NBA Live 2003 Critic Reviews

Debuting in this '03 renewal is the EA Sports "freestyle" control. Wihout question, it WILL change the way you play basketball games...forever.

A huge improvement over the past few versions of the game. The game has a good balance between realism and fast arcade style action.

These are the coolest and most rewarding dunk-fests we've ever played - and NBA Live 2003 is the most entertaining basketball game on the market because of it.

With improved graphics, better animations, and a control system that, like their commercials say, allows players to fully express themselves anyway they want, Live 2003 is unbelievably solid.

A game for those who don't mind sacrificing some realism for a more exciting experience.

The controls were thoughtfully kept simple and easy to memorize for one specific reason: to allow gamers to focus on the new EA Sports Freestyle Control function.

I haven't had this much fun with a basketball game since "NBA Showdown" on my Super Nintendo nearly 10 years ago. Innovative, fast, and possessing the most fluid control of any basketball game on the market.

It retains enough simulation-style elements to appease those craving a realistic game, thus giving NBA Live 2003 a much broader appeal than its direct competitor, "NBA 2K3."

For pick-up-and-play fun, NBA Live 2003 simply can not be beat.

A very fast-paced and more arcade-like basketball experience, but a lot of fun nonetheless.

The bottom line is that EA has made nothing but vast improvements with this version of the NBA Live series.

Is it better than NBA 2K3? Well, no, not really, though some of you will find the faster-paced gameplay to be more enticing, and even doubters should check it out for the Freestyle control alone.

It's the innovative use of the right analog stick that seals the deal.

Another criticism levelled at last year’s release was the dodgy AI. This time round the CPU players are much more intelligent making for a more challenging, yet rewarding game.

The game's real improvement, which gives it a jump on the competition, is the fast break.

The combination of Freestyle Control, improved AI, and super graphics have elevated this veteran's game by leaps and bounds.

Sim fans will be disappointed with the under-powered defense, but for twitch players, NBA Live 2003 is a dream come true.

The inability to play adequate defense makes Live 2003 a shallow affair.

Simple, straightforward fun.

Live 2003’s identity crisis and average-at-best graphics are inexcusable. It belongs next to “ShootOut 2003” in the rental bin while “NBA 2K3” spins happily ever after.