NBA Live 14

Common Sense Media says

Pro basketball simulation needs more time in the virtual gym

Age(i)

2
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Quality(i)

 

Learning(i)

(i)
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NBA Live 14 gallery

What parents need to know

Positive messages

The game is a simulated portrayal of the NBA, featuring all the league's teams and players. The sport is the focus, and it's presented in a fun, positive light.

Positive role models

The game features popular superstars from the NBA, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and more.

Ease of play

Fans of basketball video games such as NBA 2K14 should find the controls familiar, but the game doesn't really offer much instruction other than simple guides for reviewing the controls displayed on loading screens. There's no tutorial, either.

Violence
Not applicable
Sex
Not applicable
Language
Not applicable
Consumerism

Advertising is confined to spots in the arena where sports fans would normally see them, such as along the court. Most of the ads are by the NBA, while ESPN anchors the "broadcast" coverage featured during games.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Not applicable
Privacy & safety

Creates privacy & safety concerns. The game is playable online with open chat, so players may hear inappropriate language and questions from others.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that NBA Live 14 is a family-friendly simulation of the National Basketball Association. The game is a real-world depiction of pro basketball, as players compete to win a championship as a team or guide an individual athlete toward a superstar career. Aside from some advertizing in the stadiums, parents biggest concern will be the open chat available when kids are playing online; families can avoid exploring this option.

What kids can learn

Subjects

Hobbies

  • sports

Skills

Thinking & Reasoning

  • decision-making
  • strategy

Collaboration

  • teamwork

Engagement, Approach, Support

Engagement

Users are likely to be turned off by the on-court action. Players are stiff and move awkwardly.

Learning Approach

By playing this sports sim, players can learn the rules of and both offensive and defensive strategies involved with professional basketball.

Support

Unfortunately, there's no tutorial, so players must study and learn during games as opposed to in a more reserved environment.

What kids can learn

Subjects

Hobbies

  • sports

Skills

Thinking & Reasoning

  • decision-making
  • strategy

Collaboration

  • teamwork

Kids can learn about the sport of basketball and the value of exercising and teamwork. They are exposed to the rules, strategies, and terminology related to basketball, and they only win by working together as a team. NBA Live 14 teaches the basics of basketball and a little about team sports.

This Learning Rating review was written by Brett Molina

Parents say

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Kids say

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AGE
6
QUALITY
 
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What's it about?

For the first time since 2009, the pro basketball franchise NBA Live returns with a renewed commitment to delivering authentic pro basketball action. Players can choose to run a team in Franchise mode, or focus on one athlete in Rising Stars mode. There are also smaller challenges linked to the current NBA season that players can attempt to match, such as reliving a buzzer-beating shot. The game's touted feature is BounceTek, a physics-based dribble system built to accurately replicate ball-handling. Players can perform basic dribbles with the thumbstick or signature moves by pressing a modifier button.

Is it any good?

QUALITY
 

NBA LIVE 14 is a difficult game to recommend, especially when the more stellar NBA 2K14 is available. Although developers smartly incorporate real-world NBA moments through mini-games, it's the on-court action that suffers most. Players are stiff, moving awkwardly around the court. There's an overall lack of natural body movement, whether a player is shooting, rebounding, or running a fast break. Certain moves such as the hop step are easy to exploit for scoring easy baskets. If you must buy a pro hoops game, consider NBA 2K14 instead; NBA Live 14 requires a lot more practice time.

Families can talk about...

  • How well does this game mimic real-life basketball? How could it be better? Have you played a better basketball video game?

  • How well does the game teach the rules and strategies of basketball?

Game details

Platforms:Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Price:$59.99
Available online?Not available online
Developer:Electronic Arts
Release date:November 19, 2013
Genre:Sports
Topics:Sports and martial arts
ESRB rating:E for (No Descriptors) (PlayStation 4, Xbox One)

This review of NBA Live 14 was written by

Brett Molina

About our rating system

  • ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
  • OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids of any age.

Find out more

Quality

Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning ratings

  • Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
  • Very Good: Engaging, good learning approach.
  • Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
  • Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
  • Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
  • Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

Find out more

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Kid, 10 years old February 21, 2014
AGE
6
QUALITY
 
LEARNING

Excellent basketball video game franchise makes their best game yet.

This game has no violence, sex or language. This game forces players to use strategic thinking. Who should I pass to? Is this a safe shot? Those are some questions players have to think about. So this game is a definite choice for basketball player from ages 5-17. This game may be frustrating for kids from ages 0-4. This game allows players to interact with strangers.
What other families should know
Easy to play/use
Safety and privacy concerns
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