The new meter displays the percentage a shot has to be made when it releases. That’s changed now and it’s a welcome addition. There has always been a sense of frustration with shooting in basketball games because it wasn’t clear why a shot may have been missed. That new shot meter may be the best new feature that has been implemented for NBA Live 16. Shooting remains okay, though, because the shot meter allows for adjustments to be made to timing.
Half the time when going for a rebound, the player may not even make an effort at the ball and passing windows close quickly when the ball doesn’t get out of the player’s hands fast enough.
Input lag is noticeable, as everything that feels slightly unresponsive offline is exacerbated online.
Online performance in general has been good, but that’s with little to no load on the servers. Summer Circuit is the more unique of the two co-op online modes, where unlocks being earned through the games provides a different incentive. The authentic venues like Rucker Park, Royal Brougham Pavilion, Terminal 23 and others that appear in the two look terrific and really add a lot to the experience. While lag has not necessarily been an issue, there have been some really bad framerate problems even in Summer Circuit games when no other user was connected in. Unfortunately, it’s something that has to be considered because it’s not quite the same playing with random people online and it may even be difficult at times to find enough out there to participate. The problem, naturally, becomes the lack of friends that may own Live. The modes are engaging and enjoyable, especially so when playing with friends.
A series of challenges are faced at various courts where the user’s team of created players go up against real NBA professionals that have ties to the locations. Up to five players can connect to go through it together but it can also be played solo. The second, Summer Circuit, is a more unique take on playing cooperatively. The main difference is back then it used NBA players and now it’s personal built-up characters. One brings together up to 10 people individually connected, called Live Run it’s similar to the adidas Live Run mode in NBA Live 10. Within the Pro-Am are two cooperative online modes where the user only controls their own created player. Follow no one, Be The One.There’s one major addition to the series this year and it’s called Live Pro-Am. Put your new-found skills to the test as you manage and build your favorite team in Franchise and Live Ultimate Team. Dominate the court with innovative one-on-one gameplay arming you with an arsenal of all-new moves for each position with unprecedented control and responsiveness. Embark on your quest to be the greatest basketball player on the planet in The League and The Streets with, or against other players in solo, co-op and multiplayer challenges delivered through LIVE Event content. Create your unique player identity and select a role on the court along with signature abilities and traits, only you can pull off. NBA LIVE 18 introduces THE ONE, an all-new, dynamic career experience centered on your player, your choices and your legacy. Obviously, if we hear an official date, we’ll be sure to post it. NBA Live 16 hit The Vault for EA Access subscribers on May 25, 2016, just keep that in mind if you’re wondering when NBA Live 18 might become available.
Now until January 21, #XboxLive Gold members can play #NBALIVE18 for free.
Xbox Gold members can play the game for free until January 21. For the next 5 days, you can purchase the digital version of NBA Live 18: The One Edition for $7.50 at the Xbox Store.