Still, the process is primarily intuitive, and most players will have it down by the end of a single one-on-one session.
Unfortunately, the practice mode does not grant the option of computer opponents, which would have been very useful in terms of truly getting a sense of the controls before leaping into a full-fledged match. The best way to initially acclimate oneself to this vast array of new controls is to first play a bit in the practice mode, then go for a little one-on-one against the CPU. The list may seem daunting at first, but after a bit of practice, you'll likely wonder why this masterful technique wasn't implemented sooner. Dribbling on the run, in conjunction with the right analog stick, will produce different moves such as spin moves, hesitations, fake-outs, and so on. Tapping up will perform a jab step, whereas tapping down will allow your player to back away from a defender. Similarly, when dribbling in place, it is possible to cross the ball between your player's legs with an appropriate tap of the right analog stick. Depending on how you execute the move, this may involve passing it behind your back, between your legs, or in front of your chest. Referred to on the official website as the "right hand revolution", the intuitive new freestyle interface adds layers upon layers of depth to the controls that will please all but the most skeptical, unskilled players, simply by making potent use of the right analog stick.įor example, when in motion (using the left analog stick to run), it is possible to pass the ball from one hand to the other, with a simple curve of the right analog stick.
While it's possible to get your game on using basic movements on a standard controller or even a keyboard, the only way to truly experience what this game has to offer is to play it with a dual-analog controller. In a way, this edition of NBA Live is not so much a return to basics as it is a partial rebirth, garnishing an impressive new control interface that will undoubtedly have an impact on future sports titles.
#Nba live 2003 shutting down Pc
Those following the series know that last year's outing was such a bitter disappointment that it rode the bench on the PC side, strictly hitting the console court, where it held up poorly against its rivals. While there's no denying the entertainment value, the real question is whether or not this game is worthy of the legendary status warranted by its PC predecessors. Boasting custom-tailored productions by the likes of Fabolous, Snoop Dogg and other top-selling hip-hop acts, the initial menu screen even features a "next song" button, giving it the feel of a b-ball oriented jukebox. When NBA Live 2003 first begins, it's unclear whether one should hit the court or dance. Adding to the realism are sideline coaches, on-court vocals, new crowd animations, and classic jerseys for the complete NBA experience. Player-specific dribbling, passing styles, and signature moves were also motion-captured and incorporated into gameplay, while post moves, pick-and-rolls, and charges were filmed using multiple athletes for more believable in-game player contact. Over 30 distinct animations for grabbing rebounds allow for more realism in capturing missed shots. New shot-blocking animations include swatting the ball into the stands as well as blocking off the backboard. Targeted areas include blocking, rebounding, dribbling, and the bumping and grinding associated with playing ball at an NBA level. NBA Live 2003 aims to improve upon specific areas of gameplay while an updated graphic engine allows for more player animations.