NBA Live 2004

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NBA Live 2004
Nba2004box.jpg
NBA Live 2004 cover art.
Developer(s) EA Sports
Publisher(s) EA Sports
Series NBA Live
Platform(s) Windows, Playstation 2, Xbox, Gamecube
Release date(s) PS2, GC
October 14th, 2003
Windows
October 31st, 2003
Xbox
November 1st, 2003
System requirements Minimum:
  • Intel Pentium III 600 MHz
  • 128 MB RAM
  • 700 MB HD space
  • 32 MB DirectX 9 compatible video card
  • DirectX 9.0a
  • 16x CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive
  • Windows 98/2000/ME/XP
  • Sound card supporting DirectSound and DirectX 9 driver
  • Internet Explorer 6.01 SP1
  • Keyboard & Mouse

NBA Live 2004 (also known as NBA 2004 or Live 2004 and stylised as NBA LIVE 2004) is the tenth instalment in the NBA Live series, released in North America on October 14th, 2003 for the Playstation 2 with the Nintendo Gamecube version being released on October 14th, the PC version on October 31st and the Xbox version on November 1st. Vince Carter was featured as its cover player, with Raul Lopez appearing on the Spanish cover. It is the direct sequel to NBA Live 2003 and was followed by NBA Live 2005.

Summary[edit]

NBA Live 2004 is EA Sports' NBA release for the 2003/2004 NBA season. Freestyle Control was heavily toned down in NBA Live 2004 and gameplay sliders were implemented for the first time, allowing users to better customise their gaming experience. This was met with much approval and reactions to NBA Live 2004 were considerably more favourable compared to NBA Live 2003. Another noteworthy change was the rebranding of Franchise Mode to Dynasty Mode, with NBA Live 2004 being the only game to date to feature Dynasty Cutscenes. The game also included the Bobcats who would commence their first season the following year, though they were not available to play with in Dynasty Mode. The PC version would see the release of several patches and while no Toolkit was created for NBA Live 2004, DB Commander became the tool of choice for tinkering with DBF data whenever necessary.

Freestyle Control was heavily toned down in NBA Live 2004 and gameplay sliders were implemented for the first time, allowing users to better customise their gaming experience. This was met with much approval and reactions to NBA Live 2004 were considerably more favourable compared to NBA Live 2003. Another noteworthy change was the rebranding of Franchise Mode to Dynasty Mode, with NBA Live 2004 being the only game to date to feature Dynasty Cutscenes. The game also included the Bobcats who would commence their first season the following year, though they were not available to play with in Dynasty Mode. The PC version would see the release of several patches and while no Toolkit was created for NBA Live 2004, DB Commander became the tool of choice for tinkering with DBF data whenever necessary.

A popular addition to the series in NBA Live 2004 was the inclusion of legendary play-by-play commentator Marv Albert, who teamed up with his at the time on-air partner Mike "The Czar" Fratello, replacing the late Don Poier and Bob Elliot in the virtual booth.

Official Features List[edit]

  • Enhanced EA SPORTS™ Freestyle Control: Express your game with new Freestyle shooting, signature moves, mid-air shot adjustments and more - it's a complete revolution in the way the game is played.
  • 10-Man Freestyle: Control players without the ball anywhere on the court with Off Ball Play, or play the point and run team-specific sets with a single button.
  • Build a powerhouse dynasty: Recruit free agents, import top college players and build your team into a perennial powerhouse in all-new Dynasty Mode™.
  • Enhanced EA SPORTS™ Online: Create and join online tournaments or find players online fast with the EA SPORTS™ messaging system.
  • Play it LIVE: Exclusive EA SPORTS™ TRAX from OutKast, Jermaine Dupri, Sean Paul, Chingy, Freeway, Black Eyed Peas and more.

Reaction[edit]

NBA Live 2004 was very well received after most fans criticised NBA Live 2003 for its arcade-like elements and gameplay. NBA Live 2004 was the first game to feature Dynasty Mode, which replaced Franchise Mode. The game garnered a loyal following that continued even after the release of NBA Live 2005.

Noteworthy Facts[edit]

  • To date, Michael Jordan's final (official) appearance as a Legend in the series.
  • The first game to feature the commentary team of Marv Albert and Mike Fratello.
  • The NBA Store Unlockables were introduced, featuring additional jerseys and shoes. The EA Sports Hall of Fame, NBA Records and the ability to retire jerseys also made their debut.
  • The Charlotte Bobcats were included but could only be used in Exhibition Mode and featured eight generic players.
  • Several second round picks were unlockable through the use of codes. They could also be activated through DBF editing in the PC version.
  • In a 2007 poll held in the NLSC Forum, Vince Carter was selected along with Kevin Garnett as the most popular choice for cover player.
  • An official patch was released that resolved issues with Custom Art and some video card glitches.
  • First game to use the 0-99 rating scale.

PC Screenshots[edit]

Links[edit]






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