Under My Wing Article II: The NBA LIVE 19 Thoughts and Beyond

The Notorious VIG
Sep 6, 2018 · 3 min read

A couple of quick side notes: My code was provided for me by EA and NBA LIVE developer Projectleet, many thanks to them. My build (Shown in action to the left and details below): 6'0" 149lbs. Backcourt shooter (Sniper Icon) primary working as an off-ball PG.

NBA LIVE 19 is hours away from being released to the general public. I was lucky enough to have been playing the full game for the past few days and my first impression is a solid stepping stone from LIVE 18. Gameplay, graphics/visuals and modes were clearly at the top of the pecking order. LIVE heads should know this is a big step for the future and other new members to the community should be aware that LIVE 19 is a truly viable alternative basketball experience.

My main build for 19

The New Shinny Bells and Whistles

Being at EA Play, I knew some of the gameplay changes that were coming. But even since then, I noticed subtle changes in the gameplay. Now that I was able to have more time with the game, the more I like the new off-ball cutting 1v1s. As an off-ball shooter, this is a gamechanger. Over time, I began to recognize patterns and was able to respond to cuts more consistently while on defense. On offense, the cuts and push-offs are easy to use while maintaining a realistic feel. My only complaint is once the cut is made, (using the right stick in any direction off ball) the animation must finish before you can move again.

Other positive gameplay features came at my personal expense, but for the greater good of the game. Making a 6 foot, low weight offensive guard in LIVE 19 is a huge defensive liability and as it should be. When being switched on to a big, I was put in the basket 9/10 times. (Where in LIVE 18 it was closer to 5/10) I also felt the low weight when guarding off-ball and the offensive player would push off. I would lose the initial engagement, however a lot the time I was able to recover with my 91 speed. On-ball defense felt better as well, I only got my ankles broken when I guessed wrong in a 1v1 situation as opposed to touching earth after a spamming guard.

Overall, shooting feels very similar, the dribbling feels tighter and 5s felt better spaced out than in 18. LIVE Run 5s will be my most played mode because of the new gameplay changes and the introduction of the icon system. The icon system is going to give more versatility and options to all builds which is why I’m very excited to run with Vibe City see what icons they use.

Building the Foundation

Although there was plenty of new features added, I feel like LIVE can expand in a couple of areas further. Below is my personal list of changes/improvements:

· Clan features: The ability to link up with friends easier or even have modes (court battle?) where clans compete against each other.

· Uniform editor for 5s games.

· Being able to create LIVE run tournaments.

· Custom playbooks: Being able to create and call plays in 5s and 3s.

· Taunting having in-game effects: Example, if you trigger a taunt before taking a 3pt shot, the shot should have double effect on the mentality of the shooter depending on the outcome.

· More street clothing options: Rings, chains, headphones, bags, hats, watches, durags, headties.

· Real NBA player tattoos: Being able to have their tattoos on your player.

· Ability to customize shoes in game for you player.

· Game speed increase.

· Further stat trackers.

In conclusion, it’s a good year to be on LIVE!

The Notorious V.I.G.

    The Notorious VIG

    Written by

    Sniper on Live. Vibe City General

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