. Very realistic.. Highly recommended.… Full Review »
  3. MikeS.
    10
    This game kept me going its realistic whats not to like?
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