Gilbert, Durant, NBA Live ‘08, and SLAM in the building
Meet your March Madness ‘08 cover athlete
There is a place on 23rd street called Rub BBQ, where the waitresses wear t-shirts that say “The best butt in town.” I think that must be an inside BBQ joke I am not familiar with, but ha ha I get it. Anyways, Gilbert Arenas and Kevin Durant were there, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Gil is the cover boy for NBA Live ’08, and it was just announced that Durant will be on the cover of March Madness ’08. EA Sports hosted the event, where the two superstars (yes Durant is a superstar before even playing a single NBA game. That’s just the world we live in) mingled with the media, played some video games, and so on.
Arash Markazi was in the building. That means it was officially a party. The fire marshall was double parked outside the whole time.
I probably should have gotten in line to sit down and play or at least talk to the men of the hour, but I was happy to watch. Lang had some conversations. One of our ad guys was there, elbowing people out of the way to get his shot at the game. That’s the kind of aggressiveness we like.
The hottest scoop I can give you is that when playing the game, Durant took on people in a customized mode where the two teams were the Blazers and Sonics, but instead of those teams’ players, it was all rookies or young guys and superstars. For example, the Blazers were made up of Horford, Julian Wright, Brandon Roy, Lamarcus Aldridge and others. The Sonics were Rashard Lewis, Ray Allen, Yi, Joakim Noah… and Kevin Durant. Everytime he played, he kept using that custom Sonics team with himself on it, forcing the ball with his character nearly every time. Greg Oden wasn’t even in the game, at least not when I was watching. DURANT IS GOING TO THE SONICS so it is written so it shall be done.
Gilbert played as the Wizards against the Suns. He used his character as a huge ball hog and kept shouting himself out. For example, he took a buzzer beater at the end of a quarter and said out loud “Oh this is going in cause it’s me.” It didn’t go in, but it was Deshawn Stevenson, not Gil. He recognized that and said “Oh, that’s not me.” Virtual Gilbert had a bananas triple double, but the Steve Nash character had I believe 60 points against him. It was a fun video game to watch, and the graphics are mind blowingly lifelike as always. Does it match the intuitive control and genius simplicity of the Sega Genesis era of Live ’95 to ’98? Remains to be seen.
Other than the waitresses, some EA Sports PR people, and television personalities from various video game networks, it was a total dudefest. But I guess that’s what video games + sports will do for you. Lang and I spent some time with Dan Steinberg of DC Sportsbog fame. He talked to Arenas and got him to invoke the name “Marvin” Brando because Gilbert wants to buy his own island, just like the beyond insane screen legend did. Funny, I’ve been wondering what Gil is going to buy after he opts out and signs a bigger contract next year. I thought maybe a whole hyperbaric city or maybe a real life tiger zoo to match his tattoo, but his own island sounds just about right. Well done, Mr. Arenas.
After sitting through who knows how many interviews, Gilbert and Kevin finally got the chance to play each other in NBA Live ’08, and I snapped this high quality camera phone shot. Durant appeared very relaxed for someone that has a glaring spotlight on him 24/7 these days. Then again, this was more of a fun event. Looking forward to the pre-draft media session, where there will be no video games, no free fried foods or alcohol, and… yeah, that’s not as much fun.
SLAM was extremely deep at this event, with Ben Collins there too, getting even more exclusive thoughts from the minds of basketball superstars. He gets bonus points for attending with a female friend. Ben and his friend were clearly in awe of my lecture on the history of Purple City Byrdgang’s Don Bishop Agallah, who produced a song for the Live ’08 soundtrack. I had to bring up the whole Crookie Monster thing. Classic.
And a final thought… there was a guy there interviewing Gilbert for TV who looked exactly like me, but with a slight beard derivation. Is it that easy to get on TV? All you have to do is shave your cheek area? Nice. I was actually planning on going to the AJ Soprano fake Puerto Rican look, but now I’m conflicted. This is a very momentus decision. I will be in deep concentration thinking this over for a while.
This post is done at 7:30 A.M. because my air conditioner died last night, and sleep is not possible.
49 Responses to “Gilbert, Durant, NBA Live ‘08, and SLAM in the building”
Jun.27 at 7:57 am
Esco says:
Haha..I was saying to myself that it’s kinda early. But I’m glad though, it’s hard having to wait until after 3 everyday to get started on my daily reading.
Jun.27 at 8:00 am
Esco says:
This is gonna be a phenomenal “First!!!” or “!”…Ryan said ! was the new First!!!, I guess it’s kinda like 30’s the new 20 or something so…I’m confused, I’m gonna go have breakfast…*sigh*
Jun.27 at 8:01 am
Esco says:
Oh by the way…How’s GilZero’s leg doing?? He doesn’t update his NBA blog as often anymore…
Jun.27 at 8:02 am
R.O.B says:
First??
Jun.27 at 8:16 am
Nadav says:
This post was read at 2:15 pm, cause Europe is the best.
Jun.27 at 9:01 am
Steve O says:
Nothing compares to the 95′-98′ Sega versions of live. NOTHING
Jun.27 at 9:06 am
Ryan Jones says:
I’ll have a new-new first tomorrow, Esco.
Also, Sam: This posted $ucked.
Jun.27 at 9:06 am
Ryan Jones says:
Wait — no it didn’t. Sorry. My mistake.
Jun.27 at 9:13 am
Esco says:
Actually this post was read at 1:56 pm Nadav.
@ Ryan: I can’t wait!
Jun.27 at 9:25 am
Sparker says:
thou shall not speak of marlon b in vain
Jun.27 at 9:38 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
It’s so great that Gilbert is copying the idea of perhaps the most eccentric person ever born. His leg was in great walking around and playing video games shape.
Madden football gets better every year. Baseball games peaked with All-Star baseball 2000 for the N64 in my opinion. 5 on 5 basketball just has not translated well to modern consoles. The 2K series for the Dreamcast was pretty good. NBA Showdown ‘94 was great, and then when the LIVE series came out, it was totally forgotten for good reason.
Jun.27 at 9:43 am
Rasheedionics says:
NBA Live 08 is introducing new feature called “go-to moves” which supposedly allow most player to perform their signature scoring move??? Can’t wait to see Kobe jacking up 3 point fade-away over triple teams… And Lebron passing the ball as he drives toward the hoop.
Jun.27 at 9:45 am
Steve O says:
Or Rasheed just picking up T’s.
Jun.27 at 9:49 am
Joel O's says:
did gilbert predict scoring 50 on the suns?
Jun.27 at 10:02 am
Esco says:
@ Steve O: That was funny…lol!
Jun.27 at 10:14 am
Rasheedionics says:
Sam,
Madden sucked last year on new-gen consoles. And this year they’re coming up with some new gimmick - Superstar Abilities - which sounds a lot like NBA Live Superstars… My favorite is “QB Cannon Arm”. Bret Favre is going to be unstopablle unless he faces a team with “Smart” Safeties or “ShutDown” Corners… Oh well.
Jun.27 at 10:19 am
Boing Dynasty says:
I have been waiting for video games to incorperate the Vince Carter grimace/leg clutch on all fouls.
Jun.27 at 10:54 am
Cheryl says:
What would be cool is if they would make a virtual game where you could add yourself (as yourself) and choose your team and the opponents. Then you could pretend to be Kobe and jack up shots, or be Sideshow and take charges from the cutest guys. But I’m a girl…:-) –ASPOV
Jun.27 at 10:54 am
Cheryl says:
…on the other hand, that could hurt, huh?
Jun.27 at 11:03 am
whooo! says:
nba live was cool when they introduced the freestyle stick (for about a year or 2), which was when 2k was limited to dreamcast. 2k was and still is the best basketball game out there - they thought up putting in signature shots last year, and they keep gettin better. the funniest thing is that arenas said in an interview (i think w/ ign) that he doesn’t play live, he only plays 2k. one year later and who knows how much $ more, dude’s on the cover of live?
Jun.27 at 11:07 am
whooo! says:
and for “go to moves,” mutumbo has to be knocking other players out w/ those elbows, no?
Jun.27 at 11:19 am
Allenp says:
What would be fun would be if they learned how to make the players in Live make simple basketball moves. Like run the fast break, backdoor cut and doing anything that is fundementally sound. I think basketball games are the hardest to recreate because all five players have to be doing something all the time. In football games it’s fairly easy to deal with the line play, which means you can concentrate your attention on the animation for the skill players. You can’t do that in basketball games.
Jun.27 at 11:20 am
Steve O says:
Best NBA Live cover has to be Mitch Richmond in 97′. I think I still have packed away somewhere.
Jun.27 at 12:26 pm
Jack says:
Cheryl, EA Sport WNBA Live ‘08?
Jun.27 at 12:35 pm
Ben says:
Hey Sam, who ended up winning the Gil vs Durant matchup? Steinbog builds it up but never says who emerged victorious…
Jun.27 at 12:37 pm
Reggie Evans says:
Why is KD always hunching his neck?? Someone on his PR team (I know he has one by now) should tell him it looks horrible, like he’s a midget. A really tall, talented midget.
Jun.27 at 12:54 pm
DP says:
I can’t wait for both games to come out. I just hope that my man KD ratings are not like 70 like every other rookie they usually make on NBA live. play wit it.
Jun.27 at 1:31 pm
Greased Up Deaf Guy aka Clay Davis says:
is this coming out on dreamcast?
Jun.27 at 1:53 pm
tike says:
Damn Sam i know exactly how you felt, being that my AC went out 2nights ago and fan doesnt cut it……..i bet gilbert was yellin hibatchi when the new Live 08 come out?….K.G for Amare now that is just something i cannot get out of my mind.
Jun.27 at 2:08 pm
Jake says:
For the record, NBA Jam Tournament Edition on genesis killed NBA Live 98. If you got the codes from Gamepro, you could play as John Starks and Bill Clinton, both with giant heads. That’s pretty much the best team ever.
Jun.27 at 2:54 pm
Mavs-Cavs Fan says:
what were the ratings for oden and durant. and y r the last 2 nba live games have the PG as a total ball hog who takes 50 shots a game?
Jun.27 at 3:18 pm
Chukaz says:
Damn you woke up early Sam. I woke up at 2 p.m and I thought it was kinda early.
Jun.27 at 5:07 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
The PG ball hog thing has been a weird glitch. It’s not just for shoot first PGs. I have played games where Eric Snow takes 30 shots against me while LeBron never touches the ball.
Also, on some of the classic ones from the 95-98 era, if you had a 10 point lead the computer would start having its players stand in the corner dribbling out the shot clock and taking a three at the buzzer - which would go in every time, unless you blocked it. And it was easy to block cause you knew exactly when it was coming. Trust me, I speak from experience.
Jun.27 at 10:09 pm
BBaller says:
Does anyone find the Slam Dunk Comp Hard?On nba live 05 and up
The PG hog is a problem having to double team and guard tight T.lue etc
I’ve stuck with nba live since 95 on the PC, is the 2K series any more realistic or “glitch” free?
The ratings were poor for C’s recently, hopefully Duncan can receive a better evaluation this edition(95)plus Shaq on one foot foot and 40yrs he is a 93
Back to getting 5s on the Dunk Comp
Jun.27 at 10:26 pm
BBaller says:
One last thing
PLEASE bring back the 50-90 All stars.I need David Robinson,Shawn Kemp, Scottie Pippen Jordan and Magic for my All time team
Jun.27 at 10:30 pm
Ty says:
I mean damn Madden 08 ain’t even out yet! I hope NBA live 08 gets the ratings straight this year.!? At least Gilbert Arenas is on the cover so I guess the game would worth coppin’!
Jun.27 at 11:36 pm
Holiday says:
Nothing beat’s the real thing, that said “Live” is really falling off, they were the best for long time, but last year they got beat out!
Jun.28 at 2:51 am
Justin Adler says:
Sam, I always thought whenever Cam or Juelz yelled Agallah purple tape it was just silly Dipset jargon, I never knew it was an actual person. Your Dipset knowledge really is deep.
Jun.28 at 3:41 am
BBaller says:
Why has Charles Barkley,Kareem Abdul Jabbar or Dennis Rodman never been virtualised on Live?
I promise last Q
Jun.28 at 6:16 am
Klo15 says:
can’t wait to buy both games… hope to find ncaa madness because where i live (greece…) ncaa is not so known
Jun.28 at 7:53 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
Rodman was in Live 95. I remember his hair would change colors depending on what uniform he was wearing.
I think those other guys are in the game if you create-a-player and type their names in, it has their look and ratings already done. I might be wrong about those two, but in the Genesis games it works for all the classic legends.
Jun.28 at 8:15 am
tike says:
Yes i def remember Dennis on Live 95….But does anyone thing Gil should be on the Live Cover i mean his season was cut short due to injuries and its team look nothing less than pathetic in the Playoffs…im just sayin…
Jun.28 at 4:15 pm
twilight says:
I know a guy who worked on the development team for NBA ‘08. I asked him, “is it cool to have a job where you design video games?” He said he liked it, but not as much as I thought he would. Sam, if you’re looking for some kind of inside scoop on the design room floor, I might be able to get you one.
Jun.29 at 3:35 am
AI 4eva says:
With Rodman, u should c on NBA Hangtime for N64, u can change his hair colour thru lyk 10 dif colours, u just gotta press 1 of the C buttons
Jun.30 at 9:25 am
people's princess says:
@whoooo! : nope..deke’s Go 2 move would be growing old..
Jul.2 at 5:10 am
Number 15 says:
does anyone know what number j-rich is going to where in charlotte???
im thinking number 23 because derek anderson is a free agent, but i dk for sure
Sep.24 at 11:59 am
JP says:
Tike…Gil was injured, but thats not the only reason they looked less than pathetic in the playoffs. Caron and Jameson were both out as well. Thats their top 3. You take away any top three from any team and they will suck. Take Nash, Amare and Marrion away from the suns and what do you get? Take Parker, Duncan, and Ginobli off the Spurs and they will lose. Just because the Wiz had some major unfortunate injuries doesn’t mean that Gil shouldnt grace the cover. He was top 3 in almost every fantasy league last year, and he’s one of the top 5 best entertainers in the league. So really you’re saying he shouldnt be on the cover because of a little injury?
Nov.30 at 8:58 pm
filip says:
what are some cheets for NBA live 08?And can you gar / unlock michael jordan in NBA live 08 if you can how
Feb.25 at 6:43 am
lee says:
how to unlock michael jordan