Put everything aside - the clean look, the great TV-style presentation, the pace of the game - and listen to what I have to say.
NBA Live 2003 has got the absolute best controller scheme on the market today. I mention this first because it has a huge effect on how you can play the game. For those of you used to the old-school gaming of only button presses, you'll be pleased. But for those willing to learn a thing or two, just run the simple tutorials in the game and learn how to take total control of your players with EA's new 'Freestyle Control.'
In addition to the common buttons used in basketball games, you'll now be able to use the right analog stick to perform jock-dropping moves on offense, as well as have complete control of your team on the defensive end of the court. Offensively, you can now control which hand your player dribbles with, which type of crossover he uses, and still have the ability to fake out your opponents with jab steps, hesitation moves, or fade-aways. Defensively, you'll be able to stand your ground and set up for a charge, get into a quick defensive stance, and choose which hand you want to attempt to steal the ball with. When used properly, the right analog stick finally adds a third dimension to video sports games.
NBA Live 2003 has all of your standard gameplay modes, including Season, Franchise, and a Fantasy Draft option, as well as authentic All-Star Teams, complete with 'Fros (sweet!). My only complaint with NBA Live 2003's gameplay is that it is still much harder to play defense than it is for offense, making it a slightly lopsided affair. Still, the game plays like a dream, and is a must-have for any fans of the National Basketball Association and EA Sports. Now, if only EA would have included an online option to coincide with the release of the upcoming Xbox Live, the game would have been complete. I think that EA Sports really dropped the ball there.
