Gamers get ESPN updates in 'NBA Live' release

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Oct 20, 2006 | by TERRY TERRONES THE GAZETTE

Nuggets coach George Karl is not a happy man. He's yelling at his players like someone ran over his foot.

I can't blame him, because my beloved Boston Celtics have gone on a 10-0 run, punctuated by a thunderous Paul Pierce dunk right on Kenyon Martin's melon. I think I can see David Stern's signature on his forehead.

Of course, the only reason the Celtics are doing so well is because I'm running the team -- not on the sideline, unfortunately (Boston coach Doc Rivers made $5 million last year to lead his team to a 33-49 record), but from the comfort of my couch with the very enjoyable "NBA Live '07."

"Live" comes with a number of different modes with Exhibition, Dynasty, Season and All Star Weekend available right from the start. Normally, All Star weekend is about as fun as watching Shaquille O'Neal act, but not anymore.

Aside from the Rookie Challenge, 3 Point Shoot Out and the All Star Game itself, there is the enormously fun Slam Dunk contest.

Instead of doing standard dunks, gamers can now customize jams and pull off all the human highlight film moves they want. Sports games come up with new innovations every year, and "Live" is no different.

The create-a-player feature has more depth than ever with about 50 attributes, from Dunk vs. Lay Up Frequency to Rebounding IQ, that can be adjusted.

Your characters' appearance can also be finely tuned, so be sure to think carefully about how you want to accessorize your calves and knees.

Other upgrades include tougher AI (look for a lot more double teaming) and a soupedup ESPN integration.

If you're hooked up for online access, gamers can now get sports updates from ESPN Radio every 20 minutes and watch Sports Center clips and interviews.

Sweet!

The graphics are just as good if not better than last year with detailed player models and courts so shiny you'll need sunglasses. The sound is even better.

The soundtrack is greatly improved, and the interactive crowd and play-by-play of Marv "Yes!" Albert and Steve Kerr (who would hassle me when I hit the wrong buttons) just add to the game's realism.

So how is the game play? Um... good.

Solid game play is not a bad thing, but with all of the game's other improvements, it feels like an area that didn't get as much attention as it should have.

The rebounding feels like in volleyball when the ball bounces off your players' hands.

And playing defense is unforgiving. Once an offensive player gets by you, there is no way to recover.

The brain-stumping freethrow stick is also back from last year, but thankfully a button option exists so you don't have to use it.

The limited online features are also a little disappointing.

"NBA Live '07" is a lot of fun and has a lot to offer hard court fanatics. But it's more 15-foot jumper than slam dunk.

CONTACT THE WRITER: Check out his blog at Gazette.com or drop him an e-mail at terry.terrones@gazette.com. His Xbox Live tag is coloradojoe.

details

NBA Live '07

Cost: $39.99-$59.99

Players: 1-4 (8 Online)

Formats: PS2, PSP, PC, Xbox, Xbox 360

Category: Sports Sim

Rating: E (Everyone)

B

Terry's Top 5 Awkward Moments in Basketball

1. The Coach Norman Dale/Myra Fleener smooch in "Hoosiers."

2. NBA Commissioner David Stern lying about giving the Knicks the No. 1 pick so they could draft Patrick Ewing.

3. Penny Hardaway's acting performance in "Blue Chips."

4. Watching Isiah Thomas single-handedly ruin the CBA, the Knicks and Spike Lee's credibility.

5. Tom Cruise's jump shot in "Cocktail."