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Live 15: Failure Is Not An Option!
This slogan should be posted on every wall on the NBA Live 15 developers floor at EA Tiburon Studios in Orlando, Florida. Possibly even in multiple languages just to be certain to get the point across. This past November, EA SPORTS NBA Live returned to the gaming market with a lukewarm (at best) reception. While most of us that have been around the gaming industry for more than a few years expected this; there was a large goup of longtime fans that were hoping for so much more.
We have already seen the astronomical improvements that the player facial scanning has brought. With this entry in “Fixing” we look at 5 non-graphical improvements NBA Live 15 can make to restore the faith in the franchise with its next release.
1). Ultimate Marketplace:
Let’s face it, Live Ultimate Team is behind the rest of the EA SPORTS titles in terms Ultimate Team. While there are aspects I love (not being able to carry duplicate player cards), it is frustrating to not have a marketplace. Give us the Auction Block and Trade Block for NBA Live 15. I guarantee that LUT will gain a large following.
As it currently stands; pulling a duplicate card from packs means being forced to discard it for coins. Having the ability to put a duplicate card up for auction or trade would be perfect.
Twice I have pulled a James Harden only to have to discard him because I already have that card. I’m sure there are many other LUT users who would love to have Harden on their squad. If we get the marketplace aspect this year, those instances go away.
2). Game Modes:
Rising Star is a good start to superstar-esque career mode; but we need more meat and potatoes to the mode! Give us the visual feedback of NBA 2K’s “MyPlayer” but without the over the top WWE style storylines. Bring some life nto the equation but make it realistic.
As a matter of fact, while you are at it just go ahead and make it an online mode! 30 users online in Rising Star career mode. Bring that to the table and we may possibly have a winner of a basketball title.
3). More Animations:
We have some great animations in Live 14, the problem lies in the amount. Simply put; there isn’t enough, especially around the basket. Many times you have a big man under the basket and you end up sliding out to 7 feet away from the basket attempting a layup animation while moving towards the bench. That spot should not trigger that animation (worst part is it doesn’t miss often).
4).Customization:
Let us edit players, rosters, attributes and equipment. Pretty simple… While you are at it give us a roster/draft class share.
5). Improved AI:
We can say this every year for every sports game but please bump that AI up and don’t make it cheap. More specifically teammate AI (especially in Rising Star mode). In Rising Star your team mates are complete morons who can’t figure out how to shoot the ball. They do play good defense which is always a bonus but the offensive side of the ball is downright UGLY. In order to win a game I have to score 30-40 points each and every time (that is playing 6 minutes quarters).
It won’t be easy but Fixing NBA Live is certainly possible. The question remains: “How long will it take?” The fans are restless and the haters are eager to pounce on any weakness (perceived or real) that the game may have. Let’s be serious though, all games have flaws, if we can’t admit that then we may be in the wrong business. Live has a long way to go to return to prominence. Let’s see what they can do!
Taken from
This slogan should be posted on every wall on the NBA Live 15 developers floor at EA Tiburon Studios in Orlando, Florida. Possibly even in multiple languages just to be certain to get the point across. This past November, EA SPORTS NBA Live returned to the gaming market with a lukewarm (at best) reception. While most of us that have been around the gaming industry for more than a few years expected this; there was a large goup of longtime fans that were hoping for so much more.
We have already seen the astronomical improvements that the player facial scanning has brought. With this entry in “Fixing” we look at 5 non-graphical improvements NBA Live 15 can make to restore the faith in the franchise with its next release.
1). Ultimate Marketplace:
Let’s face it, Live Ultimate Team is behind the rest of the EA SPORTS titles in terms Ultimate Team. While there are aspects I love (not being able to carry duplicate player cards), it is frustrating to not have a marketplace. Give us the Auction Block and Trade Block for NBA Live 15. I guarantee that LUT will gain a large following.
As it currently stands; pulling a duplicate card from packs means being forced to discard it for coins. Having the ability to put a duplicate card up for auction or trade would be perfect.
Twice I have pulled a James Harden only to have to discard him because I already have that card. I’m sure there are many other LUT users who would love to have Harden on their squad. If we get the marketplace aspect this year, those instances go away.
2). Game Modes:
Rising Star is a good start to superstar-esque career mode; but we need more meat and potatoes to the mode! Give us the visual feedback of NBA 2K’s “MyPlayer” but without the over the top WWE style storylines. Bring some life nto the equation but make it realistic.
As a matter of fact, while you are at it just go ahead and make it an online mode! 30 users online in Rising Star career mode. Bring that to the table and we may possibly have a winner of a basketball title.
3). More Animations:
We have some great animations in Live 14, the problem lies in the amount. Simply put; there isn’t enough, especially around the basket. Many times you have a big man under the basket and you end up sliding out to 7 feet away from the basket attempting a layup animation while moving towards the bench. That spot should not trigger that animation (worst part is it doesn’t miss often).
4).Customization:
Let us edit players, rosters, attributes and equipment. Pretty simple… While you are at it give us a roster/draft class share.
5). Improved AI:
We can say this every year for every sports game but please bump that AI up and don’t make it cheap. More specifically teammate AI (especially in Rising Star mode). In Rising Star your team mates are complete morons who can’t figure out how to shoot the ball. They do play good defense which is always a bonus but the offensive side of the ball is downright UGLY. In order to win a game I have to score 30-40 points each and every time (that is playing 6 minutes quarters).
It won’t be easy but Fixing NBA Live is certainly possible. The question remains: “How long will it take?” The fans are restless and the haters are eager to pounce on any weakness (perceived or real) that the game may have. Let’s be serious though, all games have flaws, if we can’t admit that then we may be in the wrong business. Live has a long way to go to return to prominence. Let’s see what they can do!
Taken from
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