NBA Live 2005

NBA Live 2005 was remembered primarily for the fact that it gave the series an updated holiday - the All-Star Game with competitions. The overhead throw has ceased to be a formality: the competition now includes props, music and several attempts for which points are awarded. The three-point contest is also there, and together they turn the weekend into its own show. On the court, the game offered aerial tricks: a jump shot or pass could be completed, which looked impressive and gave an advantage against slow defenders. Dribbling, screens and shots required timing, and the defense punished hasty passes to the basket. Dynasty mode allows you to manage a club for years: the draft, trades, injuries and budget turn the simulator into a manager. Matches in a dynasty are played taking into account the form of the players, so the rotation has to be planned in advance. Online meetings and matches for two complement the single part. It’s also worth remembering the sound and presentation: commentators analyze the episodes, the crowd reacts to the dunk, and replays are fed from different cameras. The difficulty can be adjusted flexibly, so you can play with both a child and an experienced opponent. In a group setting, this is still a fun option: the matches are short, and there are enough controversial moments for the whole evening. The game looks like a product of its time: the graphics are simple, but the pace is vigorous, and the tricks are fun to perform. For those who caught this era of basketball simulators, the NBA Live 2005 is a pleasant memory.