Common Sense Note
Parents should know that this kind of sports simulation game can bring out everyone's competitive nature so they may need to remind kids (and adults) that it's only a game and sportsmanship should trump trash-talking, especially at home. Also, parents should know that the controls for this game are difficult to master. Parents should also be aware that this game lets kids play online against strangers, an option Common Sense Media doesn't recommend for children under age 12. There's nothing policing what strangers can say to your kids while playing online.
Families can talk about whether this game is similar to real NBA games or not. How do you feel about playing as a superstar? What about the other players on the floor? Is this a game that you like playing with friends and/or family and if so, why?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Andrew Bub
NBA LIVE '07 brings NBA action to your television with all the glitz and glory of televised basketball. Just move your players around with the right stick and use the buttons to switch players, pass, shoot, block, pick, dunk, and more (every button is used, some even have different uses for each action).
What's new to the series is a focus on the big boys of basketball. Players experience that "me-first" attitude that tells these giants to take the glory themselves; to drive it to the hole, rather than set up a play. All the basketball games have these superstars but what makes Live'07 different is the way these stars play. They dominate. Players can take control of a Kobe, Iverson, or some other high-topped phenomenon, and using their superior skills, they can dominate the court and run up the score. (Just like on TV!)
These players are so much better than the guys who make up the rest of the team. Players will experience better control, faster response, and much better accuracy while controlling superstars. Fortunately, this aspect of the game reflects real life, in that, while Shaq is great at rebounding, he still can't make a free-throw to save his life.
While superstar dominance is fun to watch and control, it turns contests between teams that seem evenly matched into routs, simply because one team might have more stars than the other. Even though it's fairly realistic, the disparity makes playing this game a lot less fun.
Live '07 offers all the standard modes found in sports games: practice, exhibition, multiplayer options, season, and dynasty. It also provides the player with tools to let you draft players and scout prospects. It features all the NBA teams, stadiums, and uniforms. The players' animations look terrific (particularly on the Xbox 360).
The only problem with the game, besides the superstars' dominance, is the controls. There's a button to dunk, a button to make a jump shot, and another button to lay it up. Wouldn't a single button that reacts to how the character is moving make more sense? And it would probably cut down on the hand cramps.
NBA Live '07 foregoes a bit of basketball fidelity in favor of glitz, glam, and slam-dunks; but again, it's a terrific way to simulate the highlight nature of the sport in the comfort of your own living room. You might not (to borrow the NBA slogan) "Love This Game!" but basketball fans will probably like it a whole lot.
Rate It!
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ViolenceFar less than a real NBA game. |
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LanguageNo bad words, unlike the real NBA. |
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Social BehaviorPlayers perform well, no egos in the virtual NBA. |
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CommercialismAdvertising is present in the arena on billboards. Of course the game also promotes the NBA and their top players, who in turn promote even more products in real life. |
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Educational ValueLearn the game, run plays, and compete against your friends and family. |
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