Play Nba Live 97 (usa, Europe) Online

NBA Live 97 came out for the Sega Genesis in 1996, published by EA Sports. It was one of the later basketball titles for the system, arriving as the 32-bit consoles were starting to take over. You got a full NBA license with real teams and players, which was a big step up from the simpler basketball games of a few years earlier.

You control a five man basketball team, switching between players on defense and directing the action on offense. The main goal is to outscore the other team by moving the ball, setting picks, and taking shots. Signature mechanics include the turbo button for quick bursts of speed and a dedicated button for alley oop passes, which made fast breaks exciting. The game also introduced a three point shooting contest mode, which was a nice diversion from the full games. The pacing is quick, and the computer can be tough on higher difficulty settings, forcing you to play smart defense. It feels responsive and fluid, especially when you get a clean fast break going from one end of the court to the other.