NBA Live 2001

 PC
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Daily Radar
    100
    The fact remains that if you want to own the best possible basketball game for the PC, this is the one to get. The graphics are, as usual, simply spectacular, and the production values, from the snappy menu system to the hip-hop timeouts, are the best in the business.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. GameZone
    95
    At this point, NBA Live 2001 should be the only basketball game you need for some time to come. It offers a little of everything, and although it's certainly not perfect, you have to appreciate that EA didn't skimp on the details or merely repackage last year's edition.
  3. GamePower
    88
    We reloaded NBA Live 2000 for comparison, and there's no question that this is a leaps-and-bounds improvement.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. IGN
    83
    A really good game. There's no denying that. But those of you that already own the 2000 version of this game will really only be paying for new rosters, some tiny cosmetic upgrades, and couple of new features.
  6. ActionTrip
    80
    The fact that EA Sports hasn't adequately dealt with the nagging AI glitches is not nearly enough to seriously diminish the overall impression and the unmatched atmosphere of the series that has been its trademark throughout the years.
  7. GameSpot
    80
    It doesn't really offer much in the way of new features--but likewise, it's still one of the best basketball games available.
  8. Game Over Online
    80
    Like a breakaway that results in a lay-up. Where's the slammah jammah? As usual, the overall presentation, variety of game modes, and new additions are fantastic, but there are a handful of issues that hurt the game.
  9. Sports Gaming Network
    72
    Personally, the game started out enjoyable and still is, but I have a feeling I will start to get frustarted with the rebounding and missing short shots too often in the near future.
  10. Happy Puppy
    70
    Certainly a feast for the eyes, but questionable AI and control issues keep it from instant-classic status.
  11. PC Gamer
    65
    Not even close to being a worthy successor to "NBA Live 2000." [May 2001, p.60]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Computer Games Magazine
    60
    For longtime fans of the series there simply isn't enough new stuff to get excited about, however, and for every improvement there are missing features and lingering problems that drag the game down.
  13. Yahoo!
    60
    Not as good as its predecessor.
  14. Gaming Age
    58
    It's pretty good. I'm just waiting for EA to revamp all their games and give sports fans something new. Until then, you guys might want to change your catch phrase to... "EA sports, it's still the same."

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best PC Game of 2001
73
#73 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. TravisB.
    Dec 21, 2007
    10
    This was one of my favorite PC games of all-time. Along with the NHL game where you could pick your own all-star team, this was hands down a This was one of my favorite PC games of all-time. Along with the NHL game where you could pick your own all-star team, this was hands down a great game. Sure there were the occasional stat glitches of not matching the ratings for existing players, but you could create hundreds of players and keep building current rosters for years. Game play was stellar, and it had a groundbreaking franchise mode which allowed you to read scouting reports, draft players, make trades, and go all the way to 2025, and the best part is that you could play the franchise mode or the actual head-to-head game with a friend. And the best part was that you could hear Rahzel's song in the background, which was absolutely classic. KG rules, and so does this game.… Full Review »
  2. TravisB.
    Dec 21, 2007
    10
    This was one of my favorite PC games of all-time. Along with the NHL game where you could pick your own all-star team, this was hands down a This was one of my favorite PC games of all-time. Along with the NHL game where you could pick your own all-star team, this was hands down a great game. Sure there were the occasional stat glitches of not matching the ratings for existing players, but you could create hundreds of players and keep building current rosters for years. Game play was stellar, and it had a groundbreaking franchise mode which allowed you to read scouting reports, draft players, make trades, and go all the way to 2025, and the best part is that you could play the franchise mode or the actual head-to-head game with a friend. And the best part was that you could hear Rahzel's song in the background, which was absolutely classic. KG rules, and so does this game.… Full Review »
  3. MattR.
    Jul 30, 2001
    6
    A huge disappointment. Live 2000 was, and still is, miles ahead of this turd in terms of gameplay. The only thing that's improved are A huge disappointment. Live 2000 was, and still is, miles ahead of this turd in terms of gameplay. The only thing that's improved are the graphics and animations. Everything else not only didn't improve, but actually took a step back!… Full Review »
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