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How Metascores Are Calculated
47
Alone in the Dark
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
 GAMES: 
The EA Sports Freestyle Control continues to revolutionize your ability to play simulation basketballand, now more than ever, it's about expressing your game in flight with Freestyle Air. In addition to all-new dunks, alley-oops, and adjustable jump shots in mid-air, new user-controlled put-back and tip-in technologies reward players who box out, wipe the glass, and go back up for a quick bucket. On defense, take more control over shot blocking to own the paint. Freestyle Air elevates NBA Live 2005 above the rim in the all-new NBA All-Star Weekend mode by allowing users to take complete control and create jaw-dropping, customized dunks in the Slam Dunk Contest. With thousands of unique dunk scenariosfrom bouncing the ball off the backboard, to jumping from the free throw line, to going between your legs in mid flightFreestyle Air lets you express your game on the court, and above it. Also featuring the 3-Point Shootout, the Rookie Challenge, and the NBA All-Star Game, All-Star Weekend is available as a stand-alone game mode as well as within Dynasty Mode. Be the architect of your own unstoppable dynasty, and watch your franchise flourish for 25 seasons. Jump into games with simulation intervention and use the customizable PDA to stay updated with important league news, team information, and other announcements. New free agency logic allows users to negotiate contracts and manage the salary cap using real dollars for the first time. [Electronic Arts]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Play Magazine
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]
90
PSM Magazine
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]
90
1UP
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.
 90
PGNx Media
A great basketball game with excellent gameplay, and the addition of the all-star weekend is a nice treat.
90
GamePro
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]
90
GameSpy
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.
89
IGN
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.
87
Next Level Gaming
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.
85
GameZone
Fans of the series will find everything that originally made them fans, while newcomers and casual fans will find a game that should satisfy their basketball needs with its depth and relatively short learning curve.
83
Game Informer
In terms of visuals and pace, Live runs circles around rival "ESPN," but the gameplay is still a distant second in terms of execution. [Nov 2004, p.142]
83
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Live gets the nod from me this season, partly 'cause of its extras, which include a three-point and surprisingly deep slam-dunk contest. [Bryan; Dec 2004, p.158]
83
Gaming Age
While some gamers will be turned off by the lack of total simulation, they still may be intrigued by the extras EA threw in for good measure such as the deep dynasty, slam-dunk contest, and three-point shootout.
82
Sports Gaming Network
Sure, Live has the reputation of being a more fastbreaking, high-scoring game; in many ways it still is, but in trying to take a step with realism, the game lost its arcade appeal.
80
Game Over Online
Outside of the problematic issues that hinder the Slam Dunk contest, dynasty mode and hiccups with gameplay, NBA Live 2005 still manages to deliver a decent basketball experience for fans of all kinds.
80
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
It does such a great job of mimicking the flow and feel (albeit a little faster) of basketball that you really can't go wrong. [Nov 2004, p.140]
80
GMR Magazine
A last-second shot that splashes down for victory. [Dec 2004, p.118]
79
GameSpot
Plays a solid game of basketball, but even the flashy new features can't hide the fact that it isn't a huge step up from last year's edition.
78
BonusStage
The game is nearly identical to last year’s game, with only a few improvements to speak of. The inclusion of the All-Star Weekend is a nice touch, but it doesn’t really provide anything revolutionary to the genre.
75
Game Revolution
Freestyle control is the same as it ever was, which is a good thing as it still trumps "ESPN" as the better, more responsive control system.
70
Yahoo! Games
A fun basketball title, but this isn't one of those "must-have" years, unless All-Star Weekend is something you absolutely can't live without. EA just didn't bring its "A"-game for '05.
55
netjak
Last year, I was absolutely incensed by "NBA Live 2004." The game that became the gold standard for basketball games back in 1995 had thrown up a brick...Another year, and I find myself looking back at my NBA Live 2004 review a lot...to cut and paste text for this year's review. They fixed virtually nothing; it’s practically same game.
Josh B. gave it a10: Mike S. gave it a10: Kyle G. gave it a6: Frank J. gave it a10: Ryan C. gave it a10: Andy D. gave it a7: Eric J. gave it a9: |
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