NBA Live 2005

 GameCube
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Play Magazine
    100
    For this year's game, EA has taken freestyle control to a whole new level. A level so out of control, it's going to change the way you play basketball games...forever. [Oct 2004, p.89]
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  2. 1UP
    90
    EA did their homework and pulled together a solid basketball game this year. There isn't much to complain about in NBA Live 2005. And with the addition of the Slam Dunk Contest, the replay value is huge.
  3. PGNx Media
    90
    A great basketball game with excellent gameplay, and the addition of the all-star weekend is a nice treat.
  5. GamePro
    90
    The slam dunk matchup is a slick game within the game, but let's not forget what got you to the gym in the first place. NBA Live 2005 is an all-pro caliber b-ball game that continues to show improvements. [Dec 2004, p.140]
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  6. IGN
    88
    In one year, Live has really transformed its 5-on-5 game into more of a sim without losing the fun and flash of previous seasons, Dynasty mode has been revamped completely, and the AI across the board, from the trade scenarios to how players behave on the court, is far superior to any basketball game EA Canada has ever put out.
  7. Game Informer
    83
    In terms of visuals and pace, Live runs circles around rival "ESPN," but the gameplay is still a distant second in terms of execution. [Nov 2004, p.142]
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  8. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    83
    Live gets the nod from me this season, partly 'cause of its extras, which include a three-point and surprisingly deep slam-dunk contest. [Bryan; Dec 2004, p.158]
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  9. Gaming Age
    83
    While some gamers will be turned off by the lack of total simulation, they still may be intrigued by the extras EA threw in for good measure such as the deep dynasty, slam-dunk contest, and three-point shootout.
  10. TotalGames.net
    80
    You really need to appreciate how pick and roll plays work properly because of the solid collision detection or how players act like their real-life counter-parts, such as Allen Iverson lazily dribbling the ball before exploding past his marker with a crossover, to get the most out of this.
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  11. Game Over Online
    80
    The addition of the All-Star Weekend is something that was too long in coming, and manages to convey enough changes to warrant an upgrade for longtime fans of the series.
  12. GameSpy
    80
    A deep Dynasty Mode and some cool new gameplay additions ensure that you'll be playing the game for months to come, and while we can't say yet if the game will be able to gain ground on its biggest rival, we can say this: NBA Live 2005 is the best EA Sports basketball game ever.
  13. Armchair Empire
    79
    So, like last year’s model, Live 2005 is good, but not great.
  14. BonusStage
    78
    The game is nearly identical to last year’s game, with only a few improvements to speak of. The inclusion of the All-Star Weekend is a nice touch, but it doesn’t really provide anything revolutionary to the genre.
  15. GameSpot
    77
    Plays a solid game of basketball, but even the flashy new features can't hide the fact that it isn't a huge step up from last year's edition.
  16. Nintendo Power
    76
    Does it work when distilled down to the basics? The answer for NBA Live 2005 is a resounding yes. [Dec 2004, p.146]
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  17. Game Revolution
    75
    It’s surprisingly robust and looks very cool thanks to the great animations, that’s for sure, but the whole Dunk Contest isn’t very intuitive.
  18. Yahoo!
    70
    A fun basketball title, but this isn't one of those "must-have" years, unless All-Star Weekend is something you absolutely can't live without. EA just didn't bring its "A"-game for '05.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best GameCube Game of 2004
44
#44 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
  1. DavidA.
    Jun 30, 2005
    8
    Tight game, I like the multiplayer stuff. The Dunk contest is tight to get an automatic 50 just press L+R use x for the gather and tap x Tight game, I like the multiplayer stuff. The Dunk contest is tight to get an automatic 50 just press L+R use x for the gather and tap x again for like 1.5 seconds then let go. Get this game it's cool.… Full Review »
  2. W.H.
    Apr 17, 2005
    10
    A very good basketball game, with loads of options and new things! Top notch!
  3. CharlieF.
    Mar 10, 2005
    9
    I absolutely love this game and it's very addictive. I only have a couple minor complaints. 1)the camera angles. There isn't a I absolutely love this game and it's very addictive. I only have a couple minor complaints. 1)the camera angles. There isn't a single angle that lets me see all of the action. When the camera faces the basket, it's tough to judge distance and you end up out of bounds more times than you'd like, or bouncing off the out-of-bounds side of the backboard. 2)playing the realistic 12-minute quarters leads to un-realistic 120+ efforts every game. 3)TOO MANY BLOCKS!!! Both the computer and your own team block too easily. Even setting both team's blocking ability to zero has NO EFFECT! Other than these complaints, this is definately a must-own game for any basketball fan. Oh, one more thing. It takes forever to create the players that are missing.… Full Review »
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