'NBA Live 2005'
By: Electronic Artists
(PS2 / ASIN: B0002I9RP4 / Rated: NR / $39.99)
Features: Basketball sports game. All-new dunks, alley-oops, and mid-air jump shots. Dynasty mode lets you manage a franchise over 25 seasons. Games announced by Marv Albert and Mike Fratello. Single-player, multiplayer, and online multiplayer modes.
Description: The Freestyle Revolution goes airborne with 'NBA LIVE 2005'. With Freestyle Air, take your game above the rim like never before with highlight-reel dunks, alley-oops, put-backs, tip-ins, and devastating shot-blocking abilities. Slam your way to the top or bust out sweet new Freestyle dribbling and post moves that give you even greater control on the hardwood.
Verdict: The gameplay is awesome as usual, and they went even further to make it realistic when you drive into traffic, when you get bumped and have to force up a prayer, and so on. The motion is a little choppy at times, but you won't even notice it with all the detail put into the rest. I haven't really played full games yet, partly because now you can sim games quarter by quarter and only play the second half if you see your team getting beaten too bad. Also, the bulk of my time has been spent on the dunk contest feature. This is what I mean by revolutionary. There are more types of dunks to do than you can begin to count. This isn't Jordan vs. Bird. Pretty much any dunk you can think of is possible in this game. And they did a good job actually making it look good, and the controls get easy fast. Kenny Smith doing the commentary is icing on the cake. I swear it's better than the real thing. I could go on for days, but you get the idea. If you really appreciate the art that goes into a good dunk, you'll appreciate the hell our of this game!
Gerry Manners