NBA Live 2004
Cover art with Vince Carter
Developer(s)EA Canada
Publisher(s)Electronic Arts
SeriesNBA Live
Platform(s)PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Windows
ReleaseGameCube, PS2, Xbox
Windows
  • NA: November 11, 2003[3]
  • EU: November 28, 2003
Genre(s)Sports (basketball)
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

NBA Live 2004 is the 2004 installment of the NBA Live sports video game series. The game was developed by EA Canada and released in 2003. It is graphically similar to NCAA March Madness 2004 and has the same create-a-player models. It was the last EA game to include Michael Jordan. The cover shows Vince Carter as a member of the Toronto Raptors; in Spain it is Raul Lopez instead.

Gameplay

The new button layout now allows the player to choose when to shoot and when to dunk/layup. The new system improves on previous frustrations with three-foot jumpers and losing possessions because of unnecessary dunk attempts. The "pro hop" has finally been introduced into the game and with it the ability to split defenders, or throw an opposing defender off rhythm. Not to be outdone, big men were given the ability to "power dribble", which creates space into the lane for an easier basket. Yet, with the newly improved defense and AI, coming by points is that much more difficult. In addition, freestyle dribbling is no longer an end-all to improving the game, and handling stats actually affect the player's ability to freestyle.

This was also the first game to feature the Charlotte Bobcats, who would play their first season of basketball in the fall of 2004. Since the game's rosters were finalized before the Bobcats would host their expansion draft, the Bobcats' lineup consisted of players named after their specific positions; for example, the point guard was named "Point Guard".

Modes

Season play allows the player to choose an NBA team to compete for the season trophy. Players can also choose how many games there are during the season. A custom player option also allows game players to create their own team of NBA players. There is also a Roster management where game players can buy and sell players from various teams in the NBA.

Dynasty is a gameplay mode that shares similarities with the traditional season mode but introduces unique features and objectives. In Dynasty Mode, teams compete for the Dynasty Trophy, a central element of this mode. Players earn points through gameplay, which can then be utilized for multiple purposes. These points can be allocated to conduct individual or team training sessions, aiming to enhance the skill levels of the player's team. Additionally, points can be spent in the 'NBA store', where a variety of items such as shoes, jerseys, headbands, and socks are available for purchase. These items, once acquired, can be equipped to team players, and are visible during gameplay. A key aspect of Dynasty Mode involves the drafting and development of new players, emphasizing long-term team building and management strategies.

One on one allows two players to compete on either a gym or street court.

Training allow practicing and improving court skills.

Reception

The game received "favorable" reviews on all platforms according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.[6][7][4][5] In Japan, Famitsu gave the PlayStation 2 version a score of three, eights and one, seven for a total of 31 out of 40.[9]

During the AIAS' 7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, NBA Live 2004 received a nomination for "Outstanding Achievement in Licensed Soundtrack", which was ultimately awarded to SSX 3.[37]

References

  1. I. G. N. Staff (2003-10-14). "NBA Live 2004 Out Now". IGN. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  2. "What's New?". Eurogamer.net. 2003-11-07. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  3. Scott, Jonathan (2003-11-11). "NBA Live 2004 Out Now". IGN. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  4. 1 2 "NBA Live 2004 for GameCube Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  5. 1 2 "NBA Live 2004 for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  6. 1 2 "NBA Live 2004 for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  7. 1 2 "NBA Live 2004 for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  8. 1 2 3 EGM staff (December 2003). "NBA Live 2004 (GC, PS2, Xbox)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 173. Archived from the original on November 12, 2003. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  9. 1 2 "Famitsu scores for PGR2, Magatama". The MagicBox. November 6, 2003. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  10. Leeper, Justin (December 2003). "NBA Live 2004 (GC)". Game Informer. No. 128. p. 159. Archived from the original on November 15, 2007. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  11. Leeper, Justin (November 2003). "NBA Live 2004 (PS2)". Game Informer. No. 127. p. 147. Archived from the original on September 15, 2008. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  12. Reiner, Andrew (November 2003). "NBA Live 2004 (Xbox)". Game Informer. No. 127. p. 170.
  13. 1 2 Tokyo Drifter (October 13, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 (GC, PS2)". GamePro. Archived from the original on February 12, 2005. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  14. Tokyo Drifter (October 13, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 Review for Xbox on GamePro.com". GamePro. Archived from the original on February 8, 2005. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  15. 1 2 3 Dr. Moo (October 2003). "NBA Live 2004 Review (GC, PS2, Xbox)". Game Revolution. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  16. Colayco, Bob (October 17, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 Review (GC)". GameSpot. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  17. Colayco, Bob (November 17, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 Review (PC)". GameSpot. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  18. Colayco, Bob (October 16, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 Review (PS2)". GameSpot. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  19. Colayco, Bob (October 13, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 Review (Xbox)". GameSpot. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  20. Steinberg, Steve (October 23, 2003). "GameSpy: NBA Live 2004 (GCN)". GameSpy. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  21. Abner, William (December 2, 2003). "GameSpy: NBA Live 2004 (PC)". GameSpy. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  22. Steinberg, Steve (October 23, 2003). "GameSpy: NBA Live 2004 (PS2)". GameSpy. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  23. Steinberg, Steve (October 23, 2003). "GameSpy: NBA Live 2004 (Xbox)". GameSpy. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  24. Hollingshead, Anise (October 28, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 - GC - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on June 4, 2009. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  25. Lafferty, Michael (December 7, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 - PC - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on June 4, 2009. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  26. Knutson, Michael (October 21, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 - PS2 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on December 31, 2008. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  27. Surette, Tim (October 26, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 - XB - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on February 18, 2009. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  28. Robinson, Jon (October 14, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 Review (GCN)". IGN. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  29. Robinson, Jon (December 2, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 Review (PC)". IGN. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  30. Robinson, Jon (October 14, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 (PS2)". IGN. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  31. Robinson, Jon (October 14, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 Review (Xbox)". IGN. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  32. "NBA Live 2004". Nintendo Power. Vol. 175. January 2004. p. 159.
  33. Varanini, Giancarlo (December 2003). "NBA Live 2004". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. p. 182. Archived from the original on May 6, 2004. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  34. "NBA Live 2004". Official Xbox Magazine. December 2003. p. 152.
  35. Klett, Steve (March 2004). "NBA Live 2004". PC Gamer: 77. Archived from the original on March 15, 2006. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  36. 1 2 3 Walk, Gary Eng (October 17, 2003). "NBA Live 2004 (GC, PS2, Xbox)". Entertainment Weekly. No. 733. p. L2T 21. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  37. "2004 Awards Category Details Outstanding Achievement in Licensed Soundtrack". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.