9.5

Soar high above the rim with NBA Live 2001, the seventh edition of EA Sports' ultrarealistic basketball game. The game features new player reactions, bench sequences, redesigned commentary, and a realistic stadium environment where people in the crowd stand up, cheer, and show their homemade signs for the camera. The game also links to an Internet community where players can be matched up for easier-to-use online competition. Also, NBA Live 2001's enhanced franchise mode allows you to execute trades with up to three teams and 15 players.