Basketball: to us Brits, a repetitive venture of gangly types running backwards and forwards across a squeaky wooden court.

To describe the sport as 'cult' in the UK would be like calling Wayne Rooney 'a little bit chubby' (i.e. a bit of an understatement). No surprises, then, that EA has once again opted to deprive its European NBA Live series of, um, Live play. Still, at least the offline experience is consistently good.

Most of the strengths and weaknesses of last year's outing apply here. Its intuitive, simple-to-master but deep controls mechanism means that it's kind to complete novices, whilst also complex enough to appeal to the most ardent of tacticians. The NBA Live series has been a master at straddling the gulf between arcade immediacy and sim-like authenticity, and NBA Live 2005 continues to perfect the art amiably.

However, that's not to say that there have been no noticeable adjustments to the gameplay. The pace definitely appears to have picked up a gear, with the detailed players manoeuvring with greater mobility. By tinkering with the Right thumbstick, you can perform all manner of cunning wriggles, jinks and weaves, which are slightly easier to execute than in last year's game.

Also, of a far more advanced nature is the implementation of Freestyle Air. This essentially rewards your lank-bodied athletes the power of mid-air trickery, giving you opportunities to perform naughty stuff like forcing fouls and changing shots. Add in tweaked AI, harder-to-nail three-pointers, better animations and well, okay, NBA Live has improved somewhat. But to be honest, unless you're a hardcore basketball freak, the changes are s0 subtle that it's quite unlikely you'll notice them.

At least there are several new game modes featured, including the surprisingly addictive (and bloody hard) slam dunk challenges. The revamped 25-year Dynasty mode extends to such tactical depths that it should come with a government health warning. And the customary All Star match-up is always a sure-hitter - even if your knowledge borders on the non-existent, it's impossible not to appreciate the unique manner in which every superstar jiggles and dunks.

Along with the Live-enabled ESPN NBA Basketball, this is probably the best realistic, and most engrossing, basketball sim around. It's just a huge shame that EA Sports has kept the franchise offline, as the whole thrill of videogames sports is surely competing against fellow gamers across the globe. Perhaps the Yanks are still nursing their wounds after their humiliating defeat by Argentina at the Olympic Games (you gotta laugh)... Good stuff but not enough to recommend if you already own NBA Live 2004.

1. Very similar controls to last year's effort, although with better player animations and marginally speedier play.
2. Improved Freestyle and new Freestyle Air gives you more mobility and far greater library of tricks, especially for dunking.
3. Revamped Dynasty mode now lasts 25 years, and provides options for tinkering with rosters, training, scouting, etc.
4. Decent multiplayer, but still no options for Live online tournaments and ranking, despite the name.
5. Generally similar in play to its prequel - still looks nice, has tons of options and glitzy presentation.

A decent spit 'n polish job, but still no online play. Owners of NBA Live 2004 should definitely try before they buy.