NBA Live 2003 - PlayStation

It's almost 2003, and the shelves would look a little sparser without a range of NBA Live games from EA Sports. Rest easy though, because here they are, back for more hoop dreams, and on the still-popular PSone. Replete with the usual barrage of statistical updates and official team names, colours, courts and players, NBA Live 2003 insists that further improvements have been made. Just how good can this series get? Let's see.

In terms of gameplay, the modifications to computer AI and graphical splendour in NBA Live 2003 are evident right from the outset. EA Sports have upped the ante when it comes to computer controlled opposition - there'll be no more walkovers, that's for sure, and the ball physics are more than ably complemented by the fluid player animations. Whichever camera angle you view the action from (and there are plenty of camera angles and replay options to choose from) it all looks good.

And then there's the atmosphere. Gamers can turn up the volume and enjoy the genuine sound samples and the roar of the crowd, along with the incisive commentary.

How EA Sports will improve on this with the inevitable NBA Live 2004 is anyone's guess. This'll be more than enough for now. more