Play NBA Live '97 (Europe) Online

Game Overview

NBA Live '97 on SNES is one of those games that just feels right the second you pick up the controller. The players move smoother than in earlier versions, and there’s something weirdly satisfying about the way the ball bounces off the rim—it’s got that perfect arcade-y weight to it. I spent way too many afternoons trying to drain threes with the Bulls, and the Euro version has all the classic teams you’d expect (plus a few surprises).

Yeah, the graphics are blocky by today’s standards, but the animations are surprisingly fluid for a mid-90s sports game. The controls are simple enough that you can pull off crossovers and alley-oops without memorizing button combos, but there’s enough depth to keep things interesting. No season modes or fancy cutscenes here—just straight-up, no-nonsense basketball. And honestly? That’s kind of refreshing.

If you’ve got a soft spot for retro sports games, this one’s a total time capsule. The crowd noise alone will teleport you back to 1997.