NBA Live 16 E3 Trailer; Gameplay Details and Release Date Set
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EA Sports today rolled out the debut trailer for NBA Live 16. Included is the official release date of September 29. That matches the NBA 2K16 release date, somewhat at least, considering 2K16 truly releases on the 25th. On Xbox One anyway Live will beat it by a few hours for anyone who has EA Access.
There’s a glimpse at an outdoor court, which again hints strongly at the “Crew” type mode or return of adidas Live Run. The game will also feature the return of Game Face, to try and match 2K’s face-scanning tech, which had, let’s just say, mixed results last year.
PASSING
This was a sticking point in year’s past. Running a fast-break used to be a chore, but not anymore. For real though, they added a TON of new pass and catch animations. More variety means players move the ball with more intent – and it looks more natural.
They’ve also upped the responsiveness. In past years, you couldn’t really whip the ball around the perimeter – now – you can pull off various touch passes to put the ball where you want it. They’ve even gone as far to add dribble handoffs.
With all of these new tools on the offensive side of the ball – you’ll be a floor general like a BOSS. There’s not a possession that goes by where you won’t feel and see a notable difference.
DRIBBLING
NBA LIVE has always been about dribble control – so we are all pumped for the return of Freestyle Controls! NBA LIVE 16 really feels like you’re the one pulling off the moves – and not an animation sequence.
There are new controls for pulling off hesitation dribbles and crossovers, making attacking the basket buttery smooth now. Gone are the days of losing all your player’s momentum as you drive the hoop. That’s that physics engine putting in work!
SHOOTING
You aren’t winning if you aren’t scoring. NBA LIVE 16 has brought in a totally new shot system. The release timing is no longer tied to the animation, and is now tied one-to-one with the button press. If you release too early or late you’ll actually see and feel the difference.
Not everyone plays like Chef Curry jacking up 3’s from all over the court – so they’ve also improved a bunch of new signature animations when attacking the hoop or scoring around the basket.
OFF-BALL MOVEMENT (LIVE MOTION)
This feature will have the most notable impact. Remember when dudes would just stand around the court and not move or try to get open, unless you called a play? Those days are over.
Thanks to some revamped AI and what they are calling LIVEmotion – players move around the court with purpose and intensity. You’ll see your CPU buddies fight through screens, make intelligent cuts and more in attempt to get open – all on their own.
Animation quality has also taken a step up in a major way. Dudes won’t be skating all over the court now.
And if that ain’t enough, check out some of the moves you can pull off now that you could never do before:
Touch passing
Dribble handoffs
Pick and Roll screen re-screen
Attack Ball Screens w/ New Dribble Mechanics
Deny NBA superstars away from the ball
Bump cutters
Push off and get open away from the ball
MORE COMING