NBA Live 08: Hot Spots

by pastapadre
Posted July 5th, 2007 at 5:54 pm

IGN has detailed the new “Hot Spots” for NBA Live 08. This is the final in the series of four new features being unveiled for the game.

Hot Spots are a visual feature. On offense, you can hold down the Left Bumper or L1 to see a color-coded guide to a ball handlers strengths and weaknesses on the court. Depending on the player, you’ll see patches of purple for cold zones, red for hot spots and yellow for moderate areas. These are the spots the player has shown to have the most success. That doesn’t mean that if you shoot from a cold spot you will instantly brick, but it’s much more likely.

In the past, a player had just three shot ratings based on range: close, medium, and three point. Now there are fourteen ratings, all of which were compiled from NBA data over the past few years.

Check back as I’ll have my impressions of Hot Spots, Own the Paint, and Quick Strike Ball Handling. How did the Hot Spots change the way people played the game…or did they? I’ll have a full report on these aspects of the game once the embargo passes at midnight.

Tags: Videos

Lame

NBA Live…meet NBA JAM… hot spots? I see why 2k8 is king… they dont need hotspots to play a game of basketball
Lame

NBA Live…meet NBA JAM… hot spots? I see why 2k8 is king… they dont need hotspots to play a game of basketball
Boss

Man this could go as a big plus for live and help with the triumph over 2k or be a azz bust. I dont know but so far I am very interested with live and cant wait to c wat 2k has in store. Cait wait for your full impressions padre.
Boss

Man this could go as a big plus for live and help with the triumph over 2k or be a azz bust. I dont know but so far I am very interested with live and cant wait to c wat 2k has in store. Cait wait for your full impressions padre.
ThaGreatBrain

I understand the concept. It’s easy for me to see that some people have areas on the court where they excel and other areas where they have a otugh time. I would love to see a way where you can develop a player’s hotspot in Dynasty mode.
ThaGreatBrain

I understand the concept. It’s easy for me to see that some people have areas on the court where they excel and other areas where they have a otugh time. I would love to see a way where you can develop a player’s hotspot in Dynasty mode.
http://www.pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

To Lame:

I wish IGN had better explained them. Wait for my writeup because I can see how people would get the wrong impression.
http://www.pastapadre.com pastapadre

To Lame:

I wish IGN had better explained them. Wait for my writeup because I can see how people would get the wrong impression.
http://www.artoficial.com/ artoficial

Lame: From my comprehension of the article on hot spots is that it’s just a point of reference. I think it’s pretty clear on how it works, heck you don’t even have to activate them if bothers you that much. I’m a 2K gamer as well beut to act like 2K is the perfect games just reminds me of how silly some of you guys can be. I think for the first time in a long time EA has the right attitude towards giving us as close to a true NBA sim as possible.

My only real complaint towards the hot spots is really not a knock on the idea or how it works it’s more towards the graphics end of it. I think they could stand to tweak the opacity quite a bit so the colors aren’t SO bold, almost as if the wood floor had tone to it rather than just a flat layer of color. From an artistic stand point it would be more visually pleasing and less cartoony. But i love and UNDERSTAND the concept.

So far i’m looking forward to purchasing EA first and if all else fails I’ll have 2K to fall back on as I’m sure they’ll come strong this year.
http://www.artoficial.com/ artoficial

Lame: From my comprehension of the article on hot spots is that it’s just a point of reference. I think it’s pretty clear on how it works, heck you don’t even have to activate them if bothers you that much. I’m a 2K gamer as well beut to act like 2K is the perfect games just reminds me of how silly some of you guys can be. I think for the first time in a long time EA has the right attitude towards giving us as close to a true NBA sim as possible.

My only real complaint towards the hot spots is really not a knock on the idea or how it works it’s more towards the graphics end of it. I think they could stand to tweak the opacity quite a bit so the colors aren’t SO bold, almost as if the wood floor had tone to it rather than just a flat layer of color. From an artistic stand point it would be more visually pleasing and less cartoony. But i love and UNDERSTAND the concept.

So far i’m looking forward to purchasing EA first and if all else fails I’ll have 2K to fall back on as I’m sure they’ll come strong this year.
http://dneum.com/ dneum

Artoficial – That’s a very good point about turning down the opacity of the colors on the court, I agree 100%. Would make it much better visually.

But I love the concept of it. Just adds to the authenticity and personalization of the game. Bruce Bowen is a perfect example. Now way he should be hitting 3′s from the top of the circle with the same frequency as he does from the corner.

Look forward to your impressions on all the new features Pasta.
http://dneum.com dneum

Artoficial – That’s a very good point about turning down the opacity of the colors on the court, I agree 100%. Would make it much better visually.

But I love the concept of it. Just adds to the authenticity and personalization of the game. Bruce Bowen is a perfect example. Now way he should be hitting 3′s from the top of the circle with the same frequency as he does from the corner.

Look forward to your impressions on all the new features Pasta.
Dr Logic

Its good to see EA trying new ideas. Having said that, I’m still not sold on the whole hot spots thing. I think in the end it may be a bit of a stretch and could end up making things worse. Im sure they will play with the opacity before releasing the game, but LIVE08 is already starting to seem gimmicky and does not sound like they are taking a back to basics approach like they stated earlier. Granted, you can use this feature at your own leisure, but i can already see the online abuse/annoyence of it.
Dr Logic

Its good to see EA trying new ideas. Having said that, I’m still not sold on the whole hot spots thing. I think in the end it may be a bit of a stretch and could end up making things worse. Im sure they will play with the opacity before releasing the game, but LIVE08 is already starting to seem gimmicky and does not sound like they are taking a back to basics approach like they stated earlier. Granted, you can use this feature at your own leisure, but i can already see the online abuse/annoyence of it.
http://www.pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

This really isn’t something that can be exploited/abused. In some ways its the exact opposite. I’ll explain it in more detail in my writeup.
http://www.pastapadre.com pastapadre

This really isn’t something that can be exploited/abused. In some ways its the exact opposite. I’ll explain it in more detail in my writeup.
http://www.artoficial.com/ artoficial

I agree with Pasta. Of coarse I have no first hand knowledge of it’s use but I can see how it can be used to even things out defensively as well. Just consider the fact the on “D” we have the opportunity to respond to where the hot spots are as well, we hopefully with the new defense will be able change the offensive play from getting to those sweet spots. I think with EA putting this in the game we really have to work on both ends of the court. Anyway you cut it thats what real basketball is about. I think it’s this focus to detail that is putting EA on track, honestly I could care less (2K) if I see LaBron chewing his fingers into nubs or nash licking the dirt of his I want real substance added. If any of this will work affectively or not is the real measure of the games success.
http://www.artoficial.com/ artoficial

I agree with Pasta. Of coarse I have no first hand knowledge of it’s use but I can see how it can be used to even things out defensively as well. Just consider the fact the on “D” we have the opportunity to respond to where the hot spots are as well, we hopefully with the new defense will be able change the offensive play from getting to those sweet spots. I think with EA putting this in the game we really have to work on both ends of the court. Anyway you cut it thats what real basketball is about. I think it’s this focus to detail that is putting EA on track, honestly I could care less (2K) if I see LaBron chewing his fingers into nubs or nash licking the dirt of his I want real substance added. If any of this will work affectively or not is the real measure of the games success.
Phant

I agree also. Having grew up w/ EA. I want 2 see them compete again. I’m willing to play a

Sig shots are officially better. Jumpers look like jumpers. I can definitely see the explosion off the floor. Ray Allen sequence was beautiful from the shot release to the way it went in the basket. I’m very excited. I think i’m the only person who thinks 2k is overrated.
Phant

I agree also. Having grew up w/ EA. I want 2 see them compete again. I’m willing to play a

Sig shots are officially better. Jumpers look like jumpers. I can definitely see the explosion off the floor. Ray Allen sequence was beautiful from the shot release to the way it went in the basket. I’m very excited. I think i’m the only person who thinks 2k is overrated.
meloanswer

I thought it was really cool that duncan set a pick for parker at the bottom of the screen. On the other hand, bowen was out of bounds during the play. It’s a minor problem but i hope they fix it. I agree with artoficial, if you’re gonna add something that will make the game more authentic, add something that affects the gameplay. I think hotspots is a great idea. If it’s something that will bother players once the game is released, based on the video, just don’t use it.
meloanswer

I thought it was really cool that duncan set a pick for parker at the bottom of the screen. On the other hand, bowen was out of bounds during the play. It’s a minor problem but i hope they fix it. I agree with artoficial, if you’re gonna add something that will make the game more authentic, add something that affects the gameplay. I think hotspots is a great idea. If it’s something that will bother players once the game is released, based on the video, just don’t use it.
http://www.pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

If you read my community day impressions, one issue I brought up there was the lack of space there, where you would step out of bounds if you even tried to move there. Thats something hopefully they’ll have fixed for release, cause it took away from doing anything in the corner or close to the sidelines.
http://www.pastapadre.com pastapadre

If you read my community day impressions, one issue I brought up there was the lack of space there, where you would step out of bounds if you even tried to move there. Thats something hopefully they’ll have fixed for release, cause it took away from doing anything in the corner or close to the sidelines.
Lame

Online is going to be a mess. Now guys will be running around with the ball, until they get into these hotspots before they even attempt a shot. NTY… Sounds like just another GIMMICK.
Lame

Online is going to be a mess. Now guys will be running around with the ball, until they get into these hotspots before they even attempt a shot. NTY… Sounds like just another GIMMICK.
Lame

Look at that picture, looks like the circus meet the NBA when triggering the location of HOTSPOTS. This isnt about 2k , this is about getting a game of true SIM basketball without these freaking gimmicks which EA just cant get away from because they said it themselves that they arent making a pure sim game. Its half sim, half arcade.
This is only going to help the scrubs that dont know how to play just run to these color patterns, and hoist from there.
Lame

Look at that picture, looks like the circus meet the NBA when triggering the location of HOTSPOTS. This isnt about 2k , this is about getting a game of true SIM basketball without these freaking gimmicks which EA just cant get away from because they said it themselves that they arent making a pure sim game. Its half sim, half arcade.
This is only going to help the scrubs that dont know how to play just run to these color patterns, and hoist from there.
Phant

So I take it your not buying the game.
Phant

So I take it your not buying the game.
pastapadre

Lame-

Wait for my writeup lol. It will address those potential concerns.
pastapadre

Lame-

Wait for my writeup lol. It will address those potential concerns.
Lame

All we need to hear is Marv Albert say “BoomShakalaka” “Is it the shoes?” & “he’s heating up”. I mean look at that picture… if you know your NBA, ball whatever you wanna call it, then you dont need to have this freaking pie chart graph on the court to help you out.. . It gets worse every year.
Lame

All we need to hear is Marv Albert say “BoomShakalaka” “Is it the shoes?” & “he’s heating up”. I mean look at that picture… if you know your NBA, ball whatever you wanna call it, then you dont need to have this freaking pie chart graph on the court to help you out.. . It gets worse every year.
Lame

Pasta its ok, Im just going to email the staff team along with David Gardner, and tell them myself. You should know who they are.
Lame

Pasta its ok, Im just going to email the staff team along with David Gardner, and tell them myself. You should know who they are.
pastapadre

I know what you’re saying, I had brought up a few concerns myself. I’ll be explaining how it actually factored into the games when we were playing, and then our discussion with the producers following the session.
pastapadre

I know what you’re saying, I had brought up a few concerns myself. I’ll be explaining how it actually factored into the games when we were playing, and then our discussion with the producers following the session.
Lame

As 617kid from NLSC put it

“Yea i thhink they should make it look more like your on a court and not lego island..lol”

He hit it on the head.. it looks like LEGO ISLAND.

Quick-Strike Ball Handling is supposed to make it more difficult to get to the rim than ever before, but you wont need to get to the rim now, just pull up Lego Island and shoot from your favorite color. Just look at comments about this:

NLSC:
http://www.nbaliveforums.com/ftopic49948.php&sid=577fc03b4d0f2f180f086d8240b0d751

OS:
http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=210838

I mean what happened to the “we’re focusing on the 5 on 5 basics”. This is the reason why Live has never won Sports Game of the Year in its 12 year history. Too many gimmicks. Their competition has already won SGOtY in 7 short years, and they dont resort to any the stuff Live has used. FSS= 1 on 5 the whole game. Why did you have to switch abilities to make shots.

And now you have a pie chart, this is just disgusting when you think about it.
Lame

As 617kid from NLSC put it

“Yea i thhink they should make it look more like your on a court and not lego island..lol”

He hit it on the head.. it looks like LEGO ISLAND.

Quick-Strike Ball Handling is supposed to make it more difficult to get to the rim than ever before, but you wont need to get to the rim now, just pull up Lego Island and shoot from your favorite color. Just look at comments about this:

NLSC:
http://www.nbaliveforums.com/ftopic49948.php&sid=577fc03b4d0f2f180f086d8240b0d751

OS:
http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=210838

I mean what happened to the “we’re focusing on the 5 on 5 basics”. This is the reason why Live has never won Sports Game of the Year in its 12 year history. Too many gimmicks. Their competition has already won SGOtY in 7 short years, and they dont resort to any the stuff Live has used. FSS= 1 on 5 the whole game. Why did you have to switch abilities to make shots.

And now you have a pie chart, this is just disgusting when you think about it.
http://www.artoficial.com/ artoficial

It doesn’t look pretty from the screen shot but I think it’s a nice feature if nothing else. If toned down a bit as far as opacity I think it could work, right now it’s just to in your face. Pasta, If there is a way you can mention this to whomever you are in contact with on the team I think it should be addressed. I’m an illustrator and I think any artist would agree adjusting the opacity will help in a big way. Right now it just obscures the court.
http://www.artoficial.com/ artoficial

It doesn’t look pretty from the screen shot but I think it’s a nice feature if nothing else. If toned down a bit as far as opacity I think it could work, right now it’s just to in your face. Pasta, If there is a way you can mention this to whomever you are in contact with on the team I think it should be addressed. I’m an illustrator and I think any artist would agree adjusting the opacity will help in a big way. Right now it just obscures the court.