NBA Live 07: not perfect, but better

If you are looking for the perfect basketball video game, "NBA Live 07" is not the game for you. However, if you are a basketball fan who is looking to kill some time, "Live" is not a bad game.   The developers at Electronic Arts have added several new features to this year's installment of "Live" that make it much more enjoyable to play than it was in years past. Anyone with an online connection to a console can listen to live updates from ESPN radio every 20 minutes. Last year's big addition, "Freestyle Superstars," has been revamped and now separates up-and-coming stars from All-Stars. The game's graphics have improved, and, of course, there is the ever-entertaining All-Star Weekend mode.

While the game looks better this year than it has previously, "Live" still has some flaws that negate some of the steps forward that it has taken. Once again, point guards rule the game, with role players such as Dan Dicaku and Speedy Claxton putting up numbers like 35 points and 12 assists. The computer's players never get tired and play about 90 percent of the game; there are also several game play bugs.

"NBA Live 07" has its share of flaws, but creative and high-tech features help to overshadow them. So if you want a game you and your friends can have a good time with, "Live" is worth the money. But if you are looking for absolute perfection, you would be better off saving that last $40 from your refund check.