NBA Live 2005

 PlayStation 2
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
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  1. DaeiK.
    Nov 7, 2004
    6
    The slam dunk competition was fun for a while. Beyound that, this game is no where near as polished as 2K5, but a better effort compared to last year. For basketball fans who really understands bball, 2K5 is the way to go.
  2. DannyP.
    Oct 4, 2004
    6
    Graphics are not bad, but espn has better graphics and gameplay, the all star weekend is good but espn beats it with 24/7 mode.
  3. DaeiK.
    Nov 7, 2004
    6
    The slam dunk competition was fun for a while. Beyound that, this game is no where near as polished as 2K5, but a better effort compared to last year. For basketball fans who really understands bball, 2K5 is the way to go.
  4. KyleJ.
    Nov 9, 2004
    10
    This game is the greatest if you think espn is better you're stupid espn is one of the easiest games out to play live make you have to learn how to play if you don't you will get beat.Live has DEFENSE espn needs defense because there defense sucks and there offense suck to baecause you can make every shot on that game. espn need a tune up to get with LIVE.Like Pimp My Ride espn This game is the greatest if you think espn is better you're stupid espn is one of the easiest games out to play live make you have to learn how to play if you don't you will get beat.Live has DEFENSE espn needs defense because there defense sucks and there offense suck to baecause you can make every shot on that game. espn need a tune up to get with LIVE.Like Pimp My Ride espn need Pimp My Game .espn is like an arcade street game with weak ass graphics LIVE GRAPHICS are Better face it. Weak ass hoopers play espn ,Live is for real hoopers.ESPN is the WEAKEST game on the market.… Expand
  5. AndreL.
    Oct 2, 2004
    10
    It's great with the whole ASW and the Dynasty mode is great everyone needs to go get that.
  6. AdamP.
    Dec 8, 2004
    9
    I dont like some ofthe changees that the game has mad , But it makes you really take the part of and owner in the dyn.. mode I have enjoyed playingt it and hope the game only gets better years to come.
  7. StevenB.
    Sep 30, 2004
    10
    The three point shootout,slam dunk conest, and deep dynasty mode(Cuz this game is on fire)
  8. ArthurP.
    Jan 4, 2005
    4
    Apparently this game is all about all star weekend... Not the season or player's attributes or performace. I could not play two teams in a season just like 2K4 so anyone who puchase this game to play in season, I recommend you NOT!
  9. KyleG.
    Mar 26, 2005
    6
    The most unrealistic game ever.Like all other EA sports gmes the starteer level is impossible to lose on and the all-star level is impossible to win.Other than that its ok.
  10. 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'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. GamesYou 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!… Expand
  11. AndrewGennai-G.
    Oct 1, 2004
    10
    This game has got it goin on. The All-Star Weekend with the Dunk contest, three point shootout, all-star and rookie games are a great addition to an already great game. The deeper dynasty mode is awesome and beats 'the Association' by a long-shot. The graphics are great. Way better than ESPN NBA 2K5.
  12. BurtT.
    Nov 7, 2004
    10
    The game specially the dynasty mode was very interesting and the trading block of players is huge.
  13. Tim
    Oct 22, 2004
    9
    Great game, graphics are better than other nba live versions.
  14. SteveM.
    Oct 26, 2004
    0
    This game is wack.... Live always has to come up with a new gimmick, and this one is by far the worst one.... if i want to control a slam dunk contest i will just wait for nba street Vol.3 it will be better in graphics and gameplay so until then you should just play espn 2k5.
  15. CarlosC.
    Sep 29, 2004
    10
    It is an amazing game for basketball players!!!!
  16. AndyD.
    Jan 14, 2005
    7
    This games makes you work too hard for points. running into defenders around the paint sucks, and fast breaks are always killed off! it's also a bit to unforgiving for beginners in starter mode. so many shots were blocked. i used the knicks and got beat 43-11!
  17. RyanC.
    Jan 20, 2005
    10
    The best in the world.
  18. EricJ.
    Jan 7, 2005
    9
    This game is off the hook. It's a little tricky at first to dunk right in the dunk contest, but besides that. SICK!
  19. FrankJ.
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    This game is the coolest game ever!
  20. IanL.
    Nov 29, 2004
    5
    For previously experienced NBA Live players, Intermediate Mode is far too easy, but EA has made the next level, All Star, far too difficult to score! The computer seems to get endless blocks, even if you burn him with an excellent pick and roll and have a clear path to the basket. Rebounding has been hampered due to a lower and frankly WORSE "Baseline High" camera angle which the computer For previously experienced NBA Live players, Intermediate Mode is far too easy, but EA has made the next level, All Star, far too difficult to score! The computer seems to get endless blocks, even if you burn him with an excellent pick and roll and have a clear path to the basket. Rebounding has been hampered due to a lower and frankly WORSE "Baseline High" camera angle which the computer claims to be the "best" angle for gameplay, yet blocks a large portion of the court with the lower shot clock and is zoomed out too far to see anything clearly. This makes rebounding nothing but guesswork. Also it seems that players rarely have the ability to drive AROUND and PAST the defender but simply run into them, shown when computer players have a nice way of catching up to you and blocking your path when you're trying to make a fast break. I'm am however, happy with the new dunk contest and the reduced effectiveness of the "Pro Hop" which made 2004 a joke. This game has the potential to be extremely fun, but just gets too frustrating for someone who has played and enjoyed the Live series since the old school days. … Expand
  21. Coolguy
    Oct 22, 2004
    1
    This game sucks, espn is way better!!!
  22. JoshB.
    Dec 25, 2005
    10
    Best NBA game ever.. Can't believe there's a bunch of crybabies whining about it.. Too hard on All-Star?? lolLearn how to play buddy. This is game is awsome! Real defense, and Real Offense, You gotta work for your shots.. When you get open they fall, if you don't get open, it's hard to hit. Very realistic.. Highly recommended.
  23. MikeS.
    Apr 15, 2005
    10
    This game kept me going its realistic whats not to like?
  24. MikeL.
    Nov 14, 2004
    1
    This game really sucks! For me NBA Live 2K4 is much better than 2K5, because 2K4 looks more advance than 2K5! The graphics of 2K5 is really BAD! Its very far from 2K4! I Suggest that next time they will release a new one, they must just adjust the players on 2K4, change there ratings, adjust the rosters of every team if there are any changes in there rosters, add new players if there are This game really sucks! For me NBA Live 2K4 is much better than 2K5, because 2K4 looks more advance than 2K5! The graphics of 2K5 is really BAD! Its very far from 2K4! I Suggest that next time they will release a new one, they must just adjust the players on 2K4, change there ratings, adjust the rosters of every team if there are any changes in there rosters, add new players if there are new ones and instead of 2K4 logo change it to a 2K5 logo. But please don't change the graphics of 2K4 anymore, because for me its very OK!… Expand
  25. Dimodino
    Nov 28, 2004
    10
    Great game and nice additions.
  26. neojotic
    Aug 29, 2020
    8
    One of the better NBA Live games. Lots of different game modes and extras, good graphics and solid gameplay.
  27. 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 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 (theTwo 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.… Expand

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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