NBA Live 15: Latest Info on New Features, Video Trailers and More

EA Sports is working feverishly to prepare their next virtual hoops experience. NBA Live 15 will release on Oct. 28 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and the primary goal for the game's developers is to improve upon last year's disappointing release.

NBA Live 14 was not well received by the masses and lagged noticeably behind its primary competition, the juggernaut that is the NBA 2K franchise. Metacritic shows a score of 43 out of 100 for NBA Live 14.

From what we've already seen, we know that the visuals have taken a huge step forward. That's part of the battle, as last year's game didn't look like a next-generation title. A graphical upgrade is just part of the plan. 

There's a full complement of features returning to the game as well. Here's a brief look at the options that will be available.

Online and Challenge Modes

image provided by EA Sports

This year's version of NBA Live is set to provide a decent amount of online options for gamers. Online ranked matches are a given, but there's also Head-to-Head Seasons and Best-of-Seven Series.

The former allows gamers to work their way up from lower levels to the highest level while battling online opponents. 

The latter pits you against a friend in an NBA Finals format. It's great for short, but intense rivalries against your buddies online.

There's also a bevy of challenge-based modes designed to keep gamers in tune with the real NBA. Big Moments returns and continues to challenge gamers to recreate the most recent major performances from the game's stars.

The implementation of Synergy Sports data gives NBA Live a leg up on advanced statistics. Thus far, the franchise has done a good job using this information to create unique modes. Live 15 seeks to push the envelope in this regard.

Dynasty Mode and Rising Star

image provided by EA Sports

The Dynasty mode returns with new trade and free-agent logic to promote realistic player movement during the 30-season experience.

A new emphasis on player development is also on the way. Per EA Sports: "As in real life, players peak in their late 20s, but are capable of playing at high levels into their 30s. Different ratings improve and decline in separate yet realistic ways."

Player and team progression is key to the quality of any Dynasty mode. Hopefully NBA Live 15's improvement will help to bring consumers those qualities.

"

@EASPORTSNBA I'm lovin' what I just read & saw, huge improvement in graphics, ui, mode depth etc. #CantWait

— Ryan Parks (@imryanparks) October 10, 2014"

The Rising Star mode is also back and sets gamers up to create their own player they can guide through an entire career. Last year's game didn't offer a ton of options for creating your player. In NBA Live 15, you'll be able to pick your Rising Star's playing style.

Choose from the styles of 13 different players currently signed to the Jordan Brand.

Up to 20 different Jordan sneakers are available to help add some style to your future Hall of Famer. It all begins during the Showcase Game that strongly influences where your player is drafted. It's a similar formula, but it all comes down to execution and presentation.

Ultimate Team

This ever-popular concept is returning, but there isn't much information available about it at this point. Expect to see more details revealed the closer we get to launch. 

You can read all of the details in their entirety here. With just over two weeks to go before the game hits stores, the information will be coming in steadily.

Follow Brian Mazique, aka FranchisePlay, the Sports Video Game Journalist