Games Database
PC
Sport: Basketball
| Also for: | PS2, Xbox, GameCube, PlayStation | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Third-person, floating camera | Genre: | Sport: Basketball |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Electronic Arts | Soft. Co.: | Electronic Arts |
| Publishers: | Electronic Arts
(GB) |
Released: | 29 Nov 2002
(GB) |
| Ratings: | 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Control Pad | ||
Video
Summary
Electronic Arts' string of NBA Live games grows ever longer and stronger with the PC release of the 2003 version.
Complete with the usual onslaught of statistical updates, minor graphical improvement and official names and player licenses, Live 2003 is very similar to previous updates.
In-game animation and frame rate is now silky smooth, ball physics, bouncing and rebounding is more realistic, and the motion-captured players are as convincing as ever. These features are far more noticeable for the PC version. Accompanied with a 128 MB GeForce 4, Live 2003 looks, as most games would, incredible, but even with minimum specifications there's little to complain about.
The game dynamics, computer AI and overall response of the opposition is much better than in previous instalments, and while many players will not reap the benefits of these improvements, ardent fans of the game series will greatly appreciate EA's efforts.
But, again, in terms of gameplay, these 2003 edition modifications can't be fully exploited without the use of a decent controller, especially in multi-player mode. A standard 4-button uniform pad with analogue control is ideal, but almost anything is better than keyboard controls.
Taking an even bigger step towards authenticity, players can now enjoy genuine arena sound samples including crowd noises and jingles. And with a complete library of well-known basketball moves and terminology, official jerseys, arena lighting and dramatic camera coverage and replay option, NBA Live 2003, as with every other game to precede it, is simply the best version yet.
Complete with the usual onslaught of statistical updates, minor graphical improvement and official names and player licenses, Live 2003 is very similar to previous updates.
In-game animation and frame rate is now silky smooth, ball physics, bouncing and rebounding is more realistic, and the motion-captured players are as convincing as ever. These features are far more noticeable for the PC version. Accompanied with a 128 MB GeForce 4, Live 2003 looks, as most games would, incredible, but even with minimum specifications there's little to complain about.
The game dynamics, computer AI and overall response of the opposition is much better than in previous instalments, and while many players will not reap the benefits of these improvements, ardent fans of the game series will greatly appreciate EA's efforts.
But, again, in terms of gameplay, these 2003 edition modifications can't be fully exploited without the use of a decent controller, especially in multi-player mode. A standard 4-button uniform pad with analogue control is ideal, but almost anything is better than keyboard controls.
Taking an even bigger step towards authenticity, players can now enjoy genuine arena sound samples including crowd noises and jingles. And with a complete library of well-known basketball moves and terminology, official jerseys, arena lighting and dramatic camera coverage and replay option, NBA Live 2003, as with every other game to precede it, is simply the best version yet.
