NBA Live 16

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
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  1. IGN Italia
    Oct 12, 2015
    71
    Unfortunately the flaws found in gameplay (especially for the AI) penalize the final score, but thinking only two years ago about a 7 for an episode of the series was pure science fiction.
  2. SpazioGames
    Oct 27, 2015
    70
    A good step in the right direction for the series and definitely a more accessible game than its direct rival, but there's still a lot to be done to reach those levels.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    Sep 29, 2015
    70
    NBA Live 16 has a lot of promise but only comes in a little bit above average at its current state. Hopefully EA Sports provides gamers with an October patch or else the game will fall well below the ranks of its highly touted expectations.
  5. CD-Action
    Jan 12, 2016
    65
    Live 16 is a substantial step forward for the series and less demanding players will enjoy it, but it falls far short of NBA 2K. [13/2015, p.57]
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  6. 3DJuegos
    Oct 13, 2015
    65
    New game modes, game mechanics and a nicely balanced game rhythm are the best novelties for this new NBA Live entry. Poor AI, some quirky-controls and minor technical flaws are in too, though.
  7. XGN
    Oct 12, 2015
    65
    NBA Live 16 is a step in the right direction for the franchise. There are some good new additions and the atmosphere of the game is fantastic. However, the mediocre gameplay ensures no enjoyment for the gamer.
  8. Game Informer
    Oct 2, 2015
    65
    Being a basketball game that works most of the time isn’t enough. Not being up to par with its stellar rival is forgivable, but Live also lacks a point of distinction that justifies its existence to basketball fans. Without that, it ultimately may not earn a contract extension.
  9. EGM
    Sep 29, 2015
    65
    NBA Live 16 takes a small baby step forward with the franchise, but there are still core gameplay elements that need to be smoothed out before it can be a championship caliber game.
  10. LaPS4
    Oct 15, 2015
    62
    NBA Live 16 is just a wannabee, a small step forward solving technical and gameplay mechanic issues, but two steps back from its main competitor in the genre. It's playable aspect has stagnated, and the new mechanics are aimed for the online features, with many things to enjoy.
  11. PSX Extreme
    Oct 8, 2015
    62
    NBA Live 16 isn’t a very good game but at least the series is moving forward, albeit slowly.
  12. New York Daily News
    Oct 12, 2015
    60
    At least NBA Live is finally starting to deliver. When the franchise made its return three years ago, it seemed more obligatory return than quality game, was a basketball game that lacked polish. And here in 2015, the Live series is still very obviously finding its way, still not rivaling 2K’s NBA franchise.
  13. Eurogamer Italy
    Oct 12, 2015
    60
    NBA Live 16 can't compete against NBA 2K16 but it's the first step in the right direction for the brand, after two terrible years.
  14. Digitally Downloaded
    Oct 7, 2015
    60
    NBA Live 16 has a lot of really solid pieces that are starting to come together. These disparate parts still need smoothing out and the game itself still has room to improve, but those looking for a more arcade-like NBA experience with a variety of modes should enjoy what the game has to offer.
  15. IGN
    Oct 6, 2015
    60
    NBA Live 16 can only go so far with clumsy controls holding it back.
  16. Hardcore Gamer
    Sep 30, 2015
    60
    NBA Live 16 is the best game in the series since Live 10, but that’s not saying much.
  17. DarkStation
    Sep 29, 2015
    60
    NBA Live 16 feels like a game that has a lot of good pieces but it’s still looking for its James, Bryant, Durant or Curry to help get it to the next level. Until they find it, NBA Live will continue to be a middle of the road game of basketball.
  18. Hobby Consolas
    Oct 11, 2015
    58
    It’s good to know that EA Sports doesn’t forget this historical franchise. NBA Live 16 has some promising fundamentals for the future, but it fails in many aspects: shooting system, AI, modes, animations… You can’t have a franchise under construction forever.
  19. IGN Spain
    Oct 7, 2015
    58
    It's a little step up from NBA Live 15, but EA's basketball series still has a lot to improve.
  20. PlaySense
    Nov 6, 2015
    55
    EA tries to improve with a lot of modes and a new license, though the lack of gameplay depth returns with a vengeance.
  21. GamesVillage.it
    Oct 20, 2015
    55
    NBA Live 16 is a conflicting game: it desperately wants to be a simulation, but in the end it's almost too easy for the player. It's a little bit better than the previous installments, but it desperately needs a more clear direction for the future.
  22. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Oct 2, 2015
    55
    NBA Live 16 has a few new modes and features that help elevate it above last year’s offering, but that’s practically a footnote when you consider how the game flubs some of its basic controls and AI.
  23. GameCrate
    Sep 30, 2015
    55
    While NBA Live 16 is still a slightly better game than what EA Sports has produced over the past couple of years, it still doesn't even come close to feeling like a complete package. The gameplay is fundamentally flawed, mainly with the inaccuracy of the AI and shooting system, and the presentation needs sprucing up, especially in terms of commentary.
  24. Gaming Age
    Oct 20, 2015
    50
    There's nothing so terrible about it that you'll regret ever having picked it up — there are no Jesus Bynum moments, in other words — but it's doubtful you'll have much fun playing it either.
  25. GameSpot
    Oct 13, 2015
    50
    Even with improved on-court control and an online Pro-Am mode that can lead to pockets of outlandish fun, NBA Live 16 still fails to justify its existence. Its Rising Star and Dynasty modes are too underdeveloped and unvaried to remain interesting beyond the first few hours of play, and the basic dribbling, passing, and shooting tend to trip over themselves during offensive rebounds or fast breaks.
  26. Meristation
    Oct 8, 2015
    50
    NBA Live 16 has too many problems in terms of gameplay. Improves on its predecessor, but is not enough to compete against the 2K series.
  27. CGMagazine
    Sep 29, 2015
    50
    Serious basketball fans will no doubt enjoy it, but if you’re not a serious basketball fan, while it might make a decent game for when you have friends over, I think Mario Party would do the exact same thing; And at least no one needs to understand Mario Party to enjoy it.
  28. PlayStation Universe
    Oct 5, 2015
    45
    There’s not much positive to NBA Live 16 apart from the unique menus and the well-conceived game modes. Gameplay is borderline crippling, leaving the final product on the whole incomplete. Uneven growth keeps this year’s outing from being justifiably on anyone’s radar.

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 76
  3. Negative: 23 out of 76
  1. JBHuskers
    Sep 29, 2015
    8
    NBA Live 15 was a huge step forward last when it improved upon a game that was really rough and had started from scratch. The communityNBA Live 15 was a huge step forward last when it improved upon a game that was really rough and had started from scratch. The community definitely saw the improvement and took it as EA SPORTS was committed to this game. For those who doubted this, welcome to NBA Live 16.

    Starting off with gameplay, I felt that 15 was just a notch below 10 (which I felt was the best in the series). With 16, it is improved even further thanks to LIVE Motion where your teammates will move off the ball to create open looks and also help with the improved playcall screen. No longer do you have to freestyle it to be successful thanks to LIVE Motion. You can run plays and watch them work like magic if you execute them well. Speaking of the playcalling, when you run a play the art shows on the court of what you should do, and it is very intuitive and helpful in getting the most out of the play you call.

    The shot meter is what makes the gameplay true and accurate. You’ll have a shot meter that you’ll need to release your shot at its apex, but depending on where you’re at on the court and where the defenders are, you’ll get some great feedback in terms of text and a % chance that you’ll make the shot. The great part of the shot in the gameplay this year is if you’re in trouble at the apex of the shot, you can still try to get the shot off by releasing the button late to still give you a chance at the shot.

    There are also a couple of nice small touches in the game play such as the ability to do a dribble hand off, and some improvements to the pick and roll system to give you more control on the guy setting the screen as compared to last year where it was all timing based. Much like the playcall art is very intuitive and helpful, so is the indicator of who you are supposed to guard on defense. Your circle and their arc will match in colors and there will be a transparent straight line connecting yourself to the guy you’re supposed to defend that is not gaudy or gets in the way of the visuals of the game.

    The gameplay isn’t without its faults though. The biggest issue with gameplay is user control when going for a rebound. It seems like it is not responsive at all like it should be and you seem to either be stuck in molasses or stuck in an animation that prevents you from getting to the ball. The game could also benefit from a better post up option on both the offensive and defensive sides. A special control scheme for post play would go a long ways into make the game completely true.

    When it comes to additions this year, Live 16 knocked it out of the park with the additions of Summer Circuit and the return of Live Run. Summer Circuit allows you to team up with up to four other users to take on a series of challenges against a pro-am team. There are real life courts where these pro-am games are held, and they look amazing, especially Terminal 23 in New York. Each court has a set of 5 games and each game has a set of 3 challenges for you to complete. Completing these challenges will unlock gear for you to add to your player. Another great thing about Summer Circuit, EA will be adding more courts and challenges as the year goes on.

    There are a lot of options you can purchase with your Reward Points such as sleeves, armbands, headbands, various shirts and jerseys, shorts, and a TON of shoes. You can earn Rewards Points by playing anything in-game; which is really nice.

    Going back to Live Run, this was one of the most wanted items by Live fans ever since the franchise came out, and it works really well. There are no gigantic load times to get into it like MyPlayer was last year for 2K, and the games themselves run very smooth. The only thing that is lacking for Live Run is the ability to access all of your stats outside of comparing them to someone else in the lobby. I think being able to see how you perform with dozens of stat types would have been great to see.

    Unfortunately two modes that are still somewhat bare bones are Rising Star and Dynasty. The GameFaceHD does add a lot to Rising Star though as you’ll have more of a connection with your player, but the mode still pales in comparison to MyPlayer. Dynasty also seems to lack some punch, but does have a lot of things you can do with it such as set your rotation, see your players happiness and etc. I can understand these modes being on the backburner for being updated because it’s hard to get through a full season, but still it would be nice to have a reason to be able to play them.

    Overall Live 16 is what we can call the official return to the series for the masses. While 15 was great for us hardcore players, 16 is going to welcome back those past fans with mainly the return of Live Run and the addition of Summer Circuit. The total package is vastly improved and I would give it a solid 85/100.    … Full Review »
  2. cdj
    Sep 29, 2015
    7
    If you enjoyed NBA Live 10 and were waiting for the franchise to return to that level, you will be very happy with NBA Live 16. It playsIf you enjoyed NBA Live 10 and were waiting for the franchise to return to that level, you will be very happy with NBA Live 16. It plays better and includes an Online Team Play mode, LIVE Pro-Am which consists of Summer Circuit (1-5 players versus CPU) and LIVE Run (human vs human teams).

    LIVE Pro-Am games are quick (as short as seven minutes), fun, and addicting - particularly with friends. Personalizing the mode is the NBA LIVE Companion App & GameFaceHD which allow users to scan their face easily (and high quality) into the game. (You must have a relatively new/recent phone or device that can support the app.)

    Users can earn Reward Points (used to unlock clothing, shoes, and tattoos from legendary artist Randy Harris to customize the look of their player) and Skill Points (used to improve the attributes of the player). Reward Points can be earned in any game mode. Skill Points are earned by play LIVE Pro-Am games or Rising Star. You cannot purchase Reward or Skill Points with real-life currency - you must play the game to earn them.

    The gameplay in the title may be the best it has ever been in franchise history. LIVE Motion has CPU-teammates moving away from the ball in a smart, realistic fashion. A new dribble hand-off mechanic adds another weapon to the offensive attack. Touch passes help users whip the ball around the perimeter quickly. An excellent Shot Meter, Defensive Assignment Indicator, and Offensive Playcalling Wheel are among the best in any basketball title ever. Off-ball controls help to make it more enjoyable to play without the basketball and are very helpful in LIVE Pro-Am and Rising Star. Needing improvement is the post-game, defensive help on penetration to the basket, CPU team play styles & AI, along with more animations and animation variety.

    Visually, the game continues to improve behind the help of EA's face-scanning technology. Some players are dead-ringers to their real-life counterparts, however those who have yet to be scanned can sometimes put a dent into the visual realism. As in LIVE 14 & 15, EA has done a great job with the crowd audio and presentation using the ESPN license. The biggest need for improvements in presentation come in team celebrations (during and after games), the crowd going crazy during runs, and increasing the ESPN branding in presentation throughout all game modes.

    Ultimate Team has improved by allowing users to keep multiple versions of a player in their Franchise, more Legends, throwbacks (past versions of current players), Short Term Players (allowing you to use for a specific number of games, no contract extension) and Specialists (required to play some challenges) with the goal of attaining Master versions of players.

    There have not been any major additions or revamp to Dynasty Mode or Rising Star, which are the biggest downfall to the title. Scores for this title will be all over the map due to this fact. Those who enjoy and requested OTP will grade the game high. Those who prefer the single-player experience may want more from the feature set. A lack of roster editing will also be a complaint from the community.    … Full Review »
  3. AMAKONER
    Sep 29, 2015
    10
    This game is a huge step up from nba live 15. It really is a contender this year and I will be playing this over 2k. With reliable servers andThis game is a huge step up from nba live 15. It really is a contender this year and I will be playing this over 2k. With reliable servers and good game modes such as ultimate team and rising star, this game really is great and I will really be enjoying it. The ESPN license also makes a good difference and makes it really look like an NBA game. My overall score would be a 8.5/10 but seeing as 2k fans are gonna be hating all over this I have to give it a 10 to up its review score. Thanks EA for a finally good nba live experience!… Full Review »
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