Unfortunately there is no other option...
So a new year, a new NBA Live, new set of bugs and not much new here. Sadly, even if we pretend that the bugs aren't there, the game is still mediocre.
GAMEPLAY - slightly changed but as bad as last year I really hated four things about last years game's actual games. Not surprisingly EA hasn't fixed any of them...
1)Offensive rebounding was a huge problem last year and it is again this year, albeit not so glaring. I still get 15+ O.Reb./game and give up just as much. The problem is still the same - boxing out. Defenders just refuse to do it sometimes. And of course - the "magnetic hands effect" is all over the place again. Overall the rebounding has gotten a little better as this year guards try to fight for the rebounds unlike last year.
2)In Live 06 it was impossible to block jumpshots and when you somehow managed to block one, it didn't count. Well it's the same this year. The only shots you're going to block are lay-ups and dunks. Height is irrelevant - you won't block jumpshots taken by a guy half-foot shorter than you but you can block a seven footers dunk with someone 6'5"... Also the players still "volunteer" for the blocks on lay-ups.
3)The improbable comebacks from large deficits are still in the game despite the new "intensity meter" and "momentum". If you'd ask me, I'd say they're there just for looks and don't affect anything other than the noise the crowd makes. Too many times CPU starts making every single shot no matter how contested (with CPU assistance off of course).
4)CPU drives, I throw him to the floor, he somehow throws the ball in the air...AND 1. That is so frickin annoying! If the CPU drives and you try to contest his shot there are two options - a)you block the shot; b)it's a foul and he still makes the basket; c)drive and dish - not an option in million years. If you have good shot blockers, try to block, if you don't then forget about it. Tuning down the foul slider results in less fouls in your favour at the other end first and foremost.
The one thing that wasn't a big problem last year was transition defense but it is really poor this year. Your AI controlled teammates just don't run back. It looks like they're jogging on Sunday morning or something but it really pisses off. The best bet is to intentionally foul the opposition as soon as there's a fast break coming up. If my memory serves me correct, EA said that they improved the transition offense. Well...they didn't - it still sucks, just the defense sucks even more...
Many sliders are still broken - Shot block ability, Offensive rebounding, Defensive rebounding, Adjusted shot percentage, Poor release shot percent, Pro-Hop effectiveness don't impact the gameplay at all!
Dynasty - Simulation engine is still terrible. The chemistry thing doesn't seem to affect anything. Generated rookies are still 6'0" 220 SGs, 6'5" 290 PFs, 5'10" 160 PGs and 9'11" 220 Cs only this year they are superstars with some being rated above 90. Player rotation reasoning for AI teams is questionable at best. Free agents rather sit 10 years in free agency than accept a smaller contract and. Only PFs compete for MVP as Kobe's, LeBron's and Dwyane's of the league are scrubs in EA's eyes. Player development is very slow. The positives are - a)CPU teams make trades; b)... The sad thing is that besides dynasty there isn't much to do in the game.
There are some improvements though. Putting a hand in the shooters face has some effect so playing defence is rewarding. Also it's harder to play 1on1 so teamwork is important. You can control the tempo of the game somewhat. I had about 10 games out of about 150 on Live 06 where I could prevent the CPU from scoring 100 points on me in 48 minutes. This year is different and I actually am able to shut teams down defensively and win even if I score only 80 points myself. Last year the usual score was 120-110 whereas this year it something like 100-90. Overall the game is easy because of the bad AI. CPU always runs the same plays and if they fail then PG drives or shoots a jumper.
GRAPHICS - nothing impressive
The graphics haven't changed much from last year. Most of the players look nice and only some are poorly done.
However, the courts are terrible this year with some bright lighting spot at the middle which makes them look ugly.
The crowd is still terrible.
The shoes are too shiny and the jerseys are blurry.
Also there are some animation glitches.
SOUND - louder crowd, better commentary
The crowd feels more like into it but as far as I can tell EA just increased their volume - nothing new with how they sound. It sounds better regardless.
Commentary has definitely improved. There are new lines added, new jokes and this time comments are rarely mistimed. There aren't that many comments about contested shots being wide open. Marv and Steve have done a solid job.
VALUE - bigger to those who like run'n'gun
This game is really far from simulation and will appeal to those who enjoy watching Phoenix and don't really enjoy playing defence. But considering that it is too similar to Live 06 and even Live 2005 I have to say - pass this one.
TILT - a poor game or no game at all?
The game can be quite enjoyable at times but also pretty frustrating but as long as there's no 2k on PC I don't really have a choice. EA shouldn't rush their games out and make sure they're bug-free at least. If you have 06 or 2005, don't buy this one... and the next one probably too...