NBA Live 16

 Xbox One
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 70 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 70
  3. Negative: 29 out of 70
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  1. TheSureFireGame
    Oct 1, 2015
    8
    If NBA2K16 is the MVP, NBA Live 16 gets the Most Improved Player award. It's not the complete NBA experience, but it's so much better than its recent entries. Player likenesses are more accurate than ever, Presentation makes excellent use of the ESPN partnership, And the Pro Am & Rising Star Modes bring some needed change and longevity to the franchise. There are a few flaws however;If NBA2K16 is the MVP, NBA Live 16 gets the Most Improved Player award. It's not the complete NBA experience, but it's so much better than its recent entries. Player likenesses are more accurate than ever, Presentation makes excellent use of the ESPN partnership, And the Pro Am & Rising Star Modes bring some needed change and longevity to the franchise. There are a few flaws however; Rising Star Mode is shallow compared to 2K's Be A Pro, though it does handle player building and stat allocation better. And some may feel this game is a little faster paced than its rival, as Live has had a tough time shacking off it's Arcade feel. With that said however, this is still the best incarnation of NBA Live in years. And if improvements continue, don't be surprised to see this contend with NBA2K in a couple of years. If you want the complete NBA experience, go with 2K. If you don't like the feel of it, Live's a good alternative.… Expand
  2. Rammy12
    Oct 2, 2015
    10
    NBA Live 16 has definitely made a massive improvement. I was a huge fan of NBA live 10 and hated 2k back then. I must admit that live did fall off but, they are finally back. The game is very fun to play and I would definitely recommend you to purchase it. I have 2k 16 as well and that also is a nice game although the jump shot release sucks this year. I will be playing both games thisNBA Live 16 has definitely made a massive improvement. I was a huge fan of NBA live 10 and hated 2k back then. I must admit that live did fall off but, they are finally back. The game is very fun to play and I would definitely recommend you to purchase it. I have 2k 16 as well and that also is a nice game although the jump shot release sucks this year. I will be playing both games this year online..… Expand
  3. MGamer232
    Sep 30, 2015
    10
    As a casual gamer, i like to be able to play a game and have fun without having to need to have the brain of an actual athelete. I love sim, but i wany to have fun as well, and i find a great balance of that with NBA Live. Though thier offline modes leave some to be desired, i cannot stop playing online Pro am, mostly when i have a team of like minded players. Great job EA, looking forwardAs a casual gamer, i like to be able to play a game and have fun without having to need to have the brain of an actual athelete. I love sim, but i wany to have fun as well, and i find a great balance of that with NBA Live. Though thier offline modes leave some to be desired, i cannot stop playing online Pro am, mostly when i have a team of like minded players. Great job EA, looking forward to nex year… Expand
  4. CoolvonraD
    Sep 30, 2015
    8
    With a all new 5v5 mode that plays great (read: runs smooth and servers do not go down *cough* 2k) and a very cool leveling system for your character within Rising Star/Live Run this is a fun title. So hype that the character can build his style and looks for online 5v5. 8/10 - will check out NBA Live 17' as well
  5. NBASteez
    Sep 30, 2015
    10
    Love this game its definitely stepping in the right direction.Unlike the 2k band wagoners I gave the title a shot and actually played the game.It looks clean and has less glitches thank 2k which is really really really overrated to ad on what TheWrestlePixel stated.
  6. gymrat1206
    Sep 30, 2015
    10
    I had to write a review after seeing 0s from people who never even played the game, going off of fake social media stories etc. Play this game, learn this game, and you will respect this game, like or not. Taking everything into consideration, i give Live 16 a 7 to 8. It just needs more innovative depth, but the game is extremley fun and deserving of at least a 7.Live 16 shows that thisI had to write a review after seeing 0s from people who never even played the game, going off of fake social media stories etc. Play this game, learn this game, and you will respect this game, like or not. Taking everything into consideration, i give Live 16 a 7 to 8. It just needs more innovative depth, but the game is extremley fun and deserving of at least a 7.Live 16 shows that this series isnt going anywhere and will just get better and better. Get used to it folks… Expand
  7. Iam313756
    Sep 30, 2015
    10
    This is a HUGE step for the NBA live franchise ..I am honestly happy to see this title get back on track..there is no way this game is below a 7 live is not far behind their competitor.
  8. NBANyce
    Sep 30, 2015
    10
    The jump from the last two previous releases of this title is definitely a major improvement and is looking forward to see what the next has to offer.Great job EA !!
  9. TheWrestlePixel
    Sep 29, 2015
    10
    I give this game a 10, because it deserves it. After the atrocious game that was Live 14, and the slight improvement in 15, I just had a feeling that 16 would be great. 2K16 has tons of glitches and is simply overrated. A real consumer would buy both games, and have some variety. I thought that the Alley Oops in this game were really bad, that was until they patched it about 2 days afterI give this game a 10, because it deserves it. After the atrocious game that was Live 14, and the slight improvement in 15, I just had a feeling that 16 would be great. 2K16 has tons of glitches and is simply overrated. A real consumer would buy both games, and have some variety. I thought that the Alley Oops in this game were really bad, that was until they patched it about 2 days after people noticed it as a big problem. Just like how they also fixed the free throw glitch A DAY after it became an issue. The animation is A LOT more fluid than last years. There aren't a lot of locked animations which improved the game a lot for me. There are tons of player set animations, for example Harden stirring the pot, or Westbrook doing his signature celebration. Prp-AM and Summer Circuit are really fun modes to play. It's not just something to play when you're bored, no you literally want to keep on playing. The only thing that I think would've further excelled this game would be ALL-STAR WEEKEND. THE *CLASSIC* NBA Live All-Star Weekend. I'm looking at a 5.2 for the user score right now. But this game deserves at least a 8.8 for the tons of improvement and the fact that they listened to us, the fans. It just so happens that we have a lot of followers in this world. Nobody in their right mind would buy 2K year after year, the repetitive product. Live is a big win for me, and I'll be playing this until Live 17 is released. A perfect 10 in my book.… Expand
  10. tyrese200
    Sep 29, 2015
    10
    AmazingAmazing game.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................… Expand
  11. damman
    Sep 30, 2015
    1
    Every one that played the demo for this game knows that it's an improvement but still it can't compete against the better NBA2k16. This game should of not been priced at 59.99 it's only worth half that or straight to the bargain bin. If you don’t believe me just check out the ratings on this site so far this game can’t even get a 7 out of 10 that’s sad. EA please stop making the NBA liveEvery one that played the demo for this game knows that it's an improvement but still it can't compete against the better NBA2k16. This game should of not been priced at 59.99 it's only worth half that or straight to the bargain bin. If you don’t believe me just check out the ratings on this site so far this game can’t even get a 7 out of 10 that’s sad. EA please stop making the NBA live series because you will never out perform NBA2k16 and you know it. This game is trash! If you purchase this game you're a fool. No pun attended.… Expand
  12. MarkA
    Oct 4, 2015
    8
    EA SPORTS returns to the hardwood with NBA LIVE 16. Longtime fans of the series will be happy to know that the game has improved over last year's game and leaps and bounds better than 14. It offers users new, exciting ways to play in some areas while not making much progress in others.

    One of the modes in NBA LIVE 16 where I think you will have a lot of fun is Live Pro-Am. You can    EA SPORTS returns to the hardwood with NBA LIVE 16. Longtime fans of the series will be happy to know that the game has improved over last year's game and leaps and bounds better than 14. It offers users new, exciting ways to play in some areas while not making much progress in others.

    One of the modes in NBA LIVE 16 where I think you will have a lot of fun is Live Pro-Am. You can create your own virtual self using the GameFace HD. The great thing about this new feature is you don't have to have Kinect for Xbox One users or a PlayStation 4 Camera for PS4 gamers.

    You just download the NBA Live companion app to your smartphone or tablet. The app is free of charge. Once you create your character, you can then dress him in the many types of shoes and other accessories the game has to offer. The more you play, the more reward points you can earn to unlock even more stuff to add to your collection. You can also add tattoos to your created player. There are many types of tattoos to chose from so there's something for everyone. They have been created by Randy Harris, who has done art work on actual NBA players over the years.

    Likes:

    Gameplay is improving with each release of the game which is a good sign for the overall series. It's the best it has been since the relaunch of the series.

    Online Team Play Mode: You can team up with your friends and play on many types of courts to chose from.

    Graphics: Like gameplay, the graphics seem to be improving on a yearly basis. Still not perfect, but player models look good.

    Dislikes:

    No historical teams: I always have enjoyed playing real life teams from yesteryear. Sadly, this isn't an option in NBA Live 16. It does have the ever popular Ultimate Team Mode that lets you collect players from different eras of the NBA, but no way of unlocking teams from the past.

    Dynasty and Rising Star Modes are pretty much the same as last year's game. In order to keep pace with other sports games like NBA 2K, FIFA, Madden, etc, EA is going to have to work more in creating new content for these modes.

    Giving players basically the same thing as last year's game is going to leave a sour taste in gamer's mouths.

    Overall, you can tell the game is not just a roster update of NBA Live 15. The franchise needs to continue to grow by updating existing modes while still trying new things to try and stay on the cutting edge of video basketball games.    … Expand
  13. DoubleXX
    Dec 24, 2015
    9
    Okay, firstly, comparing NBA Live to the 2k Franchise is the worst idea. Although 2k16 is not my preference THIS year, BECAUSE of NBA Live 16, 2k16 does things in its own game better than NBA Live, true enough, & NBA Live does things better than 2k16. I gave this a chance one day & I've been hooked playing the trial so I ended up buying.

    To focus more so on what NBA Live does right is,    Okay, firstly, comparing NBA Live to the 2k Franchise is the worst idea. Although 2k16 is not my preference THIS year, BECAUSE of NBA Live 16, 2k16 does things in its own game better than NBA Live, true enough, & NBA Live does things better than 2k16. I gave this a chance one day & I've been hooked playing the trial so I ended up buying.

    To focus more so on what NBA Live does right is, the GRAPHICS. The look & fluidity, after a number of updates, is at a competitive high this year. Also, the ability to pick up & play WHILE enjoying the learning curve is great. The different modes are fun, for the little bit that I've played & Ultimate Team mode is different & fun.

    Overall, it was worth the purchase over 2k. All my friends play 2k, but I'M enjoying this.    … Expand
  14. casua1gamer
    Apr 3, 2016
    1
    This game gets everything right... except for the actual gameplay itself. Laggy controls, slow gameplay, frustrating tendencies in both offensive and defensive play. The menus, game presentation, and bells and whistles all look excellent, but when you get to actually playing the game, it becomes a chore. Controls are laggy, gameplay itself is excruciatingly slow, and overall, you justThis game gets everything right... except for the actual gameplay itself. Laggy controls, slow gameplay, frustrating tendencies in both offensive and defensive play. The menus, game presentation, and bells and whistles all look excellent, but when you get to actually playing the game, it becomes a chore. Controls are laggy, gameplay itself is excruciatingly slow, and overall, you just don't feel immersed in the game.… Expand
  15. HERC2015
    Jun 17, 2016
    0
    I rarely review games, and I rarely give negative reviews to games - this is one of those rare times where I will give both.

    In Game Grading System This feature just doesn't work well, for instance if you play good defense (play up on your man, defend to the hoop, and attempt to block his shot), you should receive a good defense (+2 grade), or a contest shot )+1) grade, right? Well,    I rarely review games, and I rarely give negative reviews to games - this is one of those rare times where I will give both.

    In Game Grading System
    This feature just doesn't work well, for instance if you play good defense (play up on your man, defend to the hoop, and attempt to block his shot), you should receive a good defense (+2 grade), or a contest shot )+1) grade, right? Well, what about getting an -1 or -2 for allowing your man to "score inside," or to shoot an "open shot?"

    The list goes on and on - when shooting open threes, you get a poor shot selection or contested shot, both negatives, which make it hard to get to a high yellow or green score at the end of a game. This makes it quite frustrating, especially when having customized a created Rising Star.

    Rising Star Points Allocations
    This is another one of the games glitches - I want to call this a farce because rarely if ever do my point allocations stick - allow me to explain.

    At the conclusion of Rising Star games, you receive a certain number of points which you can allocate to your player's development (Skill Points). They range and depend on how well you perform in-game, and are mainly tied to your In Game Grade (50-100, although if you perform very poorly, they can be below 50).

    USUALLY (which is hard to fathom), I allocate my skill points based on the "Key Skill" indicators, but sometimes I decide to go with some other skill sets to balance out my player (ex: Speed, Finishing, Layup, Fouls, etc).

    Nine times out of Ten, the Skill Point Selections that I make will not stick - once I exit the Skill Points allocation screen, the points revert to what they were post game, but before my skills allocation, which is quite frustrating.

    Shot Meter/Skill Meter
    This is another bone of contention - in the NBA Live '15 iteration, it seemed you were better able to hit shots/free throws using the shot meter than you are in this current iteration.

    My Rising Star has a Free Throw Skill Rating of 82, but ever since I allocated enough points to get him to 82, he consistently shoots between 60-70% from the free throw line, despite me always being at the top of the meter and in sync with the animation.

    In conclusion, although the game does offer a variety of modes, and the animations are quite good, the game mechanics (not flowing into a layup for example when there is no one in front of you, instead setting for a jump shot from 10 feet) leave a lot to be desired - there is virtually no marked improvement from the 2015 iteration that I can see, except for a change in the use of the shot meter (not an improvement).

    The Rising Star mode is an exiting prospect, but the execution of the skills allocation and selection deflate any excitement that one has and leaves a very frustrating experience for the player.

    It is for the aforementioned reasons that I strongly recommend that anyone thinking of purchasing this game try to find a trial instead and check it out for themselves - if you have a large appetite for frustration, then this is the game for you.    … Expand
  16. Jason2k20
    Apr 17, 2017
    0
    Still no editing rosters? Still no sliders or customization?? EA cant expect to compete with the top dog 2k if they just have a simple basketball sim. Get with the program EA!
  17. CenkAlp
    Jan 2, 2018
    4
    Hikaye = 0
    Oynanış = 5
    Grafikler = 5
    Sesler = 6
    Keyif = 5
    Atmosfer = 5
    Süre = 5
  18. ASF93
    Aug 17, 2019
    9
    I had so much fun playing this game. Unlike most games, the online mode against other players works great never any lost connections or problems. NBA Live also forces you to play defense more than 2K does making it a much better game in my opinion. Don't know how this game isn't rated higher.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2015
68
#68 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Sporting News
    Mar 2, 2016
    60
    NBA Live 16 is a fun game to play. That may in itself be an achievement for the series. However it has considerable deficiencies and a disappointing feature set that simply doesn’t measure up to the other major sports gaming franchises. Because it does not offer enough compelling content, and it excels in too few areas, Live 16 remains a tier below the premier sports games on the market today.
    Read full review
  2. games(TM)
    Dec 9, 2015
    40
    Nowhere near the level of 2K's NBA productions. [Issue#168, p.90]
    Read full review
  3. Worth Playing
    Nov 30, 2015
    60
    The gameplay still needs some work, especially on the defensive side, but at least those who lean toward offensive play have a few new weapons in their arsenal.
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