'LIVE' still not a swish

or years, a new "NBA LIVE" meant nothing more than a roster update, a different soundtrack and a slight graphics overhaul. \nEA Sports didn't reinvent the wheel in "NBA LIVE 08," but it did re-invent just about everything else in its top-selling basketball game. Unlike last year's copy, "LIVE" has enough improvements and new features in this year's game to warrant attention. \nThe best addition is the refurbished ball-handling controls, which were in desperate need of a revamp. The "Quick-Strike Ball Handling" enables users to control a guard's dribbling completely and is much more realistic than previous versions. \n"LIVE" has something for the big men, too, with the incorporation of brand new low-post moves that don't handcuff you only to fadeaways and dunks anymore. You can be Shaquille O'Neal and shoot his patented baby-hook or you can execute a flawless Tim Duncan drop step at the ease of a few \nbutton manipulations. \nThe game has also significantly expanded its game modes. In addition to Dynasty Mode and the typical All-Star Weekend options, you can now compete in the FIBA World Championships or play Quick pick play, which is essentially a fantasy draft with only two teams for a single game. \nBut unlike a Ricky Williams drug test, there are more than just positives in "LIVE." Before playing a game, you most likely will have to endure a painfully long load screen, which EA Sports attempts to compensate for by putting in a new NBA trivia feature. It's like trying to make up for your friend's dead dog by giving them a Tamagotchi. \nLike the Indiana Pacers' last three seasons, the Dynasty Mode leaves something to be desired. You're constantly bombarded with unnecessary prompts, which you can luckily turn off, and the Off-Season Mode is boring compared to the similar features offered in "Madden NFL 08." \nThe artificial intelligence during game play can be as frustrating and uncreative as 50 Cent's last album. Even on the highest difficulty, "Superstar," the players' movements are boring and slow-paced, like the NBA's Eastern Conference. The only saving grace of the A.I. is its deadeye shooting and the occasional ridiculous dunks. \nDespite a couple of frustrating flaws, if you're a basketball fan, "LIVE" is still the best video game on \nthe market.