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]

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.

Official Xbox Magazine

Quite simply the best two-player basketball game ever made. [Dec 2002, p.108]

GameZone

Freestyle control allows unparalleled dribbling and defensive control.

Sports Gaming Network

A huge improvement from NBA Live 2002, bringing back the enjoyment that had been missing before. Obviously the FreeStyle Control has a huge role in this revival.

IGN

The emphasis in this game is on scoring and creating spectacular plays, a job that once belonged to the NBA Jam/Showtime series. People enjoyed watching Live 2003 as much as they enjoyed playing it.

Armchair Empire

With the solid on-court graphical presentation, fast-paced gameplay and variety of game modes, many may actually see it on even par with "NBA 2K3."

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.

GameSpot

Focuses on the up-tempo aspects of the sport of basketball as opposed to the half-court set, and the result is plenty of fast breaks, quick passes, and few shot clock violations.

GamePro

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

TotalGames.net

If you're looking for a realistic and fun basketball game, then NBA Live 2003 will not disappoint.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

I still wholly recommend "NBA 2K3," but Live looks like it's back on the upswing. [Dec 2002, p.258]

Operation Sports

The Gameplay reminded me more of a charity All-Star game than an actual NBA game.

GameSpy

A variety of gameplay issues end up overshadowing the majority of improvements.

Xbox Nation Magazine

If up-tempo action and innovative control are more important to you than realism and online play, this may be your b-ball baby in 2003. [Winter 2002, p.99]

Total Video Games

EA went with the idea that if they put in the ‘freestyling’ option, everyone would love the game – this may set the game alight, but by no means does it make the game stand out from the crowd – there just isn’t enough quality in the rest of the game.

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.