NBA Live 18

Another year, another NBA title. As we get into the latest season, basketball gamers have already purchased the top title on the market, NBA 2K18. So why even bother with this year’s NBA Live 18? Aside from that it’s mostly a Christmas miracle the NBA Live series is still alive and kicking (its most recent outing on consoles was horrible), NBA Live 18 actually puts up a good fight against its powerhouse of a competitor—even if it does come up short in the end.

- Erik Paolo Escueta

Back to basics

Let’s get this out of the way: NBA Live 18 is not as good an on-court performer as 2K18, at least in terms of depth and complexity. But that doesn’t mean it’s bad. What Live 18 does is opt for a simpler control scheme that works for beginners and experts alike. Consequently, advanced moves like step-back jumpers and crossover ankle breakers are easily executed with a moderately low learning curve.

Live 18 also tows along a more rudimentary, albeit clean, on-court interface. Plays can be called with the directional pad with adequately intuitive markers and signals highlighting play sequences. Defensive assignments are clearly highlighted without causing too much visual clutter, even hinting at possible offensive cuts if your defense is tight on-ball. Speaking of offense, the shot meter and heat check gauges are not entirely in sync with the shooting animations, but they work well enough to manage your shot timing.

Terrible turnovers

Where NBA Live 18 needs the most work is in its aesthetic presentation. Menu transitions and interstitial cutaways are not always seamless. Pre-game routines feel stilted and canned. The in-game commentary, while being voiced by actual ESPN commentators Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen, lacks variety in sound bites as compared to 2K18.