NBA Live 2005 begins to close the gap, but it's still not really even close. It's hard to understand how one EA Sports title (Madden) can be so far ahead of the others. The real improvements in NBA Live 2005 come in two main areas: dynasty mode, and the NBA All-Star Weekend, and it's on these two subjects that we're going to focus, because they effectively make or break the game. Most of these issues are minor annoyances though, and won't detract from your enjoyment too much. Additionally, it's still altogether way too easy to make long-distance passes, particularly on the break.
NBA LIVE 2005 DEMO PC PLUS
It's also rare to see any sort of weak-side help should a man get beaten off the dribble (on the plus side, attacking a defense's strong side results in blocks and misses, as it should). Players leap to take charges when there's no point, and then step out of the way when a charge would be handy. For one thing, your computer-controlled teammates still play some of the worst defense around. Unfortunately, because the actual simulation engine remains largely the same, it also features a couple of the same frustrating issues that last year's title did. This is a good thing, as it means you can only use the hop in situations where real players would employ it: an open or only partially clogged lane. Opponents now have a much higher success rate of tying a player up during the hop. Second: The power-hop is no longer the most devastating move in the history of video sports (right up there with the post-combo uppercut from Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! and any pass play to Bo Jackson in Tecmo Bowl). Tying players up in a double almost always results in a quick outlet pass to the open man.
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In 2005, a player is required to really keep an eye on the passing lanes and move to intercept. In 2004, it was possible to rack up a ridiculous number of steals per game simply by double-teaming whoever had the ball at any given time. There are only a few real differences.įirst: Stealing is much more realistic.
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This is all stuff that appeared in 2004's entry and has been left untouched or only slightly refined (for example, collision detection is somewhat improved). Players will fight for position down low, jump into the lane to take charges, feint to throw their man off balance, and in general perform very well.
NBA LIVE 2005 DEMO PC FULL
(There's full keyboard support, but as with most PC sports titles, we definitely recommend a dual analog gamepad.) You're also free to choose between various full-court, half-court, and zone defenses. Players have the option to choose from several offensive patterns, including pick-and-rolls, isolation setups, post-ups, and more. The graphics are moderately improved but still somewhat lacking, the multiplayer is still quite functional (although there are surprisingly few people online to play it with), and the basic mechanics of the basketball simulation itself are largely unchanged. NBA Live 2005 picks right up where 2004 left off. Fortunately, that option turns out to be pretty good. So that leaves the few remaining PC enthusiasts who also happen to be basketball fans with pretty much one option. Unfortunately, that's because NBA Live's main competitor, ESPN NBA 2K5, doesn't exist for the PC. It's easy to declare EA the undisputed king of basketball simulations on the PC. All-Star Weekend events are called by TNT's Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith.
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One of the sport's most famous announcers, Marv Albert, resumes his place behind the NBA Live mic, joined by his regular play-calling partner, Mike Fratello. Gamers who decide to take complete control of their teams in this mode will manage a great variety of franchise functions, from game plans and scheduling to salary requirements and trades. Offering far more than a weekend of stunts and tricks, however, NBA Live still presents a full-featured simulation of the entire NBA season, or even as many as 25 seasons, in the returning Dynasty Mode. The last ability helps support the game's new "All-Star Weekend" mode, which allows players to take part in a virtual re-creation of the league's annual, mid-season celebration, which is highlighted by the slam-dunk contest and three-point shot competition. The game's new "Freestyle Air" features allow gamers to take control of their NBA players in mid-flight, to block shots, score tip-in rebounds, and perform stylish dunks. As NBA Live moves into its "2005" season, the gameplay above the rim takes center stage.