NBA Live 06 [PSP]

If you think the NBA Live series had a chronic problem, it's because the game is a bit of a lightweight. Live games have always been fun but they never had the realism of the competition. Step out of your living room, though, taking a game on the road, and suddenly realism isn't necessarily so important. In portable gaming, fun-factor is top priority, and that's exactly what NBA Live 2006 delivers.

It's a somewhat streamlined package when compared to the most recent home release, but this portable edition contains more than enough content to keep portable ballers happy. The series' Dynasty Mode is missing, so while you can tweak your rosters to your heart's content, you're out of luck if you're looking to manage salaries and set the price of peanuts in your arena.

You can still run full seasons, skip straight to the playoffs or participate in the full NBA All-Star weekend. This includes the rookie all-star games, along with the slam dunk and the 3-point-shot competitions. All these events are faithfully represented here and all are very entertaining to play, even with the PSP's somewhat limited control scheme.

The missing right analog stick somewhat limits your moves on the floor, but take control of the game's many specially designated "playmakers." With a tap of the left-shoulder in combination with one of the four face buttons, you can pull off special passes, shots and dunks. These special moves are a bit too special to be found in real-life basketball, but they do make exploiting holes in the defense entertaining.

The game can use both local wireless and online multiplayer. While the former is free, the latter will require you to either cough up $2 or sign up for target advertising from ESPN. But really, what's a little more spam for online b-ball bliss?

The game's presentation is what you'd expect from an EA title. Menus are clean and functional, the soundtrack is extensive and filled with top-shelf talent, and the in-game commentary from Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith is not only effective but is genuinely funny. No, the player models aren't quite as detailed as they are on the PS2. The players' shorts look like they're made out of cardboard, and the stands are full of blurry cut-outs. But, on the small screen, this game's detailed arenas, reflective floors and easily recognizable players look good.

NBA Live 2006 isn't the perfect game for serious NBA fans who dig stat-tracking more than slam-dunking. It is, however, a great game for someone searching for a good looking, fun and portable game of basketball.