is nba live 2005 better than nba 2k4? im not a hardcore nba gamer. I just want something that is forgiving for beginners and has a season that i can finish.

I own both, I would go with NBA Live 2005. In NBA 2K5 it is far to easy to score, it seems that regardless of how open you are the probability of you hitting shots is solely based on how good the defense is and how good the player is. (If you play with Sacramento against a team with so-so defense Peja can't be stopped) Ea's games is a much better overall effort.

Rated by category:

Graphics: ESPN NBA 2K5
Gameplay: NBA Live 2005
Sound: Tie
Extras: Tie (The slam dunk contest is really fun but ESPN has a nice career mode for "Create a player."

I would go with NBA Live if I could only get one, especially considering that you are a "Beginner" in basketball games.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: St. Mike,

i went for nba live and it's not a bad game, but there are a couple of flaws. The Starter difficulty is too hard (too many shots blocked), and it's impossible to finish off a fast break, as the defender just comes in and cuts you off.