I remember the first time I booted up EA NBA Live 17 back in 2016, the controller vibrating with that familiar EA Sports energy. Eight years later, I still find myself occasionally returning to this particular installment, not just for nostalgia but because there's something uniquely compelling about this edition that keeps drawing me back. The question isn't whether it's better than NBA 2K17 - we all know the answer to that - but whether it still delivers enough enjoyment to warrant your time in today's gaming landscape.
When I revisited the game last week, what struck me immediately was how the gameplay mechanics hold up surprisingly well. The dribbling system feels responsive, though not as sophisticated as modern basketball games. I've always preferred Live's approach to street-style basketball over 2K's simulation-heavy style, and this iteration really perfected that arcade-like fun. The graphics, while dated by today's standards, still maintain a certain charm with their vibrant colors and smooth animations. I particularly enjoy how player models move with a natural fluidity that some modern sports games still struggle to achieve.
The franchise mode remains my personal favorite aspect, offering depth without the overwhelming complexity of some contemporary sports management simulations. I've spent probably 300 hours across multiple franchise saves, and each time I discover new strategies that work. The player progression system, while not perfect, creates meaningful decisions about which attributes to develop. My main criticism has always been the somewhat predictable AI behavior in late-game situations, but this actually makes it more accessible for casual play sessions.
What's fascinating is how real-world basketball developments sometimes mirror the game's limitations. Take June Mar Fajardo's situation - when he returned after his right calf injury and immediately contributed 12 points and 19 rebounds in nearly 32 minutes of action, it reminded me of how NBA Live 17 handles injury comebacks. The game's injury system isn't as sophisticated as newer titles, but there's a straightforward satisfaction in bringing a key player back into your lineup and seeing immediate production.
The online servers are surprisingly still active, though matchmaking can take several minutes during off-peak hours. I've encountered about 15-20 regular players in recent months, creating a small but dedicated community. The Ultimate Team mode still receives occasional content updates, which is remarkable for a game of this age. Last month, EA added three new historic teams, bringing the total to 42 available franchises across different eras.
Where the game shows its age most noticeably is in the commentary and presentation package. While serviceable, the commentary lacks the depth and variety we've come to expect, with repetitive lines becoming noticeable after extended play sessions. The crowd animations and stadium details also feel dated compared to current-generation titles. However, these elements don't significantly detract from the core gameplay experience if you're primarily interested in the basketball action itself.
From a technical perspective, the game runs remarkably well on modern hardware. Load times are surprisingly quick on PS5 through backward compatibility, typically around 12-15 seconds between menus. The frame rate holds steady at 60fps during gameplay, though menu navigation occasionally stutters. I've experienced only two crashes in my recent 50 hours of playtime, both occurring during franchise mode simulations - an acceptable stability rate for an older sports title.
The shooting mechanics deserve special mention because they represent what makes NBA Live 17 still worth playing today. The shot meter provides clear visual feedback without being intrusive, and the timing feels consistent across different player types. I've found that mastering the unique shooting strokes of various players remains satisfying, especially when you nail a crucial three-pointer with Stephen Curry using his distinctive release timing. This attention to individual player characteristics was ahead of its time for the series.
What continues to surprise me is how the game manages to balance accessibility with depth. New players can pick it up quickly thanks to intuitive controls, while veterans can explore advanced techniques like the precision dribbling system. The learning curve feels just right - challenging enough to remain engaging but not so steep that it becomes frustrating. This is where I believe NBA Live 17 outshines many modern sports games that often prioritize complexity over fun.
Having played every basketball game released since 2010, I can confidently say that NBA Live 17 occupies a unique space in the genre. It's not the most realistic simulation available, but it captures the excitement and flow of basketball in a way that remains enjoyable years later. The game currently sells for around $8-12 on secondary markets, representing excellent value for the amount of content available. While it lacks the polish of contemporary titles, its heart is in the right place, focusing on what makes basketball fun to play rather than getting bogged down in unnecessary complications.
My recommendation is simple: if you're looking for a pure, uncomplicated basketball experience that prioritizes fun over realism, NBA Live 17 remains a worthwhile play. It's like revisiting an old favorite book - the pages might be worn and the cover dated, but the story inside still resonates. The game has aged gracefully in many aspects, and while it certainly shows its age in others, there's enough quality content here to justify occasional return visits. For basketball gaming enthusiasts, it serves as an important milestone in the evolution of the genre and a reminder of what made the NBA Live series special at its peak.