NBA Live 07 (PS2) Preview
Posted by Sean Garmer on 08.25.2006
Man, this game has my heart pumping.
Anyone that has played the NBA Live series over the years knows the trend. EA tries to make improvements to the game while keeping its arcade style of play, going more of the way of the Phoenix Suns, than that of the San Antonio Spurs. Last year it was all about the "Superstar" controls. While the player models for the current-gen systems may look the same as last year's version. There has to be something good to cheer about. Well what is new this year? Come find out, right here.
Dirk committing the offensive foul on Udonis Haslem (PS2 Graphics)
Since NBA Live has the reputation of wanting you to get more points than defensive rebounds, it was odd to hear that EA was actually making defensive adjustments to this year's game. EA needed to find a way to counter all those superstars getting in the lane too easily. They do that by having players play better defense. You still probably are not going to get any "lockdown" defense here, but it is enough to keep LeBron from getting a parade to the basket. The defenders will be more aware of where each player is on the court and, it is going to be harder to beat people one-on-one because the AI will make sure it sticks with you.
Look at Richard Jefferson showing Chauncey Billups how to play D (XBOX 360 Graphics)
EA has also made some adjustments to the "Superstar" controls. Firstly, they have added a new role to the growing list. Now, each one of your teams will have an "X-Factor," this person is not necessarily your star. It can be a 2nd star or role player that is a big part of your team. Unlike the other roles, the X-Factor only works in short bursts and will last as long as he is hitting shots. So you have to be crafty with it. Also now your superstars will gain the ability to have more than one role. So now Steve Nash can be both the playmaker and shooter that he is in real life. While other players like Dwayne Wade or Kobe Bryant may have even three or four different roles. Finally, paying homage to their NBA Street series, they have added a new dimension to the jukes and spins. For the PS2 & XBOX versions there will be three different levels of moves, and the XBOX 360 version will have four. In addition, there are now two separate buttons for dunks and lay-ups. That makes the total of shooting buttons rise to three, one button for dunking, one for lay-ups, and one for jump shots. This means that the player can now decide to change their dunk to a lay-up in mid-air, which brings even more ways for the offense to bring the defense down to its knees.
"Vince Carter slams it home" (XBOX 360 Graphics)
The final and probably the most unexpected addition to NBA Live 07's gameplay, is the "intensity." Imagine this, you are in the 4th quarter of the most important game of your NBA life, and your star just got fouled. There is one second left on the clock, and two simple free throws stand between you and Championship glory. Well it really isn't quite that simple because the crowd is on its feet, the pressure is on, and your heart is beating an overabundant amount of times per minute.
D-Wade looking for that crazy bank shot over Elton Brand, to win it. (PS2 Graphics)
That's right; "intensity" is not your regular old momentum. This new addition to NBA Live makes it, so that you know when the team has approached the important moments in a game. If you are playing any old regular season game, then the "intensity" is not going to show itself very much, however, playing a division rival or a playoff game will lead to some heart wrenching moments. When it gets near the 4th quarter or any time the game senses a big momentum shift (because remember, basketball is a game of runs) the crowd will become active, the pace of the game will quicken, and every shot becomes crucial. There will even be a heartbeat rumble in your controller for those clutch moments. So you can expect to get that big time game feel, just like in the real NBA.
Other changes to NBA Live include: a revamped dynasty mode with the ability to schedule events, and, new team chemistry dynamics, that will control how your team plays on the court and acts in the locker-room. The online mode will be the same for the current-generation systems. However, for the XBOX 360 Version you will have a bunch of cool features available to you, thanks to ESPN. There will be an ESPN ticker at the bottom of your screen giving you real time stats and scores of all the real life sports happenings. Also you can get ESPN Radio updates every twenty minutes just like if you were listening to the radio while playing the game. ESPN also gives you ways to access various news articles from ESPN.com and has ESPN radio podcasts. Finally, is the addition of ESPN-Motion. Where you can watch television shows like "Pardon the Interruption" and also get tidbits from ESPN analysts, and you can do that all, while still being online enjoying the game.
Aww, look, its Houston in all its glory (XBOX 360 Graphics)
Well it seems like EA has another very good basketball game on its hands. Will all of these new features pan out in a good way? Or are they going to become just another silly addition? Find out for yourself when the game hits stores on September 25th. NBA Live 07 will be released for the PS2, XBOX, PC, XBOX 360, PSP, and later even for the PS3.
