NBA Live '98
Reviewed by Greatest One
The NBA Live series has been without question the best
basketball series of video games. They portray the game as
realistically as possible. NBA Live 98 is another one in the
series which captures the NBA pretty well.
Live 98 features all the NBA teams with up to date rosters.
The games are presented in TV style, with TNT and TBS
sharing the broadcast duties. Before the game starts, the
announcer introduces the teams, the game mode and the
records of the teams. Then you see the starting line ups and
are able to make changes to it. After that you go to tip off
and the game begins.
The game plays pretty smoothly. Players dribble the ball
fluidly and other players adjust their positioning. Some
players raise their hands demanding the ball, while others
set screens. The defensive players follow their men
realistically. When you look at it, it seems very real.
Different players have the ability to do different dunks.
You can also execute alley-oop dunks and dribble between
your legs or behind your back. All this makes it seem very real.
But, the game suffers in a few areas too. The computer
sometimes acts very stupid. It is pretty easy to drive by
the computer, because he never uses his turbo. Also the same
plays work all the time. In the hard mode, the computer
never seems to miss even when he takes the most difficult of
shots. Also the foul system is weird because it doesn't
matter what you do, the computer rarely gets called for
fouls. Even when you get knocked down trying to shoot, they
don't call a foul. It is common to play games, where you get
2 or 3 free throws, but the computer gets 15 to 20. This is
frustrating especially in close games.
The season mode is pretty good, with stats tracked
throughout. You can also create your own player and put him
in any team of your choice. Live 98 is a good game, but
nothing great.
Graphics: 8.
The graphics are pretty nice, with players looking like
themselves. The authentic NBA courts are present and there
is good lighting.
Sound: 8.
There are good effects of the ball bouncing and feet
sliding. Commentary is pretty good and so is the public
announcer.
Gameplay: 7.
Too easy on easy mode, unfair on hard mode. It is tough to
program a realistic basketball game.
Replay Value: 6.
Season mode gets boring soon. Multiplayer isn't too
exciting, but maybe its because I don't really like
basketball that much.
Overall: 7 out of 10
It is the best basketball game out there, but that isn't
much. Maybe Michael Jordan could have helped if he was in the game.
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