PlayStation 1
Released in 1998 by EA Sports
Grade: C
This game has EA’s usual quick action and responsive controls, but it’s very limited and rough around the edges and looks about as choppy as you’d expect from a game with “99” in the title.
Where it falls in the series
It’s the fourth of eight NBA Live games on PS1. I think this game is basically a worse version of NBA Live 98. It’s got the same simplicity but with choppier graphics and less fluid control. The only caveat is that 98 has a pathetic CPU difficulty, and 99 offers much stiffer competition.
Praises and gripes
Basketball gameplay was still very basic in these days, with questionable AI and useless playcalling. On top of that, this game is just unplayable on the “simulation” setting, as fouls are completely random. The only way to enjoy this game is on the no-rules “arcade” mode, where you and a friend can recklessly run up and down the court shoving each other and trading dunks.
Some of the controls are fine and others are problematic. The jumpshot animation isn’t great, so timing shots feels like a chore to learn. Defense is harder to play than in 98, and it’s made worse by teammates who regularly guard the wrong guy, leaving an opponent wide open.
There isn’t really much else to say. If you’re looking for some PS1 nostalgia without any learning curve, just mess around with NBA Live 98 for a while. This game is pretty useless.