NBA Live 15

 PlayStation 4
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 84
  3. Negative: 26 out of 84
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  1. Paakaa10
    Nov 2, 2014
    7
    NBA LIVE 15 is a game which ultimately proves difficult to evaluate for a host of reasons. Should it be evaluated compared to its predecessor, NBA LIVE 14, a game which was miraculous in that it even saw release to store shelves after EA SPORTS' hiatus from NBA titles since NBA LIVE 10? Should it be evaluated in direct comparison to its competition, NBA 2K15, the standard for NBANBA LIVE 15 is a game which ultimately proves difficult to evaluate for a host of reasons. Should it be evaluated compared to its predecessor, NBA LIVE 14, a game which was miraculous in that it even saw release to store shelves after EA SPORTS' hiatus from NBA titles since NBA LIVE 10? Should it be evaluated in direct comparison to its competition, NBA 2K15, the standard for NBA simulation gameplay which has built up a sterling reputation in recent years (server quality being a lone failing)? In truth, NBA LIVE 15 feels like a game that knows better than to attempt to step up against the reigning king, but this awareness does not extend to the retail MSRP, which suggests that it is an equal value to the competition. The reality of NBA LIVE 15 is that it is a competent "change of pace" game for those who want a different take from NBA 2K15 or for those players overwhelmed by that other title's hardcore simulation, but it is hard to argue that the title is worth full price this year.

    GAMEPLAY
    Depending on your background with basketball and NBA video games, NBA LIVE 15's on-court action will either engage you or leave you wanting more. As somebody who is not a basketball die-hard, the inclusion of a tutorial in this year's game from Day 1--something that NBA LIVE 14 was sorely lacking--helps the on-boarding process, though it's hard to overlook that it really only trains offensive gameplay and doesn't address defense. Offense feels competent enough--the right analog stick dribble moves are fairly user-friendly, even for novices--but the game seems content to reward three-point shooting over more complex play calling. On defense, steals seem overpowered in their effectiveness, while it can feel as though the offense has free reign when driving to the paint and especially in boxing out for rebounds when playing against the CPU AI. This year's game introduces shooting feedback to let the player know how successful they are at timing the release of a jump shot, and information under the player indicator helps provide instant feedback on whether the ball-handler is in a high-percentage scoring range and whether their shot will be contested. These help the gameplay experience, although it's still possible to score on sub-optimal releases that are contested just as much as it is to brick a shot with better release.

    NBA LIVE 15 also introduces physical interactions in the paint, although at times it's hard to see these in action because there are visual glitches and animation interactions which don't appear to play by the rules of these new physics. Players can also warp around the court at times and the ball and limbs will pass through other players' body parts with enough frequency to disrupt the immersion and frustrate the experience. The game also uses on-court graphics to display play-call setups, but even in the game's "Rising Star" mode (the single-player career option), going to the circles still fails to trigger continued play-call instructions more often than not.

    PRESENTATION
    Visually, NBA LIVE 15 has benefited greatly from an extra year of work, with NBA players and especially the superstars looking more accurate in-game compared to their real-life counterparts. Players like LeBron James, who looked like rough approximations of their true selves in NBA LIVE 14, now come much closer thanks to EA SPORTS' dedication to advanced facial scanning technology. As mentioned in gameplay, however, players still tend to lack full physical tangibility, and the best scanning tech in the world can't compensate for players passing through each other and morphing into one another.

    The ESPN NBA presentation package returns, though it is disappointing that this year's game also fails to organically present highlights of big-time plays as they happen. Pushing in the left analog stick after a play is the only reliable way to get in-game highlights, and these lack the style and visual pizzazz of a real-life NBA broadcast or the presentation found in competitor NBA 2K15. The NBA has a strong character and visual identity that does not show through NBA LIVE 15's broadcast package.

    GAME MODES
    Despite other shortcomings, NBA LIVE 15 has a well-stocked game mode suite, including its take on EA SPORTS' popular Ultimate Team mode as well as single-player and team Career options, the ability to play along with the current season, and the ability to re-live or re-write big moments from real-life. Despite the number of modes offered, however, their depth is still lacking in direct comparison to the competition.

    OVERALL
    NBA LIVE 15 is a fun game of basketball that has value and and appeal to a particular audience; in this way, it is an achievement to be celebrated compared to last year. However, it is still not on the same level as NBA 2K15 despite sharing a price point. If NBA LIVE 16 continues an upward trajectory, we may well see next year's game give full value; for now, waiting for a price drop is advised.    … Expand
  2. BigSmitty81
    Nov 2, 2014
    6
    Last year I called NBA Live 14 the "Darko Milicic of basketball gaming" due to how rough that game was, yet the raw upside potential the game had going forward if nurtured and developed correctly. I can most definitely say that if Darko was given the treatment this game has received in Live 15, it would be clear to see that the game has the potential to be a legit contender for the bestLast year I called NBA Live 14 the "Darko Milicic of basketball gaming" due to how rough that game was, yet the raw upside potential the game had going forward if nurtured and developed correctly. I can most definitely say that if Darko was given the treatment this game has received in Live 15, it would be clear to see that the game has the potential to be a legit contender for the best basketball game out in a few years time. Since I'm all about the gameplay, that's where my emphasis will be.

    Gameplay Positives:
    From what was done last year, the ball physics are done the best yet again, and now another layer of tangibility is added with the ragdoll physics that take place on shot contact in the game. It shines brightest with the activity that takes place in the paint. Whether it's the contact of a big body defender preventing a clear drive to the hole with a hard contest or a ball handler like Lebron James going hard to the rack for a posterizing dunk over a not so hot defender like Mike Dunleavy. Also on jumpshot attempts. It's good to see for the most part when being called for a shooting foul. I go into instant replay and a good amount of the time, when it's a shooting foul from outside the paint, it's nice to see where the contact was actually made to draw the whistle. This needs to happen in all sports games where physics and positioning dictate gameplay outcomes over hard-coded animated sequences at all times.

    I also like the dribbling system in the game that was brought back from NBA Live 10, as it adds a lot more control which was missing to a moderate extent in Live 14. The startup refinement to the post game is nice to see, but needs a lot more detailed work and depth added as well for both offense and defense. On the defensive side of the ball, I do like there were more steps added when facing the ballhandler, also the fact that the animations added don't have too many animated sequences (even though some still exist) where you feel like you have no control over the outcome of the situation. Plus the shot feedback/fatigue gauges on the player (with the option to turn off is a nice touch) is a much needed addition to the game as well. There's a good base here, with plenty of room for growth, depth and development for sure in future installments if capitalized on correctly.

    Gameplay Negatives:
    Problems with the game is that even with the 600 animations added in this year, it still does feel stiff in terms of the overall player movement, dribbling, post play, and defensive transitional animation flow. You still have animated sequences that'll pop into place unrealistically to play out just for the sake of matching what the offensive player wanted to do. Even with the phsyics in place, you still have a good amount of times where the defender's physical stature isn't being properly accounted for and the offensive move performed gets free reign over whatever the defender does (ex: Jarret Jack drives down the lane for a layup right at Dwight Howard and will follow through without meeting any resistance as Howard gets knocked down or will flail back due to the ragdoll physics). The defender will either get ran over as if he's not there at all, or he'll get slid out of the way as the player on offense makes his move. This is a must fix for the future. The success of shots being made, ability to steal the ball, convert on alley oops and block shots is way too high. The success rate of these elements is what makes the game more arcade-like then a truly pure basketball simulation title and it really needs to be balanced out properly going forward if possible.

    In conclusion, this isn't viable for the best basketball game to date (not yet), but in my honest opinion, it is the best NBA Live title to date since the days of XBox 360/PS3 with Live 10. Like I stated at the beginning, as long as EA keeps building this game up properly, in a few years it could be an elite top tier basketball title. Right now though, this game gives you an arcade/sim-like experience as this game has an arcade basketball feel with simulation gameplay elements. Hopefully this will balance out as the title progresses forward in future patches and most definitely in future Live titles.    … Expand
  3. cdj
    Nov 9, 2014
    7
    NBA LIVE 15 is significantly improved from NBA LIVE 14. As someone who enjoyed 14 (while recognizing it had room for improvement), I cannot go back to it after playing 15.

    Most notably, visuals and animations move the game truly into 'next-gen' territory. A new Shot Feedback system and improved shot animations help make it very rewarding to hit open jumpers. Visually, the game is    NBA LIVE 15 is significantly improved from NBA LIVE 14. As someone who enjoyed 14 (while recognizing it had room for improvement), I cannot go back to it after playing 15.

    Most notably, visuals and animations move the game truly into 'next-gen' territory. A new Shot Feedback system and improved shot animations help make it very rewarding to hit open jumpers. Visually, the game is extremely sharp - you'll find yourself in replay mode watching player faces and capturing screenshots. The game added a vast number of new animations helping to make it look more realistic. As was the case with LIVE 10, game atmosphere and audio (crowd noise, chants, organ music, etc.) is top-notch.

    The game contains the same core feature set as NBA LIVE 14, however all of them have received some sort of improvement. Ultimate Team now features an Auction House, Dynasty Mode has improved logic, shootaround mode now has a tutorial allowing users to learn the game, et al.

    My biggest area of concern is CPU AI & logic (IE: running an offense, late game strategy, etc.). The feature set is solid, but the addition/return of Online Team Play & adidas Live Run (from Live 10) would have bumped the score into high 70s or 80s IMO. The game lacks a feature where multiple (online) users can hop on to compete, chat, and have a good time. Also, 'basic' animations (non-action) are still stiff at times.

    In addition, a Photo GameFace feature for Rising Star would aid user immersion significantly.

    If you are a long-time LIVE fan and/or enjoyed 14, I would recommend giving LIVE 15 a try.    … Expand
  4. SimFBallCritic
    Nov 11, 2014
    6
    I'll keep this review fairly short and sweet. My review of NBA Live 15 is based on how it compares to NBA Live 14. NBA Live 15 is what Live 14 should have been. It has improved greatly over Live 14 particularly in the way the game looks graphics wise and the way the game feels. I feel like I can actually play and enjoy Live 15 to some degree, which is something I couldn't do with Live 14.I'll keep this review fairly short and sweet. My review of NBA Live 15 is based on how it compares to NBA Live 14. NBA Live 15 is what Live 14 should have been. It has improved greatly over Live 14 particularly in the way the game looks graphics wise and the way the game feels. I feel like I can actually play and enjoy Live 15 to some degree, which is something I couldn't do with Live 14.

    Even though the game has improved it still isn't quite where it needs to be to keep my attention. Overall the game just feels like an arcade game to me. It is fun to play and I can appreciate that but to me the feel of the game is off. It's still feels stiff at times and there are a lot of animation pops. My biggest compliant area is the play in the paint. At times it feels like weight and momentum means absolutely nothing. There is too many times when you can push your way through the lane and get to the basket. You even see times when the defenders actually slide on both feet as you push them out the way. Stuff like that kills the experience for me.

    In conclusion I think Live 15 is a foundation game and has improved, but it's still going to be a few years before they are a legit contender. I'm very curious to see where Live is by Live 17.    … Expand
  5. AzureEffect
    Dec 4, 2014
    6
    NBA LIVE makes a return into the realm of basketball video games and its a welcome sight! This game is very rough around the edges and still has "animation" problems that make the game look unrefined but it's building block is that it is FUN. There are certain things that it has over its "competitor" that are actually really bright spots for the future. Ball tangibility (the ability toNBA LIVE makes a return into the realm of basketball video games and its a welcome sight! This game is very rough around the edges and still has "animation" problems that make the game look unrefined but it's building block is that it is FUN. There are certain things that it has over its "competitor" that are actually really bright spots for the future. Ball tangibility (the ability to steal the ball and have the ball be "live), Crowd atmosphere, presentation, and physics in the paint are all great points over its competitor. There's still a long way to go to compete with the 2K offering but it is very refreshing to have one of the best basketball titles in the history of gaming back in the fray. I hope that EA can weather the storm and continue to produce this title because it has promising features but it's not there yet.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014
98
#98 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 9, 2015
    65
    A solid game that can’t hold a candle to NBA 2K15. [13/2014, p.74]
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Dec 28, 2014
    60
    Strives for, and achieves, nothing more than competence. [Christmas 2014, p.88]
  3. games(TM)
    Dec 18, 2014
    50
    At least it provides some hope for the franchise's future. [Issue#155, p.130]
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