NBA Live 06 comes very close to the complete experience on the PSP, with a few minor setbacks including lack of a franchise mode or create-a-anything. While for a first NBA title from EA may be the excuse why some of these features are absent, EA has released enough titles to not only know the capability of the PSP, but what fans want the most according to the review of past titles. On the whole, NBA Live 06 is a very good basketball title that is great for the gamer on the go, but the longevity is hampered by the lack of the aforementioned features.

Visually, Live 06 looks the part with all the pertinent teams, arenas, and licensing agreements, you would expect out of a top-notch NBA title. The player models are every bit as close to their console cousin, as they animate quite well and have most of the NBA superstar’s facial likenesses in tact. The player models even have all the right tattoos and muscle definition. All your favorite NBA arenas are accurately represented with all the nuances of each in full effect. The camera options, even at default, is very doable and shows off the widescreen presentation of the PSP. The presentation is one of the best in sports games on the PSP thus far, as you get screen wipes, instant replays, and update overlays as the game progresses. Topping off the goodness is the very tolerable load times and very consistent frame rate, which makes for a very enjoyable experience.

Audio only enhances the stunning presentation by delivering full play by play from Marv Albert and Steve Kerr. Not only do they keep you updated on the goings on of the game at hand, but tend to give little stories during the action that make it seem more like a live TV Broadcast. You also have Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith calling the shots during the All Star Weekend for variety. EA Trax delivers the hip-hop beats in droves, and all the sound effects you would expect from a b-ball title are present, from the squeaky shoes to the rocking of the backboards after a slam.

Gameplay may have taken a step back from the last two years, as EA has gone with the one shot button scheme. Thankfully, they haven’t forgotten their roots and deliver a smooth transition between shots and dunks with the touch of a single button. You also press the square button to perform crossovers and fakes, which is also very old school. Unlike today’s analog stick control, you don’t have a choice on what crossover or fake you perform as it is done automatically for you. While still a bit slippery, the controls are very manageable, even if still a bit on the arcade side of things. The A.I. is as tough as you set it, but you do not have sliders for certain A.I. aspects. The game play boils down really to one word…fun.

EA has come to the PSP with authority giving gamer tons of options and game modes to choose from. Minus the earlier mentioned Franchise and Create-A-Anything modes, NBA Live 06 is chock full of goodness that will more than satisfy basketball fans. You have your typical modes like exhibition and season, complete with full stat tracking. You also have the option to play wirelessly against someone in the other room or hook up online and see who’s the best PSP baller around, with leader board option for bragging rights. Exclusive PSP mini games that let you relive the greatest moments in NBA history. The icing on the cake of course is the All Star Weekend that includes the 3-Point Shootout, Slam Dunk Contest, Rookie Challenge and the All Star Game.

For a first round ball effort from EA, I will give them props that they delivered a very fun game with excellent gameplay and plenty of options to keep you busy. I would like to see more come in the form of a Franchise mode complete with at least a Create-a-Player next season. A good rookie effort and I’m sure we’ll see more where that came from in future installments of the series. Easily the best basketball title on a handheld to date.