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Like Shaquille O'Neal's exploits at the free-throw line, the "NBA Live" series of videogames has seen its fair share of buckets and bricks. EA's annual basketball franchise first burst onto the scene in 1994 on Nintendo's SNES, establishing the new series as a fast-paced, arcade-oriented slant on the sport, short on realism but long on fun. Since that time, the series has endured more ups and downs than the elevator at the Space Needle or the box office returns of Eddie Murphy's films. Last year's "NBA Live 2003" finally seemed like a step in the right direction, but will the developers be able to take it to the proverbial next level?

Stepped-up game

Though Mariah Carey is nowhere to be found on the licensed soundtrack, "NBA Live 2004" nonetheless hits a high note. The development team has addressed many of the problems found in previous installments -- namely the AI, presentation, and controls -- while adding the right amount of new features to warrant a serious look from those who currently enjoy Sega's excellent "NBA 2K" franchise. Computer defenses no longer sit idly by as players drive to the hoop, opposing teams seem to have a game plan, and the amount of control offered on both sides of the ball is second to none.

Visual flair

"NBA Live 2004" is not perfect, but most will walk away impressed with the overall quality. On the presentation side, the NBA courts look like their real-life counterparts, and individual details such as LeBron's headband, Shaq's Superman tattoo, and Nash's greasy hair mean the athletes are instantly recognizable. While their arms are somewhat blocky and their faces are eerily expressionless, these are minor complaints considering the variety and realism associated with the on-court animations. Players lean, lunge, leap, and launch with such precision that you can tell which buttons were pressed just by watching the screen. When players reach in for the steal, you actually see the arm reach in and try to grab the ball.



Too much floor polish?

The physics are another plus. A successful steal, for example, won't find the ball magically disappearing into the hands of the defender, but rather cause the ball to drop onto the court, ready to be scooped up for a fast break. A defender's raised arm may tip a pass just enough to deflect it out of bounds or into the open arms of another player, and the ball caroms off the basket or rim exactly as you'd expect it to. Alas, there is one glaring problem. Players will notice some strange footwork, where it appears athletes are skating to the sides or even backwards as if the hardwood floors were made of ice. Fortunately, the quality of play above the ankles is so strong that the skating is forgivable to an extent.

A stronger defense

Arguably the most important aspect of any sports game is the control. The control scheme in "NBA Live 2004" is near perfect. It's free from the control delays marring lesser releases, and designed as intuitively as possible to appeal to both novices and hoop addicts alike. Returning to the game is the freestyle control, which involves using the right analog stick to perform moves on offense and defense, and it's as responsive as ever. Instead of constantly blazing past defenders, players will have to work for their shots. Defenses are more formidable, and teammates will assist one another by blocking open lanes, raising their hands to contest shots, diving for loose balls, and making life difficult for those expecting to drive to the hoop untouched.

Shake 'n' bake

New to this year's version is the addition of a separate dunk/layup button apart from the shot button, giving players more options near the basket. In the post-up game, players can use the right stick to fake the defender left or right to get a better look at the basket or to dish the ball off to a teammate. After receiving a pass, players can also assume the triple threat position, using the freestyle controls to shoot, pass, or jab step. The type of moves available is specific to the athlete possessing the ball. Yet the most interesting addition is the off-ball play, which means you can take control of any offensive player without the ball to set up picks, screens, alley-oops, and quick cuts to the basket.

Above the rim

Strengthening the improvements to gameplay is the addition of sliders to help customize the action, from the computer's shot block ability to foul frequency, game speed, and more. Players also have tasks to shoot for, literally, such as scoring 12 points in a quarter, which earns them points to purchase sneakers, jerseys, headbands, and more to outfit their team. Though there is a dynasty mode and one-on-one option against legendary greats, the game modes lack the depth associated with "EA's" other sports titles. Yet those who have been patiently waiting for the on-court action to improve have been rewarded with "NBA Live 2004," arguably the best title in the hoops series to date.

"NBA Live 2004" (Xbox)