NBA Live 2005

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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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
    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. GameSpy
    90
    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.
  7. PSM Magazine
    90
    Live doesn't have as many online goodies as "ESPN," but create-a-player mode is jaw-droppingly detailed and All-Star weekend is cool. [Dec 2004, p.78]
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  8. IGN
    89
    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.
  9. Next Level Gaming
    87
    The gameplay is improved a good deal from last year, giving you more of a realistic feel while maintaining a fast-paced arcadey kind of feel. The fight has been taken right to the competition, and EA might just be catching up in the Basketball department.
  10. GameZone
    85
    Fans of the series will find everything that originally made them fans, while newcomers and casual fans will find a game that should satisfy their basketball needs with its depth and relatively short learning curve.
  11. 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.
  12. 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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  13. 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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  14. Sports Gaming Network
    82
    Sure, Live has the reputation of being a more fastbreaking, high-scoring game; in many ways it still is, but in trying to take a step with realism, the game lost its arcade appeal.
  15. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    It does such a great job of mimicking the flow and feel (albeit a little faster) of basketball that you really can't go wrong. [Nov 2004, p.140]
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  16. Game Over Online
    80
    Outside of the problematic issues that hinder the Slam Dunk contest, dynasty mode and hiccups with gameplay, NBA Live 2005 still manages to deliver a decent basketball experience for fans of all kinds.
  17. GMR Magazine
    80
    A last-second shot that splashes down for victory. [Dec 2004, p.118]
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  18. GameSpot
    79
    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.
  19. 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.
  20. Game Revolution
    75
    Freestyle control is the same as it ever was, which is a good thing as it still trumps "ESPN" as the better, more responsive control system.
  21. 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.
  22. netjak
    55
    Last year, I was absolutely incensed by "NBA Live 2004." The game that became the gold standard for basketball games back in 1995 had thrown up a brick...Another year, and I find myself looking back at my NBA Live 2004 review a lot...to cut and paste text for this year's review. They fixed virtually nothing; it’s practically same game.
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Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best PS2 Game of 2004
44
#44 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
28
#28 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 49
  3. Negative: 5 out of 49
  1. sandspeedruns
    Feb 25, 2023
    9
    Two words - dunk contest. Honestly, I could spend hours in this mode alone. While it may be frustrating at first, there is nothing moreTwo words - dunk contest. Honestly, I could spend hours in this mode alone. While it may be frustrating at first, there is nothing more satisfying than hitting a dunk you've been practicing. And the dunks are ludicrous - off the scoreboard, off the shot clock, you name it, they probably have it. Beyond the contest itself, the key addition to the game was the rest of All-Star Weekend (the 3-Point Challenge, Rising Stars Challenge, and All-Star Game). All-Star Weekend added another dimension to an already-solid base. You now could choose between a more arcadey experience with All-Star Weekend, a more conventional one with Dynasty or Play Now, or a mix of both! Of course, there are other modes I am missing, but regardless, this is a great game.… Full Review »
  2. neojotic
    Aug 29, 2020
    8
    One of the better NBA Live games. Lots of different game modes and extras, good graphics and solid gameplay.
  3. Don'tneedtoknowDon'tneedtoknow
    Feb 20, 2007
    0
    You all say that Live seems more real. If you want a game to seem real than play the real game!!! Talkin bout improve game, why don'tYou all say that Live seems more real. If you want a game to seem real than play the real game!!! Talkin bout improve game, why don't you do something useful with ya fingers such and picking up a real basket ball and balling. It's just like driving games, driving a car is actually easier than driving the ones on the tv with the joystick. Plus it ain't all real. Games are meant to be fun, not annoying and bearly impossible. Bottomline, Live is garbage, ESPN is better. Seems like ESPN made a huge comeback after making 2k4, 2k6, and 2k7. I gotta admit, ESPN 5 was garbage, but all the Live Games are whack and who ever tryna base it off realism need to get up and face reality instead of tryna go blinde off of lookin at a tv screen for 24 hours......12 may be good but 24 is too long. You gotta add in sleep!… Full Review »
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