| Whether you are an NBA fan or not, NBA Live 2005 is a slam dunk! With the latest installment being "2005" you can expect to see not only the latest players, but many new additions ranging from the All-Star game to the revamped Dynasty mode.
Some new key features added to the 2005 update include Freestyle Air, NBA All-Star Weekend, Comprehensive Dynasty Mode and EA Sports Online. All of these features, some entirely new and others just expanded, offer many exciting elements.
Starting out with Freestyle Air; this new feature puts you on the floor and in the game. Never before has a game given the ability to become one with the players. With Freestyle Air you can finally pull out all the tricks that you've been holding in. Some new tricks that EA has pulled out of their magic hat include all-new dunks, alley-oops, and adjustable jump shots in mid-air. There are many more options available with Freestyle Air, but I'll leave it up to you to put them in action.
A brand new addition to NBA Live is All-Star Weekend mode where you get to take control and create amazing stunts. In the Slam Dunk Contest you can perform thousands of unique dunks, thanks to Freestyle Air. Also included in the All-Star Weekend mode is the 3 Point Shootout, the Rookie Challenge, and the actual NBA All-Star game.
The Dynasty mode has also been expanded with 2005, which is absolutely my favorite part of the entire game. While I love to play and, of course, squash all the teams that I go up against I really feel rewarded when I create my own successful franchise. The comprehensive Dynasty mode allows for your franchise to go for up to 25 seasons. Although it is a bummer when you finish it is also a breathe of fresh air to start over and see if you can do even better. The new free agency allows for you to work out contract negotiations with players and manage your salary cap. This also gives you an idea of just how much your favorite players are actually making. After seeing their salaries I can only help but wonder why I didn't work at being an NBA player.
With the biggest uproar at the moment being the opportunity to play games online I thought I'd try my hand at EA Sports Online. Once you connect you are able to play against opponents from anywhere in North America. At any given time there are thousands upon thousands of people willing and ready to play you a game. Although I think I am a pro while playing against the computer I realized that the competition online was a little harder. I ended up losing many of the first games that I played online, but am proud to say that I am doing better with more practice. While playing online you can visit the online lobby where gamers meet, greet, chat, setup tournaments, download roster updates, and play head-to-head.
NBA Live 2005 also features a variety of announcers. Marv Albert partners with Mike Fratello for 5-on-5 action, while TNT's Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith cover the Slam Dunk Contests and 3 Point Shootout. Altogether the announcers bring a lot of flavor to the game.
Overall, NBA Live 2005 is with no doubt the ultimate game for those wanting to get in on the NBA gaming experience.
- Chad Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief
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