This will be a short review, but will provide the reasons for the score I have given.
I have supported NBA Live for many years, and have continued to try and provide as much support as possible, posting videos, constructive criticism, wishlists and feedback. So I'm by no means new to the series. I have been a long time supporter.
With that said, I'll hit on the positives first.
-This will be a short review, but will provide the reasons for the score I have given.
I have supported NBA Live for many years, and have continued to try and provide as much support as possible, posting videos, constructive criticism, wishlists and feedback. So I'm by no means new to the series. I have been a long time supporter.
With that said, I'll hit on the positives first.
- Gameplay
Without a doubt, this is the best "feeling" NBA Live game in a while. I love the new RPM, as it truly makes difference in the overall gameplay. Guys are moving like themselves, cutting, setting screens and generally playing to their strengths. The signature shots, etc are really well done, for those that have custom jumpers. Lebron runs like Lebron, stands like Lebron, shoots like Lebron. Some others though, arent' very well done. But the stars, for the most part are well done. The dribbling is a blast. Nutmegs, wrap arounds, etc, if you can think of something that you want to pull off, chances are, they will let you do it in game. That's not saying it'll be successful. I've tried nutmegs numerous times in the NBA portion but have been denied by defenders, so you have to pick and choose your spots.
-The One
The One mode, if you're into that sort of game mode, is very well done. I've seen a ton of people on social media who are really enjoying what NBA Live offers here. I've seen some excellent clips and highlights, all which look great.
-Court Battles
The new mode/implementation on The One. This should breathe some continual new blood into the game. This is where you come up with your own courts rules, and team to try to keep people from coming onto your home court and winning. You can create your custom court rules, which is pretty cool.
Now for the negative portions of the game. It's 2018, and these are the '19 iterations of games. In my mind, these games "should" be fully fleshed out and contain features that we seen in 2001-2002 titles. This is where Live continues to struggle, is providing the basic fundamentals of the NBA portion of the game. One of the biggest game modes that has not received the attention that it deserves, is franchise mode.
If you played Live 18, franchise mode was lackluster, and missing a ton of features that you would come to expect out of an 18 title. Competing against the juggernaut that is MyLeague and MyGM, which are shining examples of what a company can achieve when the resources are allocated, is a pretty large challenge. NBA Live 19 fails miserably here.
There is no editing within franchise mode. For those of you who like for your virtual nba to mimic that of the real nba, there is no way to change players shoes, accessories, jersey numbers etc once you start a franchise. They did allow a trading block and trade finder this year, which is one of the 2 improvements that they made year over year. The other improvement is allowing teams to have players "bird rights". There are also no ways to edit players jumpshots, or dribbling packages, layup/dunk packages, etc. So what they're assigned, you just have to deal with it. 2k gives you the ability to create any number of custom jumpshots, dunk packages, etc. Player attributes are editable outside of franchise, but tendencies are also nowhere to be found. This is also a glaring omission, as this hasn't been allowed since the implementation of synergy.
Franchise mode is bland, boring, barren... a great number of adjectives could be used to describe it. These are a good start.
In game, there are also no injuries. In every year that I play Madden, FIFA, NBA 2k, The Show, etc... There are always injuries that change the landscape of the league that it's mimicking. Injuries are a part of sports. This HAS to be implemented sooner rather than later. It's a huge part of strategy.
The plays and player/team tendencies are lacking big time. Players don't generally play as they do in real life, and teams don't play like their counterparts. The play system is extremely basic. Once a play breaks down, that's it. The AI doesn't adapt, etc.
The AI for the CPU is bad, and has the tendency to implement cheesy/cheating tactics to stay competitive. Just not a good experience.
Draft classes are poorly done, and there are no ways to edit incoming rookies. There are around 20 faces that are used over and over in each draft class, so after 2-3 years, all players start looking the same.
I buy my NBA titles each year, to sit down, relax and enjoy my own Virtual NBA World. Right now, only one title out there really caters to those gamers like me. This title, while it does have a lot going for it, and has made some huge strides, doesn't seem to have the single player NBA enthusiast even on their radar anymore.
If you're a social media influencer, or enjoy competing against Youtubers, you've came to the right place. However, if you covet an authentic NBA experience and enjoy a challenging AI, look elsewhere.… Expand
NBA Live 19Your Score0 out of 10User Score
