NBA Live 2003

 Xbox
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Play Magazine
    100
    Debuting in this '03 renewal is the EA Sports "freestyle" control. Wihout question, it WILL change the way you play basketball games...forever. [Nov 2002, p.88]
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  2. Game Over Online
    90
    With improved graphics, better animations, and a control system that, like their commercials say, allows players to fully express themselves anyway they want, Live 2003 is unbelievably solid.
  3. GameZone
    88
    Freestyle control allows unparalleled dribbling and defensive control.
  5. Official Xbox Magazine
    88
    Quite simply the best two-player basketball game ever made. [Dec 2002, p.108]
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  6. IGN
    85
    The emphasis in this game is on scoring and creating spectacular plays, a job that once belonged to the NBA Jam/Showtime series. People enjoyed watching Live 2003 as much as they enjoyed playing it.
  7. Sports Gaming Network
    85
    A huge improvement from NBA Live 2002, bringing back the enjoyment that had been missing before. Obviously the FreeStyle Control has a huge role in this revival.
  8. Armchair Empire
    83
    With the solid on-court graphical presentation, fast-paced gameplay and variety of game modes, many may actually see it on even par with "NBA 2K3."
  9. Game Revolution
    83
    Is it better than NBA 2K3? Well, no, not really, though some of you will find the faster-paced gameplay to be more enticing, and even doubters should check it out for the Freestyle control alone.
  10. GameSpot
    82
    Focuses on the up-tempo aspects of the sport of basketball as opposed to the half-court set, and the result is plenty of fast breaks, quick passes, and few shot clock violations.
  11. TotalGames.net
    80
    If you're looking for a realistic and fun basketball game, then NBA Live 2003 will not disappoint.
  12. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    80
    I still wholly recommend "NBA 2K3," but Live looks like it's back on the upswing. [Dec 2002, p.258]
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  13. GamePro
    80
    Sim fans will be disappointed with the under-powered defense, but for twitch players, NBA Live 2003 is a dream come true.
  14. Operation Sports
    78
    The Gameplay reminded me more of a charity All-Star game than an actual NBA game.
  15. GameSpy
    78
    A variety of gameplay issues end up overshadowing the majority of improvements.

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best Xbox Game of 2002
99
#99 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 2 out of 6
  1. SamJ.
    Feb 25, 2003
    10
    THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED!!!!!
  2. JessicaM.
    Dec 11, 2002
    10
    Wow this is a great game.
  3. ChadS.
    Dec 4, 2002
    9
    I think is just about the same as NBA2K3 only for the free style. that made everything jump up a lil on the scale.
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