NBA Live 18

 PlayStation 4
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 122 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 122
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 122
  3. Negative: 37 out of 122
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  1. FrankyBones
    Sep 16, 2017
    8
    I came back to Live after playing the demo. I was very impressed with the gameplay and even more so, the 5v5 pickup games at all the historical street ball courts. They learned a lot from 2Ks past games and improved on a few areas. This years Live puts 2K18 to shame. All anyone needs to do is try both game's demos. See for yourselves. It's sad too because I loved 2K16 & 17. II came back to Live after playing the demo. I was very impressed with the gameplay and even more so, the 5v5 pickup games at all the historical street ball courts. They learned a lot from 2Ks past games and improved on a few areas. This years Live puts 2K18 to shame. All anyone needs to do is try both game's demos. See for yourselves. It's sad too because I loved 2K16 & 17. I don't know why they went the route they went with. It's almost as if EA and 2K switched staffs.

    They also don't pick you apart with micro transactions to further your created player. The facial recognition app also works great. Something I could never get to work with the 2K series. Another thing that impressed me is the inclusion of the WNBA teams. There is something for everyone to like.

    My only complaint right now is the game has crashed a few times and the sound is off a little. Nothing that can't be fixed in audio settings but still annoying. The announcers also repeat a lot of the same phrases. Sometimes more than once a game. I hope they fix this. The way madden 18 updates their commentary.

    I'll leave it to the "pros" to describe all the different modes and features. I just wanted to make my 2 cents heard, coming from 2K back to live. It's been years since I've picked up an EA basketball game.

    Remember don't believe the hype or hate. TRY the demos! That's all you need.    … Expand
  2. SinceDa90s
    Sep 16, 2017
    8
    Got Live18 on launch day and Gamestop didnt even have it on the shelves with 2k18, just sitting on the floor behind the counter. Ive played Live since a kid in 03 and switched to 2k in 06-07 when it was taking over. I switched back to Live18 this year and Live18 is bringing back the good ol days
  3. Kevi86
    Sep 20, 2017
    9
    Man this game is FUN. I played nba 2k for so long now and I am sick and tired of same oldl problems every year. I gave Nba live 18 a shot and I am not disappointed. Graphics are nice, gameplay is fun and very responsive. The One mode is addictive. It has its flaws but man, this game is better than I expected. Now I just hope EA continuous to support and update the game so it will get evenMan this game is FUN. I played nba 2k for so long now and I am sick and tired of same oldl problems every year. I gave Nba live 18 a shot and I am not disappointed. Graphics are nice, gameplay is fun and very responsive. The One mode is addictive. It has its flaws but man, this game is better than I expected. Now I just hope EA continuous to support and update the game so it will get even better. I would give it an 8 but it really deserves a better overall score so I gave it 9. Just some nba 2k fanboys giving it zero, thats way it has an average user score. This game definitely deserves 7-8/10. Just play it and you will see.… Expand
  4. jaketyler48
    Sep 18, 2017
    9
    No game is worth a zero! Ever so if you see zero's no matter what it has to be a 2k fan boy review. Anyway my real rating of NBA live 18 is an 8.5, but, I bumped it due to the zero's. Let me start by saying after the first couple of times of playing the demo. I hated the game, it wasn't because it was a bad game it was because I went into it playing it like it was 2k. Live is its own gameNo game is worth a zero! Ever so if you see zero's no matter what it has to be a 2k fan boy review. Anyway my real rating of NBA live 18 is an 8.5, but, I bumped it due to the zero's. Let me start by saying after the first couple of times of playing the demo. I hated the game, it wasn't because it was a bad game it was because I went into it playing it like it was 2k. Live is its own game with its own graphics, gameplay, and, modes all of its own. After I went back and played it like Live I slowly got pulled into the Role of the One. The game mode that everything is centered around. You can rise through the ranks of the Summer pro am tour or the NBA to become the ONE! The thing I love about this game mode is it doesn't focus on all the negative aspects of your game. You get points for off ball moves like screens and boxing out. You can also double team and not get penalized for leaving your assigned player. You don't get sucked in on defense and defense is actually fun to play on any game mode! No longer do you need to fork out money to upgrade your player because win or lose you will get points to upgrade your player. The only place if you feel inclined to fork out more cash in Live is My Team its just as good as madden. I have had no issues with online play with the EA servers. The only game mode that I see is lacking in NBA LIVE 18 is the Franchise mode. 2k Definitely has LIVE beat in this mode. The commentary on 2k is also way better. That's about the only places. The graphics are awesome there are a few minor bugs. (nothing that can't be fixed though updates.) Overall NBA LIVE 18 is a breath of fresh air compared to the roster updates we get every year from the 2k series. Don't take my word for it all you need to do is download both demos play them and judge for yourself!… Expand
  5. Gonzo8428
    Sep 19, 2017
    9
    Played the demo and knew thia would be a day one purchase. Notjing against NBA 2K which is a great series I just wanted something that was different and more accessible.

    The graphics in NBA Live 18 are comparable to 2K, yes there are a few faces that need to be rescanned but NBA 2K jas the same issues. Im loving The One mode any like the level up system. Overall I'm loving this    Played the demo and knew thia would be a day one purchase. Notjing against NBA 2K which is a great series I just wanted something that was different and more accessible.

    The graphics in NBA Live 18 are comparable to 2K, yes there are a few faces that need to be rescanned but NBA 2K jas the same issues. Im loving The One mode any like the level up system.

    Overall I'm loving this game and bounce from Live Ultimate Team to The One story mode. Great job and solid fpundation to grow on. Well done EA Sports!    … Expand
  6. TheCanMan
    Sep 22, 2017
    10
    Guys. Do not play this game with the mindset of comparing it to 2k. It is not 2k. It is not a 2k copy. Download the demo for Free and play it. Enjoy it for what it is. A very fun basketball game. 2k has better graphics but this is a better game. EA stepped it up finally. EA will support this game with updates and new content. At least play the demo it's free. If EA keeps it up IGuys. Do not play this game with the mindset of comparing it to 2k. It is not 2k. It is not a 2k copy. Download the demo for Free and play it. Enjoy it for what it is. A very fun basketball game. 2k has better graphics but this is a better game. EA stepped it up finally. EA will support this game with updates and new content. At least play the demo it's free. If EA keeps it up I won't buy 2k again. 2k 11, 2k12 and 2k 13 were Amazing, ever since then 2k has been a disappointment for me.… Expand
  7. Trax6267
    Sep 15, 2017
    10
    Games a 7-8, only putting a 10 to offset the 0's.....still people really? You cant just copy and paste the same old complaints from the past 5 years anymore. The people are speaking. Just go to Twitter and search #NBALive18 and see if the masses think that the game still looks and feels like a gen 3 game. You will see the complete opposite - with more and more people jumping back to LiveGames a 7-8, only putting a 10 to offset the 0's.....still people really? You cant just copy and paste the same old complaints from the past 5 years anymore. The people are speaking. Just go to Twitter and search #NBALive18 and see if the masses think that the game still looks and feels like a gen 3 game. You will see the complete opposite - with more and more people jumping back to Live as 2K continues to sink its own ship. Play yourself, dont let any other opinion affect yours because in the end, Live is back and there is nothing they can do about it.… Expand
  8. Hush503
    Sep 15, 2017
    9
    Jessie Jay youre an idiot...Wow this game is friggin awesome!!! Its not perfect and it has its flaws, but its the best LIVE title in such a long time. That year off was the best move they ever made! Love the animations, the graphics, the atmosphere would have liked to see more on the presentation side of things but damn is this game, fun! 9 out of 10
  9. jessejayy
    Sep 15, 2017
    0
    I wanted to like this game but no i had a terrible experience playing. The animations look gross, the player models look weird as hell and gameplay is waay too easy. Also to mention all the glitches and WTF moments i had while playing (Shot blocking is OP). I had to return this game real quick because of how boring and ugly this game was, stick to 2k. NBA Live still is trash in my opinion.
  10. Matttappen
    Sep 28, 2017
    10
    You know, this game is actually really good. I'm not a 2k fan boy nor am I an EA fanboy, just to get that straight. But this year Live is definitely the better game in my opinion. The whole VC thing in 2k is getting way out of hand and I don't see it getting any better. In Nba Live there are zero micro transactions, which is great. But that is not the only reason Live is the better game.You know, this game is actually really good. I'm not a 2k fan boy nor am I an EA fanboy, just to get that straight. But this year Live is definitely the better game in my opinion. The whole VC thing in 2k is getting way out of hand and I don't see it getting any better. In Nba Live there are zero micro transactions, which is great. But that is not the only reason Live is the better game. Overall, Live is just so much more smooth. Game play feels great. You can actually play defense too! I'd give this game an 8 out of 10 but am putting 10 because there is no reason this game should be reviewed lower than a 7. Do yourself a favor and pick this game up and ignore the 2k fanboys. You won't be disappointed, I promise.… Expand
  11. SaintJames012
    Jul 21, 2018
    6
    While not quite ready to dethrone NBA juggernaut 2K, NBA Live shows that EA is working hard to catch up to the controversy-littered king of the hardwood. Live is not a bad game, and after shaking off comparisons to competitor 2K, players can quickly learn the nuances of the game that are both superior and and inferior to its competition. First and foremost the gameplay holds itself fairlyWhile not quite ready to dethrone NBA juggernaut 2K, NBA Live shows that EA is working hard to catch up to the controversy-littered king of the hardwood. Live is not a bad game, and after shaking off comparisons to competitor 2K, players can quickly learn the nuances of the game that are both superior and and inferior to its competition. First and foremost the gameplay holds itself fairly well, but still needs a significant work in order to push the game to the next level. While the shot meter is excellent at feedback and making green shot releases feel like an accomplishment one can take pride in, the way the gameplay runs as a whole is not that much better. For one EA relies too much on the use of animations to push the game forward. Each defensive play, every rebound, every shot and shot contest is simply a series of choppy animations strung together by the actions of the player. In Live, the skill number is king. A great example of this is shown in the rebounding game. When two players go up for a rebound, it is already determined who is going to get the ball, independent of the timing to jump up or positioning. If you are controlling a player in the paint and attempt to get a rebound but are not ordained the winner of the rebound, Live goes out of its way to keep you from messing with the script. From being jumped over, moving out of position, or simply not jumping at all, Live utilizes all of these examples to make sure the predetermined winner will get the rebound. This is not just for the rebounding either, play a few games and you quickly realize just how much of the control is taken away from the players. EA implemented gameplay "assists" to help streamline the gameplay experience. This means that the player you are controlling is not just moving on your control, but also an algorithm implemented by the game. This creates very awkward feeling movement throughout the game. Trying to cut to the basket but the algorithm determines a spot up shot is better? The player will run for a little then plant his feet, regardless of whether you were trying to cut. Want to rush in from the backcourt to help rebound? if the algorithm has determined a winner, the player will simply stop at the free throw line and not move until the rebound is grabbed. Want set a pick and roll? the game determines where you face, and good luck setting a pick and roll on an off ball player. These are instances of the game overwriting or manipulating the control of the player, and as long as these assists are still in the game, the gameplay will continually be choppy, unintuitive, and frustrating. Not all of these assists are bad though, and a good example of a good one in game comes on the defensive side. During on ball defense, the assist can help you stay on the man while you mainly move to cut off and moves the opposition attempts to make. This instance works because the assist helps to maintain control of the defense while the player can focus on the actual movement of the opponent. Unlike the other examples, the defensive assist does not highjack or manipulate the player's control, and using it made defense feel fun rather than simply the connection between offensive possessions.… Expand
  12. DSThom
    Nov 25, 2017
    10
    Fresh approach to the game of basketball. Great video game, much better than past years' versions.If you're tired of trend toward microtransactions, give this a try and you be surprised just how good it is (with every expectation of getting better).
  13. Kasra25
    Sep 19, 2017
    6
    It was a big step from EA Company, it has a good graphic and nice animation of the players that was close to reality, best part of game was my career part both street and league
  14. MonkiReviews
    Feb 19, 2018
    7
    This game is very fun. Let’s start with the good. I think the game was new and exciting. Playing in famous courts on the streets, or playing in the NBA are both fun. The dribbling was awesome in this game. The commentary, in my opinion, was good. The graphics are also good. Now on to the bad. The controls aren’t the best, but they are good enough. The defense is one of the things thatThis game is very fun. Let’s start with the good. I think the game was new and exciting. Playing in famous courts on the streets, or playing in the NBA are both fun. The dribbling was awesome in this game. The commentary, in my opinion, was good. The graphics are also good. Now on to the bad. The controls aren’t the best, but they are good enough. The defense is one of the things that needs the most work, while the offense is actually great. The only other complaint is that they need more game modes. Overall, the good overweighed the bad. I recommend this game.… Expand
  15. KarelessMFah
    Sep 21, 2017
    10
    I personally think it's a great game once you tweak the sliders so my review is based on the sliders I use and difficulty level I mostly play on in the game mode The One

    Pros Feels very realistic as far as your personal stat sheet, Skills do matter here and I love that, Game modes are great, You can feel the difference between John Wall guarding you and Kyrie Irving, Players    I personally think it's a great game once you tweak the sliders so my review is based on the sliders I use and difficulty level I mostly play on in the game mode The One

    Pros
    Feels very realistic as far as your personal stat sheet,
    Skills do matter here and I love that,
    Game modes are great,
    You can feel the difference between John Wall guarding you and Kyrie Irving,
    Players actually play like them selves,
    You have to smart when you go for steals or you will play,
    Close games feel unbelievably real and intense.

    Cons
    There's a glitch that rarely happens when you have the ball you can will glide slowly uncontrollably,
    Some times when you go for steals it will throw you completely out of position,
    Too many spectacular shots attempts go in,
    If you do not tweak the sliders blocks happen way to often I had to change the blocks sliders from 50 to 20,
    If you don't fix the sliders not enough fouls are called I had chance all fouls sliders but reach in fouls from 50 to 70 (80 is a good number too.)

    With the sliders I love this game it's by far my favorite NBA game since 2k13 so I give it a 8.5 or a 9 out of 10 without the sliders I give it a 7 out of 10

    I bumped the rating to a 10 because I see a lot of False low rating reviews.    … Expand
  16. eljon
    Oct 8, 2017
    7
    This year was my first time playing Live and I could tell you that this game is good. While the gameplay isn't perfect, it's still playable and really fun. I believe the Play Now are good and especially the "The One" concept because it really feels that you're control of your career unlike 2k18. The story of the The One is even better than 2k's which is saying something since there are noThis year was my first time playing Live and I could tell you that this game is good. While the gameplay isn't perfect, it's still playable and really fun. I believe the Play Now are good and especially the "The One" concept because it really feels that you're control of your career unlike 2k18. The story of the The One is even better than 2k's which is saying something since there are no cutscenes, the characters are just texting you but they're better characters than the one in 2k. Plus once you get into the game, the presentation, the interface is also way better than 2k.… Expand
  17. whitpony69696
    Sep 19, 2017
    10
    If you just like making a guy and playing multiplayer, like me, this game is AMAZING. so much cheaper than 2K, and most importantly, a much better experience!
  18. ChildishGavino
    Sep 25, 2017
    9
    Let's get this out the way there are only 2 basketball games on the market and there is no rule saying you can only like one. So why do people act like that's the case, I just don't understand. Well on with the review NBA live 18 has made huge improvements this year th game is not only playable it's seriously fun and addictive. Especially The One Mode, it's basically steer ball and beingLet's get this out the way there are only 2 basketball games on the market and there is no rule saying you can only like one. So why do people act like that's the case, I just don't understand. Well on with the review NBA live 18 has made huge improvements this year th game is not only playable it's seriously fun and addictive. Especially The One Mode, it's basically steer ball and being in the NBA put together and this is very important you can't pay to win you actually have to earn your skills. That's huge so when someone is a high rating you know they put the time in. Overall a great game and a really nice foundation EA has built for the next Live game. I'm expecting them to incorporate the frostbite engine in 19 and that will take this game to a whole other level.… Expand
  19. BluVet87
    Sep 21, 2017
    10
    I, too, made this account to help fix the rating. This installment is leaps and bounds better than NBA LIVE 16. Even though some of the animations look a little rigid, it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the game. Graphics are top notch. No micro-transactions, just keep playing and earn swag. If they add in Roster Editing and better contract negotiations for Franchise, Team Up (likeI, too, made this account to help fix the rating. This installment is leaps and bounds better than NBA LIVE 16. Even though some of the animations look a little rigid, it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the game. Graphics are top notch. No micro-transactions, just keep playing and earn swag. If they add in Roster Editing and better contract negotiations for Franchise, Team Up (like in FIFA & NHL), fix some dunking animations and fix the CPU made FG%, this game will be the #1 Basketball Sim in the near future. My honest rating is a 7.5-8.… Expand
  20. strongmanjeff
    Oct 3, 2017
    10
    Less stressful than 2k, less cheese and just overall better quality of a video game than previous years. I hope they keep improving as fans of basketball video games deserve NBA Live.
  21. meg127
    Oct 18, 2017
    7
    An all around solid game with a level of accessibility that makes this a great jumping on point for people interested in trying out a basketball game but don't want to be overwhelmed by 2K's complexity.
  22. BSDShoes
    Nov 4, 2017
    7
    EA's NBA Live has been lousy after 09, I still have 09 for Xbox 360 and it's still fun from time to time but I picked up NBA Live 18 brand new for pennies, it's a clear indication EA are desperate to make sales.

    Now onto the actual review, it's not NBA 2K, but it isn't loaded with microtransactions and isn't a gridnfest, LUT (Live Ultimate Team) I'd say is the worst of the bunch out of    EA's NBA Live has been lousy after 09, I still have 09 for Xbox 360 and it's still fun from time to time but I picked up NBA Live 18 brand new for pennies, it's a clear indication EA are desperate to make sales.

    Now onto the actual review, it's not NBA 2K, but it isn't loaded with microtransactions and isn't a gridnfest, LUT (Live Ultimate Team) I'd say is the worst of the bunch out of Ultimate Team sports games and doesn't give much value but it's still there for people who want to build a dream team.

    I'm a franchise type player myself and the AI is actually smarter than that in Madden, NHL and even FIFA. Gameplay wise, it's easy to pick up on and doesn't involve a whole lot of skill, player animation looks a bit dated compared to the smoothness in NBA 2K18.

    If you're a disgruntled 2K player/veteran, Live 18 probably has enough to keep you entertained if you can find it for a cheap price.    … Expand
  23. Roderick
    Feb 24, 2018
    10
    A solid basketball simulator & a lot of fun! You can pick this game up for $4.49 on PSN right now! I was pleasantly surprised, developers have really stepped it up this year! It hasn't quite caught up to 2k18 but it is a huge step in the right direction & a breath of fresh air.
  24. hoopheid
    Jun 17, 2018
    8
    Far more enjoyable than 2K and heaps more fun to play. No VC or micro transactions and a brilliant career mode. The street ball is just awesome and the arena atmosphere, especially in Playoff games, is brilliant.
  25. juniortiger
    Apr 7, 2023
    10
    I love feeling you in game haptic feedback control and graphic amazing and I recommend pick one up in store

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Nov 22, 2017
    80
    If you want a break from 2K's grind and high skill demands, this is a viable option. [Dec 2017, p.93]
  2. Eurogamer Italy
    Oct 25, 2017
    60
    NBA Live is far from perfection, but it shows the sparks of the future arcade contender of NBA 2K.
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  3. Worth Playing
    Oct 23, 2017
    70
    NBA Live 18 feels like it can be a competitor to the NBA 2K series. The game still needs some work in the presentation department, and while the streamlined modes may be pleasing for players who can feel overwhelmed with options, the available modes can feel pretty bare-bones. The gameplay is solid most of the time, and The One is a pretty good way to do a story mode, even if it doesn't have the writing depth. NBA Live 18 is now a decent alternative, and as long as EA Sports can keep up this momentum, it has a good chance of putting up a tighter fight next year.
    Read full review
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