NBA Live 06

 PSP
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. Next Level Gaming
    83
    It's a bit scaled down, and there are some definite gameplay issues I would like to see fixed. But all in all, it's not a bad debut on the PSP.
  2. Yahoo!
    80
    NBA Live 2006 isn't the perfect game for serious NBA fans who dig stat-tracking more than slam-dunking. It is, however, a great game for someone searching for a good looking, fun and portable game of basketball.
  3. GameSpot
    76
    For better or for worse, NBA Live 06 looks and plays remarkably similar to its home-console cousins, even going so far as to include the new freestyle superstar control features.
  5. GameSpy
    80
    By moving the game to the PSP, EA managed to keep most of the console experience intact and give gamers a robust basketball experience that fits nicely in the palm of their hands. If you're a fan of the game, this is by far the best portable experience you'll find to date.
  6. IGN
    78
    One of the most accessible and fun sports title released for PSP to date. The transition from console to handheld left only a few compromises, none of which hurt the fluidity of gameplay.
  7. Gaming Age
    83
    Easily the best basketball title on a handheld to date.
  8. BonusStage
    88
    A phenomenal game of basketball, handheld or otherwise, that I’ve found myself coming back to over and over again for hours upon end.
  9. Modojo
    80
    It's not without its faults, but those faults are overshadowed by the quality. No matter what your heart desires (dishing and swishing, hacking and whacking, or posting and toasting) this game has it all.
  10. PGNx Media
    90
    The PSP version of the game is a pretty dead-on conversion of the console version which is awesome to see.
  11. PSX Extreme
    86
    The load times are short, all of its big-brothers major features are included, there’s instant replay, and the gameplay is surprisingly tight. Simply put: it’s nearly everything you could ask for in a portable NBA game.
  12. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    All the fundamentals of the PS2 version and, well, not a whole lot more. [Dec 2005, p.138]
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  13. GameZone
    81
    A no-brainer, especially for hardcore basketball fanatics. Although displaying its fair share of problems, the overwhelming fun factor of the game more than overshadows the lack of realism.
  14. GamePro
    90
    The control feels tight and fairly responsive on the analogue pad, making passing and scoring easy feats. Your teammate's friendly A.I. is also mostly reliable, save for the occasional hiccups that leave your buddies staring stupidly at rebounds and loose balls.
  15. PALGN
    65
    The controls are an issue to consider before deciding to purchase this game as well, because although it may not seem like they will make that much of a difference, they do.
  16. Operation Sports
    60
    Games for this kind of system are supposed to be fun, simple and not terribly time-consuming. Viewed in this light, NBA Live 06 is a success, but real hoops fans will undoubtedly spend more of their gaming time on more fleshed-out console titles, and keep Live around as a quick artificially-basketball-flavored snack for their PSP.
  17. PSM Magazine
    90
    Top-notch control. [Dec 2005, p.114]
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  18. G4 TV
    80
    Even without a deep Dynasty mode (we really expect it next year) this is easily the best basketball available on a handheld.
  19. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    80
    7/10 for the regular bits and a whole bonus point for the excellent Superstar Challenge. Happy dunking. [Christmas 2005, p.116]
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PSP Game of 2005
52
#52 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. PortableGamer
    Nov 16, 2012
    8
    Being one of the earlier games you can play on PSP, this is an excellent simulation with everything you can expect from the solid basketballBeing one of the earlier games you can play on PSP, this is an excellent simulation with everything you can expect from the solid basketball game. I always love to see the game where you can say: "This is great." without having to add "given that it's just a PSP version".… Full Review »
  2. Mike
    Feb 21, 2006
    9
    Game is very good. I love it. I'm not a big basketball fan, but the game is amazing.
  3. JimmyJ.
    Dec 2, 2005
    7
    This is NBA Live. The reason I say that is because the game is fun. But it can't compare to the console version of say, NBA 2K2 - 6. I This is NBA Live. The reason I say that is because the game is fun. But it can't compare to the console version of say, NBA 2K2 - 6. I wish they came out with a game for the PSP. I'd buy it in a second. The graphics are pretty good for a handheld game though I must say I think EA's Need for Speed Underground looks better. Which kinda made me mad. that was a launch game. When is the PSP really gonna step it up? I think the graphics coulda been way better. But it is fun, especially if you get online and can scrape some kid in California while you're in Idaho, New York, Florida (does it matter!). So if you need a handheld basketball fix, get Live '06. But if you wanna play a good basketball video game get NBA 2K.… Full Review »
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