SUMMARY:
Produced in 1996 by EA (Electronic Arts) Sports, this Sega Genesis cassette is rated ‘KA’ (for kids ages 10+ and adults). Played in exhibition game mode only, thirty teams (plus create-your-own players) are available for play.
There isn’t a specified playoff mode, so games can’t be played in tournaments or as a ‘full season.’ Each quarter is evidently limited to three minutes. Stat sheets and replays are available in game play. Though a draft mode isn’t available, player trades, waivers, and signings are accessible.
Due to licensing rights, the likenesses of some players (i.e. Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, and Allen Iverson) aren’t directly identified — they are instead referred as either ‘guard’ or ‘forward.’ For all game play, it’s a single-camera angle.
REVIEW:
Its unsophisticated pixilated imagery obviously can’t compare with modern games. At best, it holds well in line with other games of this series from that era. Its simple controls are easy enough for those unfamiliar with such games. It proves a pretty fun game to play with a friend, considering its maximum number is two participants.
Among its best assets is that participants can feel like they have a fair chance to win. There are likely better Sega basketball games available, but, despite its limitations, NBA Live 97 is certainly workable. To some extent, this game even seems ahead of its time, in terms of what it can actually do.
BONUS FEATURES:
One can ‘create-a-player’ or assign players to one of two custom-built, generic squads. However, player creation and editing (including for real NBA players) is considerably limited, but it’s is easy to do.
ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
