NBA Live 06 GameCube

It's about this time of year that EA like to release all the sporting titles they've been crafting during the off season. Both types of football - Madden and FIFA - have already hit the streets, as has their NHL game which looks as reinvigorated as the hockey league itself does after missing last season. If you've been waiting patiently for the new NBA Live game, well...here it is, and as usual it comes with the usual perks of an up-to-date roster - Basketball players in the US change teams like you change underpants - as well as new features and tweaks. It's Heat star Dwyane 'D-Wade' Wade that's on the cover this year. But he's not the only player to get special treatment. A whole selection of big players have been given 'Freestyle Superstar' powers, excelling in certain areas depending on whether they are labelled High Flyer, Playmaker, Scorer, Sharpshooter, Stopper or Power Player. Get the ball to these talented specialists and use their special skills to turn the game. EA boasts that the transitions are more realistic than ever before, with the game realistically switching between explosive runs down the lanes as you get on point and deliver zinging passes, and realistic defence as you block would-be dunkers with big hits. As in this year's Madden, you can create your own player and watch him grow from Rookie to super-powered Superstar in Dynasty mode, as you make the right career choices along the way. A big feature of EA's basketball games these days is the dunk contest, and this gets even better this year as you can take the game online and show off your airborne skills. Naturally, you can take other players on in Exhibition matches too, or maybe just indulge in a three point shootout. With the graphical engine also fully overhauled, the players look better than ever before and more like their real-life counterparts. Another dose of fun for the franchise's loyal following of fans.