NBA Live 2003

Play Magazine

Debuting in this '03 renewal is the EA Sports "freestyle" control. Wihout question, it WILL change the way you play basketball games...forever. [Nov 2002, p.88]

Sports Gaming Network

A huge improvement over the past few versions of the game. The game has a good balance between realism and fast arcade style action.

PSM Magazine

These are the coolest and most rewarding dunk-fests we've ever played - and NBA Live 2003 is the most entertaining basketball game on the market because of it. [Dec 2002, p.54]

Game Over Online

With improved graphics, better animations, and a control system that, like their commercials say, allows players to fully express themselves anyway they want, Live 2003 is unbelievably solid.

GameZone

The controls were thoughtfully kept simple and easy to memorize for one specific reason: to allow gamers to focus on the new EA Sports Freestyle Control function.

Game Informer

A game for those who don't mind sacrificing some realism for a more exciting experience. [Nov 2002, p.119]

IGN

I haven't had this much fun with a basketball game since "NBA Showdown" on my Super Nintendo nearly 10 years ago. Innovative, fast, and possessing the most fluid control of any basketball game on the market.

GameSpot

It retains enough simulation-style elements to appease those craving a realistic game, thus giving NBA Live 2003 a much broader appeal than its direct competitor, "NBA 2K3."

Electric Playground

For pick-up-and-play fun, NBA Live 2003 simply can not be beat.

Gamers' Temple

A very fast-paced and more arcade-like basketball experience, but a lot of fun nonetheless.

Game Revolution

Is it better than NBA 2K3? Well, no, not really, though some of you will find the faster-paced gameplay to be more enticing, and even doubters should check it out for the Freestyle control alone.

Gaming Age

The bottom line is that EA has made nothing but vast improvements with this version of the NBA Live series.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

It's the innovative use of the right analog stick that seals the deal. [Dec 2002, p.212]

TotalGames.net

Another criticism levelled at last year’s release was the dodgy AI. This time round the CPU players are much more intelligent making for a more challenging, yet rewarding game.

GamePro

Sim fans will be disappointed with the under-powered defense, but for twitch players, NBA Live 2003 is a dream come true.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

The game's real improvement, which gives it a jump on the competition, is the fast break. [Dec 2002, p.171]

G4 TV

The combination of Freestyle Control, improved AI, and super graphics have elevated this veteran's game by leaps and bounds.

GameSpy

The inability to play adequate defense makes Live 2003 a shallow affair.

GameNow

Simple, straightforward fun. [Dec 2002, p.70]

PSX Nation

Live 2003’s identity crisis and average-at-best graphics are inexcusable. It belongs next to “ShootOut 2003” in the rental bin while “NBA 2K3” spins happily ever after.

All Game Guide

Just expect the fun to be frequently interrupted by inexplicably bad passes, ball-hogging, and non-existent defense.

Maxim Online

It’s hard to diss a game that looks so realistic (Iverson’s still rocking ’rows), but there’s just something wrong when the only way to stop anyone from driving to the bucket is by taking away their keys to the stadium.