NBA Live 2004

Play Magazine

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]

Entertainment Weekly

Marv's vocal performance is so terrific that EA should strongly consider rebranding the series "Albert 2004." Hey, it worked with John Madden. [17 Oct 2003, p.L2T 21]

GamePro

When it comes to sports games, the GameCube’s controller always seems to suffer in points due to its unconventional button arrangement, but surprisingly it's not an issue this year. The default setting has been specialized for the GameCube, and it works wonders.

IGN

Call Live the New Jersey Nets of hoop games if you will. Excitement and entertainment is what they bring to the court, but there's always someone just a bit better waiting in the wings.

GameSpy

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.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

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.

Next Level Gaming

The controls in NBA Live 2004 are tight and very responsive. The freestyle controls have been toned down from last year. This year, the freestyle controls are more suited for the skill players who handle the ball regularly.

GameZone

The many customizable settings really ensure a unique gaming experience for all skill levels, and jamming the ball down the other players' throats is satisfying.

Game Informer

Casual fans may struggle a bit, but most b-ball veterans will embrace the new changes...and find their little slice of hoops heaven. [Dec 2003, p.159]

Game Revolution

The bevy of new moves and increased difficulty will surely please fans, though more work could have been done polishing the graphics and smoothing out some of the gameplay quirks. As it is, this is a solid drive to the basket.

Gaming Age

Now where NBA Live 2004 excels is in the gameplay department. NBA Live successfully gives you almost total control of the game of basketball, crossovers, pivot moves, shot adjustments, and fade-aways, are all aspects of the game that EA has given you control of.

GameCube Europe

Hardcore players will surely appreciate the gameplay experience and overlook the little control issues.

GMR Magazine

The real star of NBA Live 2004, however, is the superb visual quality and the newfound ease with which players can call set plays and change defenses. [Dec 2003, p.84]

Cheat Code Central

his version offers more control but the controller makes it more difficult to play than necessary.

GameSpot

Delivers a great basketball experience, if you can overlook the control issues.

TotalGames.net

The action itself is fast and fluid.

Nintendo Power

The game's complexity makes it difficult to plug in and play. [Jan 2004, p.159]