This year's version of Live has brought in a few minor adjustments in the graphics department. The players look much cleaner this time around and if you look real close the muscles in the arms seem to tense up when they are about to take a shot. Some of the faces seem to have had more time spent on them than others, which makes for some disappointment. But if you play the game in the classic camera angle like I do, you can still find your favorite player by his physical features.

The replay department is as sharp as ever and with multiple angles and the verity of dunks offered, the replays never seem to get old. The jersey even seem to have realistic movement as the players twist and turn trying to find the open lane and perform a perfect 10, 360 dunk.

My one complaint in the graphics is the lack of crowd interaction like we see in NHL 2003. The crowd is non existent throughout the game besides the ones you can see from the game play camera. For a perfect 10 next year they best go see their friends in the NHL department for some new ideas.

I must admit I am not overly pleased with the sound this year. The commentary is probably the biggest let down. The announcers seem to be about 4 seconds behind the game play and tend to be repetitive from time to time. I did find that as the season progressed there was more and more new words and phrases for various actions on the court but still not enough variety to make me happy.

Arena sounds improves the overall quality of the sound department and saved the game from getting a lower score. The fans chant when the games close, boo when they feel the refs cal went against them and my personal favorite is the echoing scream of "THREE" as the home player takes a shot beyond the arc.

The games soundtrack is also somewhat impressive featuring a rap dominated atmosphere; the list does include the ever popular Snoop Dog which made me give an instant bonus to the score.

When it comes to replay value, Sports games form a distinct category. One can play a countless number of games with friends and family without even playing a single game in a single player season or even touching the franchise mode. NBA live is no different as I have found myself up with buddies to the early morning hours fighting for the ever popular title of "Champion of the Universe".

I am being especially kind this year to EA giving them the perfect 10 because they took the time to include online play. To me this adds something we have never seen before, something unique that adds a bonus to an already high score. Just a warning to EA though, you best impress me a little more next year because by that time the novelty will have worn off and no more bonus points for you.