Each year, EA Sports tweaks just a bit hear and there, but it's always enough to make the game better. One of this year's tweaks includes the new Dynasty Mode, which has found its way into many EA Sports game titles these days. Here you are the General Manager of your favorite team in the National Basketball Association. Being the GM, you'll be in charge of many aspects of the game off the court too. As you progress, you will earn points to be used toward building your franchise. When you need to improve certain aspects of your team (for example, defensive attributes), you can spend a few points to do so. This is a cool feature that really adds to the enjoyment of playing multiple seasons. You can also use points to purchase some gear for your players to wear both in-game and on the practice court.
Another major addition to NBA Live 2004 are the enhanced controls assigned not only to the buttons, but also to the right analog stick via Freestyle Control. This year's Live allows you to perform specific moves, especially on offense, at the touch of a button. Most notably, I love the fact that you can change up your shot mid-flight, in an effort to avoid having the basketball shoved back in your face. In addition, you are now able to control players off the ball, as well as perform signature moves and run team-specific play sets.
Also, just like all of EA Sports' PS2 games this year, NBA Live 2004 offers online play via the PS2 Network Adapter. Now you can challenge your buddies across the country, or just hook up with another random player for a new challenge. Online play also supports the EA Sports Talk option for broadband users with USB headset. The sweetest feature for network play is the ability to set up your own set of online Playoffs with friends. Can you foresee online Season or Dynasty in the future? I sure hope so!
As you will soon find out upon playing your first game, the NBA Live franchise's Artificial Intelligence has also gotten a facelift. Believe it or not, playing the computer can actually be HARD. And quite frankly, it's about time. There are no more free runs to the basket for dunk sessions. Sure, you'll be able to work your way into the paint, but EA has finally incorporated computer-controlled help-side defense. So if and when you burn your man, be prepared to get shut down on your way to the hoop. This is a much-needed addition to Live, but it does come with a price.
