Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 9
  2. Negative: 3 out of 9
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  1. Nov 22, 2014
    83
    NBA Live may still not be the best virtual game of basketball out there, but it is certainly worth a look if you are hoping to change up your game, as it looks great, has tons of modes, and is fun to play to boot.
  2. Nov 6, 2014
    65
    It is a step forward from the previous episode, but still there's a long way to go for NBA Live until they can fight again for the championship.
  3. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Jan 6, 2015
    60
    While its core modes are shallower than the competition, NBA Live 15 is breezy and fun to play on the court. [Jan 2015, p.82]
  4. Nov 5, 2014
    60
    NBA Live 15 is a nice step in the right direction, but it still falls short of its competition. It is definitely fun to play, but the late game AI and lack of any real additions or modes is sorely disappointing.
  5. Oct 28, 2014
    60
    NBA Live 15 is a definite upgrade over the previous year’s edition, but again, that really isn’t saying much.
  6. Nov 3, 2014
    50
    Effective offense is a struggle to achieve, and defense is far too automated to keep you interested. Even with individual players looking better up close, NBA Live 15 fails to present an attractive package when all ten bodies are running plays on the court.
  7. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Dec 2, 2014
    40
    Boring. Abysmal. Buy NBA 2K15. [Issue#118, p.83]
  8. Nov 5, 2014
    40
    An improvement. It's a better looking game than NBA Live 14, and a better playing one, but "better," in this case, does not directly translate to "good." Live 15 is still too shallow to hang with 2K's game, but it represents a glimmer of hope that this series could eventually provide some legitimate competition to 2K Sports somewhere down the road.
  9. Oct 29, 2014
    40
    With NBA Live 15, EA Sports makes minimal progress at best, but can't seem to find a solid enough identity for its hoops sim. The gameplay is all over the place, the modes don't show enough improvement, and the visual splendor is dulled over by commentators who feel like they want to be somewhere else.
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 51
  2. Negative: 12 out of 51
  1. Oct 29, 2014
    8
    NBA Live took great strides in game play this year. Although, graphically 2K has EA beat (which is rare), EA has such a good handle on theNBA Live took great strides in game play this year. Although, graphically 2K has EA beat (which is rare), EA has such a good handle on the game play; especially the passing and shooting mechanics.

    Initially, I was not a fan of the meter below your player indicating whether or not you are in position for a clear shot, but it was a welcomed visual cue once I got accustomed to it. I was able to take a quick shot without the need to estimate a player's distance from me.

    I am a huge fan of the menu system; it's quick, clean and very easy to follow. It makes getting in to a game quick and easy. NHL suffers from poor menu structure, and after having almost exclusively played that title for the past while, NBA Live's menu system was a nice change.

    Graphically, as mentioned above, I feel NBA Live lags behind a bit, when compared to 2K. The crowd seems a little too 'perfect' - meaning all of the crowd models are the exact same distance apart, and there's no variation in their distances between each other - or their seats. It might seem like a small detail, but it makes the crowd look like they're all lined up for an assembly, rather than about to cheer on their home team.

    Presentation looks very good, but I saw something I never thought I would complain about; 60FPS overlays. Even on Television, network logo transitions between game play sequences aren't THAT smooth - and the smoothness of the overlays in NBA Live actually take away from the "TV Broadcast" experience. It's an extremely minor detail.

    The new passing mechanics, combined with the quicker passing animations yield a fantastic team experience - and also gives the user some creativity. Alley-oops, picks and even Euro Jumps are quickly executed, and look rather smooth when pulled off correctly.

    Defensively, I have a grip with the 'swat' system - I could never seem to time it right. Fault of the game, or with me? I'm unsure - but it's worth noting that it could use some work.

    Foul calls seem to be bang on, and I'm happy with how they've been called in the 20+ games I've played so far.

    All-in-All, I think EA made a great step in the right direction with NBA Live 15. They still have some stiff competition, but you can't help but notice they are stepping up their game and bringing the franchise back to the front of the minds of Basketball gamers.
    Full Review »
  2. Oct 29, 2014
    9
    nba live did a great job this year. the graphics and mechanics is good. the gameplay is up to part also. they should add more customizationnba live did a great job this year. the graphics and mechanics is good. the gameplay is up to part also. they should add more customization for the my player and a scrimmage also. Full Review »
  3. Oct 29, 2014
    8
    Very good game! its not 2k yet but its a GREAT improvement from last year! The graphics are very good, most players are better than 2k,Very good game! its not 2k yet but its a GREAT improvement from last year! The graphics are very good, most players are better than 2k, presentation is great and the gameplay is different from 2k and is also very enjoyable! I played all my 6hours trial and i think this year will be my basketball game! Hope EA do a great leap next year again and have a solid game! Full Review »