REVIEW: New story mode for "Madden NFL 18" injects drama into game Franchise mode is a mess. The WNBA is basically just thrown in. Its Ultimate Team is basic compared to team-building modes in all other sports games. It's also strange that there is currently no way to play a regular head-to-head NBA game against a friend online. Unfortunately, outside of "The One" career mode and enjoyable gameplay, "NBA Live 18" falls apart.
Online in general has been and remains a strength for EA Sports games, however slight latency does affect the responsiveness, particularly in games involving several different people. five users) and Live Events (co-op challenges that are updated frequently). There's also an online component with Live Run (five users vs.
EA NBA LIVE 18 PROFESSIONAL
"The One" isn't just about single-player through street and professional campaigns. Here there are "Crates" that can be purchased (with a separate earned currency not tied to upgrading skills) which provide those character customization options. Because of that, there's also no need to sacrifice one thing for another, such as making a choice to spend earnings on improving attributes or customizing characters with accessories, clothing or shoes. There is no option to improve the character by paying them money. Special animation packages can also be unlocked over time.ĮA Sports deserves credit for avoiding the temptation to build the career mode around microtransactions. There are also "Traits" which are earned and upgraded through play, further allowing for more personalization in how the player will perform on the court. Skill points are earned and then placed into the attribute categories as desired, with primary and eventually secondary skills to build up. That's all done through progression that utilizes a "Skills" tree. MORE: "NBA 2K18" puts previous versions to shame with visual upgrades There's a story built in early on providing background for your player ( even featuring ESPN's "First Take" segments), and story elements continue to follow him throughout the career, but the bigger focus is simply on playing the games while improving his skills and shaping his abilities. The concept was to provide two very different forms of basketball with one side taking place on the streets and the other in the pros. For those players, "NBA Live 18" introduces "The One." Those who care most about career mode - building up a created player who is weaved through story elements while improving attributes through various manners of play - will likely find "The One" to be a fulfilling experience. Whether it's thunderous dunks, a spectacular three-point shooting display or impressive blocked shots, "NBA Live 18" feels as though it's encouraging you to play more in an effort to achieve more of those moments and, in the process, improve at the game.Īnother way for more inexperienced gamers to enjoy a team sports game is through the single player career mode. Ultimately, the gameplay offers something that will get anyone on board - exciting, fist-pumping moments.
The same goes for steals, which can lead to fast break scores rather than the player gathering the ball and in doing so having their momentum stopped. Players can now get shots up quick and in rhythm (something that's not always been the case), preventing defenders from seemingly always being able to close space in that time and contest the shots. Responsiveness to input commands, fluidity of player movements and smarter CPU AI are also key. MORE: Breaking down top player ratings for "NBA 2K18" Weight and strength factor in heavily and that creates mismatches - which the CPU uses to its advantage. It's also far more difficult to stick with a guy like Isaiah Thomas defensively than it is to guard someone not necessarily known for driving past defenders. It's possible to blow by defenders, get to the rim and, just as importantly, actually finish there. Quickness really matters in this year's game. Player abilities seem to matter more than ever, with success or failure possible based on utilizing their strengths and mitigating any weaknesses. Just as critically, the gameplay experience tends to play out organically due in part to the skill level displayed by the players on the court. The game is fairly accessible for everyone, with success made possible in the most basic of areas that naturally lead to fun like shooting (a simple shot meter with feedback), dribble moves (utilizing the right stick with shoulder button modifiers), dazzling passes and alley-oops (based on face buttons and shoulder modifiers) and even play-calling (basic court diagrams and symbols that make running them seem possible). "NBA Live 18" does a good job of being a more welcoming option for consumers.