Excellent Variety of Game Modes equals a great game for the PSP. However, there are a few major gameplay issues.
I don't regret that decision, but I feel a bit disappointed.
NBA Live is a game worth playing on any system, particularly because of its dynasty mode. Happily, the PSP version provides a close approximation of the console version, allowing you to virtually manage your team in almost every respect: You select your team, choose whether or not to "fantasy draft" (YAY!!!!), then get to hire your staff -- an assistant head coach, the scouts, the trainers and assistants (the usual), then proceed on to training camp before going into the rigorous 82 game schedule.
Being able to build your dream team on the road ALONE is already well worth the purchase, and the PSP version delivers well on this. As expected, however, not all console functions are available on the PSP: Trading is a bit more difficult since you lack flexibility in getting information for each trade (You have to get a pen and paper to list down player salaries and skill levels to find appropriate trade possiblities), and sometimes teams inexplicably do NOT want to trade some players for others despite obvious advantages. But that's ok, since that happens sometimes in real life. I still managed to build my Phoenix Suns team by trading away Raja Bell and getting Carmelo Anthony, Michael Redd, and Chris Bosh in return (Guess who the first five is).
Managing team activities, morale and building skill levels is virtually the same as in the console version. Easy and well-executed. In retrospect, the dynasty mode is one BIG plus for NBA live, and its an enjoyable way to pass the time in heavy traffic (don't play while driving though).
NBA LIve 2007 PSP also features a variety of other game modes, all of which are just as enjoyable: There's the masterfully executed Slam Dunk Contest, the enjoyable 2-Ball, the innovative Handles mini-game, and a three point shooting contest that features the game's best shooters. Add these to the mainstay season and quick play modes and you have basketball entertainment any way you want it.
The three point shooting contest however is a letdown: Ray Allen is too good and too easy to win with. My first time out, I had Allen shoot a perfect 30. Steve Nash seems weaker than he plays in-games -- the same is true for Peja.
2-Ball mode is a new mini-game that pits you against another player in a bid to reach 50 or more points. Momentum plays a part, and there are arcade-type defense "pick-up" items that can either freeze your opponent or slow him down to make the game a bit more competitive.
In Handles, you play the game perpendicularly with Allen Iverson. It starts out fun, as you try to match on-screen visuals with your button mashing skills (Parappa the Rapper style). Gets old though after a few tries.
There's a catch.
With the depth, complexity and variety of game modes available, I gave this game an initial rating of 10. 10 hours later, I dropped it to 9. 20 hours later, I dropped it to 8.5, and now... after playing it for more than 30 hours, I think it should rest at an 8.0. Why the drop in scores? Several reasons:
1. In-game Gameplay. Too simple. I expected a few functions to be missing, but not the ones that made the console version so enjoyable: With the fewer control buttons, there's so much less to do, and let me enumerate: a. Shooting. Gone are the different controls for dunking and jumpshots. b. Complex freestyle moves. Gone. There's a freestyle button, and the computer decides which move to make. c. You can't assign players to defend against specific opposing players.
2. Defense. This is where the console version fell short, and the PSP version follows suit. Its pathetic. I don't expect to be able to steal or block at every possession, but it seems like there's no way to stop drives to the basket. You can hardly every block a shot, even when you're controlling shotblockers like Marion, O'Neal, Kirilenko, Wallace and Stoudamire. What gives?
3. Fatigue and Player Substitution. The computer never substitutes players. Never. You get to play the first five of the computer all throughout the game without getting to see how deep their bench is. Why the heck don't they get tired? And there's no option to increase computer substitution or fatigue levels.
4. Point Guards are too fricking strong! How the hell can a Devin Harris score 70 points in a game? They're so offensive minded and capable that any point guard will score more than 30 points against you.
Sigh.
I'm looking forward to NBA Live 2008. Its great that they've improved the graphics.... but I hope they've paid as much attention to the gameplay as well. If they do, then the next version should get a 10, even this early.