User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 49
  2. Negative: 5 out of 49
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  1. 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
  2. AndreL.
    Oct 2, 2004
    10
    It's great with the whole ASW and the Dynasty mode is great everyone needs to go get that.
  3. 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.
  4. StevenB.
    Sep 30, 2004
    10
    The three point shootout,slam dunk conest, and deep dynasty mode(Cuz this game is on fire)
  5. 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.
  6. BurtT.
    Nov 7, 2004
    10
    The game specially the dynasty mode was very interesting and the trading block of players is huge.
  7. Tim
    Oct 22, 2004
    9
    Great game, graphics are better than other nba live versions.
  8. CarlosC.
    Sep 29, 2004
    10
    It is an amazing game for basketball players!!!!
  9. RyanC.
    Jan 20, 2005
    10
    The best in the world.
  10. 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!
  11. FrankJ.
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    This game is the coolest game ever!
  12. 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.
  13. MikeS.
    Apr 15, 2005
    10
    This game kept me going its realistic whats not to like?
  14. Dimodino
    Nov 28, 2004
    10
    Great game and nice additions.
  15. Aug 29, 2020
    8
    One of the better NBA Live games. Lots of different game modes and extras, good graphics and solid gameplay.
  16. 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
44
#44 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
28
#28 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.