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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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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