Play NBA Live 96 Online Free for Super Nintendo.
NBA Live 96 hits different when it boots instantly in your browser. Released in 1995 on the Super Nintendo, this retro classic from EA Sports, THQ is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.
On-court player graphics remain 2D sprites. NBA Live 96 is the second installment of the NBA Live video game series, released by EA Sports in 1995.
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| Action | Keyboard | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad Up | ↑ | D-Pad up |
| D-Pad Down | ↓ | D-Pad down |
| D-Pad Left | ← | D-Pad left |
| D-Pad Right | → | D-Pad right |
| B (bottom) | X | Bottom face |
| A (right) | Z | Right face |
| Y (left) | S | Left face |
| X (top) | A | Top face |
| L | Q | Left shoulder |
| R | E | Right shoulder |
| Start | Enter | Start |
| Select | V | Select |
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The Story Behind NBA Live 96
The player sprites were rendered on Silicon Graphics workstations. NBA Live 96 is the second installment of the NBA Live video game series, released by EA Sports in 1995. The PC and PlayStation covers feature Shaquille O'Neal of the Orlando Magic, while the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis and European PlayStation box covers feature a photo of the tip-off to Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals.
The PlayStation and PC versions are the first games in the series to feature 3D-rendered courts, allowing for multiple camera angles using EA's "Virtual Stadium" technology, which is also used for FIFA Soccer 96. On-court player graphics remain 2D sprites. It is also the first NBA Live game released for the PlayStation and the only NBA Live game for the Game Boy.
How NBA Live 96 Plays
NBA Live 96 is the second installment of the NBA Live video game series, released by EA Sports in 1995. The PC and PlayStation covers feature Shaquille O'Neal of the Orlando Magic, while the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis and European PlayStation box covers feature a photo of the tip-off to Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals. The PlayStation and PC versions are the first games in the series to feature 3D-rendered courts, allowing for multiple camera angles using EA's "Virtual Stadium" technology, which is also used for FIFA Soccer 96.
On-court player graphics remain 2D sprites. It is also the first NBA Live game released for the PlayStation and the only NBA Live game for the Game Boy.
Why Players Still Load It Up
The two sports reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly agreed that the graphics were not up to PlayStation standards, but maintained it to be the best basketball game on the market, rating it 9.0 and 8.5 out of 10. Next Generation also felt it was better than NBA ShootOut, praising its vast array of options, features, and plays, though they criticized the unrealistic physics. GamePro said the SNES version "is bigger and badder than previous versions on the SNES, and it's the first to be comparable to the acclaimed Genesis versions of the past." They praised the new features, excellent controls, improved graphics, and "jammin' soundtrack".
They concluded, "While the action and graphics in Slam 'N' Jam ... for 3DO are still superior, NBA Live '96 for the Genesis is the best basketball simulation out there, anywhere." Next Generation said of the SNES version that "the game's essential lack of defensive play and offensive strategy make this cart pale in comparison to Genesis' version as a simulator." The reviewer elaborated that players can easily score with repeated dunks in the SNES version, and concluded that the game, though the best SNES basketball game yet released, pales against the Genesis version. It is also the first NBA Live game released for the PlayStation and the only NBA Live game for the Game Boy. A review of the Genesis version in Next Generation gave strong approval to the game's new features, particularly the post-up move and the create-a-player feature.
NBA Live 96 — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play NBA Live 96 online for free?
Yes — NBA Live 96 runs directly in your browser on this page. There is nothing to download or install; the game boots in the player above.
Do I need a controller to play NBA Live 96?
A gamepad is optional. The keyboard mapping shown on this page works immediately, and plugging in a USB or Bluetooth controller switches the player over on its own.
Who developed NBA Live 96?
NBA Live 96 was developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports, THQ.
Where can I buy the original NBA Live 96?
Scroll to "Other Places You Can Get This Game" beneath the write-up — it lists trusted stores selling official copies.