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NBA OFFICIAL LICENSED PRODUCT

NBA LIVE 97

INSTRUCTION BOOKLET

K-A KIDS TO ADULTS CONTENT RATED BY ESRB

EA SPORTS

SUPER NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM(R)

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WARNING: PLEASE READ THE ENCLOSED CONSUMER INFORMATION AND PRECAUTIONS
BOOKLET CAREFULLY BEFORE USING YOUR NINTENDO(R) HARDWARE SYSTEM OR GAME
PACK.

THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN RATED BY THE ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE RATING BOARD.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE ESRB RATING, OR TO COMMENT ABOUT THE
APPROPRIATENESS OF THE RATING, PLEASE CONTACT THE ESRB AT
1-800-771-3772.

LICENSED BY NINTENDO(R)
NINTENDO, SUPER NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND THE OFFICIAL SEALS ARE
REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO OF AMERICA INC.

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(1) TABLE OF CONTENTS

STARTING THE GAME................................................2
COMMAND SUMMARY..................................................2
INTRODUCTION.....................................................5
SETTING UP THE GAME..............................................6
    GAME SETUP MENU.............................................6
    TEAM SELECT SCREEN..........................................9
    CUSTOM TEAMS...............................................10
    PLAYER SETUP SCREEN........................................11
    PREGAME INTRODUCTION.......................................12
PLAYING THE GAME................................................13
    OFFENSE....................................................13
    DEFENSE....................................................15
    INFRACTIONS................................................16
    PLAYCALLING................................................18
    PAUSE MENU.................................................19
    END OF THE QUARTER/HALF/GAME...............................26
PRACTICE MODES..................................................27
    2-ON-2 OR 3-ON-3 HALF COURT................................27
SEASON PLAY.....................................................28
    STARTING A SEASON..........................................28
    TEAM SCHEDULE SCREEN.......................................29
    AFTER THE GAME.............................................31
THE NBA PLAYOFFS................................................32
    STARTING A PLAYOFF SERIES..................................32
    THE PLAYOFF TREE...........................................32
ROSTER SETUP MENU...............................................34

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(2) STARTING THE GAME

1. Turn OFF the power switch on your Super Nintendo Entertainment
  System(R).  
  WARNING: Never try to insert or remove a game pak when the power is
           ON.
2. Make sure a Controller is plugged into the controller socket 1 on the
  Super NES(R).
> If you're playing against a friend, plug the other Controller into
  controller socket 2.
3. Insert the game pak into the slot on the Super NES. Press firmly to
  lock the game pak in place.
4. Turn ON the power switch. The EA SPORTS(tm) and NBA(tm) Live 97 logos
  appear.  
  If you don't see them, begin again at step 1.
> Press START after each screen to proceed to the Game Setup menu.


COMMAND SUMMARY

GAMEPLAY CONTROLS

Control Pad   Move Player
START         Pause game
R button      Turbo mode (see p. 4)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3)

OFFENSE - WITH THE BALL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Y  No action                        X  Crossover dribble/
                                      Spin move (if available)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
B  Pass (Control Pad                A  Shoot (press to jump;
  to choose receiver)                 release to shoot)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

OFFENSE - WITHOUT THE BALL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Y  Call for pass                    X  Jump/Rebound/Tip-in
                                      (or make computer
                                      ball handler shoot)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
B  Switch to player nearest         A  Hand-check
  the ball (Control Pad to
  choose specific player)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEFENSE
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Y  Steal                            X  Jump to rebound or
                                      block shot
------------------------------------------------------------------------
B  Switch players                   A  Hand-check
  (Control Pad to choose
  specific player)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLAYCALLING

> To call the set/play assigned to A, B, X, or Y, press SELECT + A, B,
  X, or Y.
+ The default Offensive Play assignments are:
  A: Isolation A         B: Inside * A
  X: Three Point A       Y: Box A
+ The default Defensive Set assignments are:
  A: 1/4 Court           B: 3/4 Court
  X: Full Court          Y: Half Court
> To call the Quick Play assigned to A, B, X, or Y, press L + A, B, X,
  or Y.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(4)

+ The default Offensive Quick Play assignments are:
  A: Pick and Fade       B: Pick and Slip
  X: Hand Off            Y: Pick and Roll
+ The default Defensive Quick Play assignments are:
  X: Instant Foul        Y: Double Team

TURBO MODE

R + Control Pad   Run Faster
R + A (Check)     Hard hand-check

MENU CONTROLS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Control Pad       Move highlight    Control Pad       Change
[up/down]         up/down           [left/right]      highlighted option
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECT            Return to         START             Continue
                 previous screen
                 (if available)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
B                 Action button 1   X                 Action button 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
L                 Action button 3   R                 Action button 3
                 (left)                              (right)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* NOTE: To erase all saved data and reset the battery-backed memory to
        the original factory settings, see Set Options Menu on p. 8.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(5) INTRODUCTION

On every court, there are players and...everyone else.  Players create.
Players push the game beyond expected boundaries.
In the arena of interactive b-ball, there's only one player: NBA Live
97.  
Real 5-on-5 hoops, with all 29 teams, complete rosters, and authentic
strategy.
Take your man at the top of the circle with a spin dribble, then dish in
mid-air when the big man cuts off the lane.  Launch off the floor for a
power slam.  And before the ball is out of the net, call for a full
court press, because you're still down a bucket.
Be a player. Play NBA Live 97.

+ Exhibition, Season, and Playoff modes, with battery back-up and 1996-
  97 schedule.
+ All 29 NBA teams, 2 All-Star teams, and 4 Custom teams.
+ Real NBA players updated with complete 1995-1996 stats.
  (So put away that sports almanac; it's in the game.)
+ New Trivia Quiz - test your b-ball knowledge.
+ New larger rendered player animations.
+ New 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 practice modes.
+ Ability to create and modify custom players.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL:

ò EA TIP   Read EA TIPS for special hints and tips.

* NOTE:    Read notes for important information.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(6) SETTING UP THE GAME

GAME SETUP MENU

Use the Game Setup menu to choose the game mode, rules, and level of
difficulty you want to play. Different options become available
depending on which mode is selected.
> Control Pad [up/down] to highlight options.
> Control Pad [left/right] to change the highlighted option.
> Press A to go to the highlighted submenu. (A is the primary action
  button in all menus.)
> Press START to continue.

ò EA TIP These controls are used in all menus in NBA Live 97, so learn
  'em here and use them everywhere.

MODE             EXHIBITION MODE: Play a single game with any NBA, All
                Star, or Custom teams.
                SEASON MODE: Start a new Season where you control an
                NBA team.  See Season Play on p. 28.
                PLAYOFF MODE: Start a new Playoff tournament.  See The
                NBA Playoffs on p. 32.
                LOAD SERIES: Continue a Season or Playoff saved in one
                of the two memory slots.
NEW              2 ON 2 or 3 ON 3 HALF COURT practice: Work on your
                individual skills in a competitive practice session
                with two or three players per side.
              + If this mode is selected, the RULES option becomes
                POINTS, the QUARTER option becomes OUTS, and SET RULES
                changes to BASKET POINTS.  See Practice Modes on p. 27.

RULES            ARCADE RULES [default]: Freeform basketball where the
                players never tire or get injured, and fouls and other
                violations aren't called by the refs.
                SIMULATION RULES: Absolute realism.  Players tire, get
                injured, and foul out, so you must substitute
                accordingly.
                CUSTOM RULES: Use last Set Rules menu settings for
                rules and simulation options.

LEVEL            ROOKIE LEVEL: The easiest level. It's easy to score,
                and the computer team isn't too hard on you.
                STARTER LEVEL [default]: Average difficulty; the
                computer plays harder on defense.
                ALL-STAR LEVEL: Showtime! It's difficult to make
                steals or block shots, and the computer offense and
                defense are cranked to the max.

QUARTER          The length of a quarter can be set to 3 [default], 5,
                8, or 12 MIN.

SET RULES        Go to Set Rules menu. (See below.)

SET OPTIONS      Go to Set Options menu. (See p. 8.)

ROSTER SETUP     Go to the Roster Setup menu to modify your roster line-
                up and create, edit, and trade players. (See Roster
                Setup Menu on p. 34.)

SET RULES MENU

Use this menu to set custom rules and simulation options. Default
settings are listed in bold [I'll point out defaults in brackets].

DEFENSIVE FOULS  This slider (OFF by default) sets the defensive foul
                sensitivity. More fouls are called the more the bar is
                filled.

OFFENSIVE FOULS  Sets the offensive foul sensitivity (OFF by default).

OUT OF BOUNDS    Toggle out of bounds calls ON/OFF [default OFF].

BACKCOURT        Toggle backcourt calls ON/OFF [default OFF].

TRAVELING        Toggle traveling calls ON/OFF [default OFF].

GOALTENDING      Toggle goaltending calls ON/OFF [default OFF].

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(8)

3 IN THE KEY     Toggle three second calls ON/OFF [default OFF].

FOUL OUT         Toggle player foul outs ON/OFF [default OFF]. When ON,
                players are ejected when they commit their sixth foul.

SHOT CLOCK       Toggle 24 second shot clock ON/OFF [default ON].

INBOUND CLOCK    Toggle 5 second inbound clock ON/OFF [default ON].

HALF COURT CLOCK Toggle 10 second backcourt clock ON/OFF [default OFF].

FATIGUE          Toggle player fatigue ON/OFF [default OFF].

INJURIES         Turn player injuries ON/OFF [default OFF]. When
                Injuries are ON, every time a player gets knocked down
                there is a slight chance he will be injured.
                In an Exhibition game, an injured player is only
                affected during the current game. In season or Playoff
                mode, he is out for 1-7 games.

SET OPTIONS MENU

Set sound and control options.

OVERALL VOLUME   This slider sets the volume of the sound effects and
                music that play during menu screens.

SFX VOLUME       Set game sound effects volume.

MUSIC MODE       ON or OFF [default ON].

CROWD SOUND      Turn crowd sound ON or OFF [default ON].

SLOW MOTION      Turn automatic slow motion for spectacular slams ON or
DUNKS           OFF [default OFF].

SHOT CONTROL     Toggle shot control between PLAYER and CPU (computer)
                [default PLAYER]. In PLAYER mode, the chance the shot
                will go in is determined by the distance, angle, and
                release point of the shot. In CPU mode, the shot's
                probability is determined by the NBA player's
                statistics and attributes rather than player control.

CPU ASSISTANCE   Turn CPU Assistance ON or OFF [default OFF]. When ON,
                the computer increases the statistical percentages of
                the team that's behind to help them get back in the
                game.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(9)

SCORE OVERLAY    Turn the Score Overlay ON or OFF [default ON]. The
                Score Overlay displays the current score of the game in
                the upper left corner of the game screen.

ERASE CARTRIDGE  This function erases all saved data and resets the
                battery-backed memory to the original factory settings.
                To perform this function, press START + SELECT from the
                Erase Cartridge screen. Or to exit this screen without
                any changes, press any other button.

TEAM SELECT SCREEN

The Team Select screen appears before every Exhibition game. The
visiting team is shown on the left side of the screen, and the home team
is shown on the right. Team rankings appear below the team logos when
NBA teams are selected.
> To toggle the highlight between the home and visitor teams, press A.
> To change the highlighted team, Control Pad [left/right] to cycle
  through the NBA, All-Star, and Custom teams.
> To sort the teams by ranking, highlight a rating. You then cycle
  through the teams as sorted by that ranking.
> To go to the Team Info screen to view information for the highlighted
  team, select TEAM INFO.

Team Info options:
> To cycle through NBA teams, Control Pad [left/right].
> To change the home or visiting team to the currently selected team,
  press START. When prompted to confirm your choice, select NO
  (cancel) or YES (confirm).
ò EA TIP To allow the computer to randomly match up two NBA teams,
         press L + B.
> Press START to continue. The Player Setup screen appears.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(10)

CUSTOM TEAMS

In NBA Live 97, you can build up to four Custom teams, using players
from 29 NBA teams. Custom teams can only be used in Exhibition games.

To play with a Custom team:
> Select any of the four Custom teams (SLAMMERS, BLOCKERS, JAMMERS, or
  STEALERS) from the Team Select screen. Press START, and the Custom
  Team screen appears.

To change the players on the Custom roster:
1. Control Pad [up/down] to highlight the player you want to change,
  then press A. The bottom of the screen lists the roster players for
  an NBA team.
> Press the L/R buttons to cycle through the 29 NBA teams.
2. Highlight a player from an NBA team and press A to replace the
  original player with the highlighted player. You return to the
  roster of the Custom team.
> To cancel the transaction, highlight the player originally selected
  and press A.
> To view more stats, Control Pad [left/right].
> To toggle between 1995-96 stats and current stats, press X.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(11)

* NOTE: The first time you select a Custom team, all the roster slots
        are empty and read -SELECT PLAYER-. You must fill every roster
        slot in order to continue.

PLAYER SETUP SCREEN

An icon representing every Controller plugged into the system appears on
this screen. Up to five players may play if a Multi-Player Adapter is
attached. In addition to selecting the team you control, you can
select, enter, and delete user names to personalize your controller to
track your user stats.

MULTIPLAYER GAMES

The Multi-Player Adapter lets up to five players play competitively or
cooperatively. Just plug the adapter into Controller Socket 2 on the
Super NES, and you're ready to go.

* NOTE: The Multi-Player Adapter is not designed for use with the Super
        NES Super Scope(R), the Super NES Mouse(R), or Controller Socket
        1.

> To change the setting for your Controller, Control Pad [left/right]
  to position the Controller symbol under either team to select that
  team or in the middle to select computer control.
> To toggle the control method, press the L/R buttons. When the
  control arrow points up, Control Pad diagonally [default] to move up
  and down the court. When the control arrow points diagonally,
  Control Pad [left/right] to move up and down the court.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(12)

> To cycle through player names, Control Pad [up/down]. Press A to
  select the highlighted name.

TO ENTER A NEW PLAYER NAME, highlight NEW and press A. Control Pad
[up/down] to select a letter, then Control Pad [left/right] to
delete/add a letter.
> When you've entered the last letter, press START to enter the name.

TO DELETE A NAME, highlight DELETE and press A. Highlight a user name,
then press X to delete that name.
> When all players have pressed A to select their user names, press
  START to continue.  The Pregame Introduction screens appear.

PREGAME INTRODUCTION

Before the game, the Pregame Introduction screens set the stage for the
basketball action to follow. First, the Game Introduction screen
announces the teams and home court.
> Press START to continue.  The Team Matchup screen appears.
> The Team Matchup screen compares the two teams.  One to three
  basketballs indicate strength in each of five categories.
  SCORING: Scoring ability.
  REBOUNDS: Offensive and defensive rebounding.
  BALL CONTROL: Passing and dribbling ability.
  DEFENSE: Shot blocking and steals.
  OVERALL: Overall matchup.
> Press START to continue. The player introductions introduce the
  starting players from both teams. Press START to go directly to the
  tip-off.

THE TIP-OFF

Every game starts with a tip-off between the centers.
> To jump for the tip-off, press X.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(13) PLAYING THE GAME

You control the man over the star/circle control symbol. On offense,
you control the man over the star. On defense, the star changes to a
circle. Depending on which Controller you're using, the control symbol
has a different color:

  Player 1   BLUE
  Player 2   RED
  Player 3   GREEN
  Player 4   CYAN
  Player 5   PURPLE

If your player is offscreen, an arrow the same color as your control
symbol points toward him from the edge of the screen. Press the Control
Pad in the opposite direction to bring him back onscreen.
Just like in the NBA, offense and defense require different skills in
NBA Live 97. While the Control Pad is always used to move your player,
the buttons have different functions on offense and defense. Learn the
controls first, then you can focus on your basketball skills and
strategy.

ò EA TIP When your player's control symbol is pulsing, he's on a hot
         streak, and his attributes are temporarily boosted.

OFFENSE
MOVING WITH AND WITHOUT THE BALL

> Press the Control Pad in the direction that you want to move.  You
  continue to move and dribble as long as you hold down the Control
  Pad.  When you release the Control Pad, you stop moving, but maintain
  your dribble.
> To execute a crossover dribble or spin move, press X. The dribbling
  move your player executes is determined by his Dribbling rating and
  his proximity to other players.
> Once you leave your feet to shoot you must release the ball before
  you land, or the refs call traveling.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(14)

> To run faster, hold down the R button while moving. This kicks you
  into Turbo mode, where you may be able to catch another player from
  behind or make a lightning drive to the bucket.
If you don't have the ball, you can hand-check your defender to get
better position:
> To hand-check, press A. To give an especially hard hand-check, hold
  R while pressing A. (The ref may call you for a foul, though.)

PASSING

> To pass to the default receiver, press B. To retain control of the
  passer (perfect for give and go plays), hold B until the receiver
  catches the ball.
> To pass to a specific player, use the Control Pad to aim the pass
  while pressing B.
> To throw an alley-oop pass, throw the ball to a player with a clear
  path to the basket. If he is in a position to jump for an alley-oop,
  an alley-oop play is automatically executed.
> To call for a pass from a computer-controlled player, press Y.

ò EA TIP Since you can throw the ball faster than you can run, passing
         is the quickest way to move the ball on the court. Ball
         movement is the key to offensive success - NBA defenses can
         contain almost any single player, but good passing gives fits
         to even the best defense.

SHOOTING

Players shoot differently depending on who and where they are. For
instance, when shooting from the outside, the player will try a
jumpshot. Closer in, and he may try a hook shot. Near the hoop he'll
try one of a variety of slams (assuming he can slam) or layups.
> To shoot, press and hold A. Release the ball at the top of your jump
  by releasing the button.
> To fake a shot, tap A.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(15)

ò EA TIP If SHOT CONTROL in the Set Options menu is set to PLAYER,
         you'll shoot more accurately if you get your feet set before
         you shoot and release the ball at the top of your jump.

ò EA TIP If you press B before you release A, you can still pass the
         ball after you leave your feet to shoot.

REBOUNDING AND TIP-INS

When you don't have the ball, you can crash the boards. If your player
has good position, he automatically tries to tip the ball back in the
basket.
> To jump to grab a rebound or tip the ball in, press X.

24 SECOND SHOT CLOCK

> From the moment your team gains possession of the ball, you have 24
seconds to get off a shot that hits the rim. Each time the ball hits
the rim or a change of possession occurs, the clock is reset. The 24
second clock appears at the bottom left of the screen when there are 10
or fewer seconds left.
+ If you don't get a shot off before the 24 second clock expires, the
  referee calls a shot clock violation, and the other team gets
  possession.

DEFENSE

Everyone wants to make the sports highlights with awesome dunks, but to
win games you have to play tough D.

SWITCHING DEFENDERS

You can switch to the defender nearest the ball at any time, assuming he
isn't controlled by another human player.
> To take control of the defender closest to the ball (between the ball
  and basket), press B.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(16)

> To take control of a specific defender, Control Pad in the direction
  of the defender and press B.

ò EA TIP Your first order on defense is to stop the ball, so get a man
         on the ballhandler before he reaches the top of the key.  This
         cuts off easy penetration and slows down the offense.

STEALS

When you're close to the ballhandler, you can try to reach in and steal
the ball.
> To try to steal the ball from an opponent, press Y.

ò EA TIP You have to be close to the man with the ball to pull off a
         steal. But don't get too aggressive, unless you want to get
         whistled for a foul.

SHOT BLOCKING AND REBOUNDING

You can jump to try to block a shot or grab a rebound.
> To jump to reject a shot or work the glass, press X.

ò EA TIP Dont jump for the ball too quickly after a shot or you may
         get called for goaltending.

INFRACTIONS

When the refs spot an infraction on the court, they blow the whistle to
stop play, and the violation is displayed onscreen.

FOULS

An offensive player gets to take free throws:
+ When a player is fouled after the defense commits 5 or more team
  fouls in a quarter, the offensive player gets 2 free throws.  
  Offensive fouls don't count as team fouls.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(17)

+ When a player is fouled in the act of shooting, he goes to the line.  
  The basket counts if it is good, and the player gets 1 free throw.  
  If the basket is missed, the player gets 2 free throws (3 if he was
  fouled while shooting a three-pointer).
+ After a flagrant foul, the offense gets 2 free throws plus possession
  of the ball.

FREE THROWS

Use the T-Meter(tm) to aim your shots from the line. The T-Meter appears
when your player goes to the charity stripe.

The ball moves left/right on the horizontal bar to control the
left/right accuracy of your shot.
> Press A when the ball is in the center of the bar to aim your shot.
  The ball moves up/down on the vertical bar to control the distance of
  your free throw.
> Press A when the ball is in the center of the vertical bar. The
  player shoots the ball, and normal play resumes after the final free
  throw.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(18)

The speed the basketball cursor travels on the bars of the T-Meter is
controlled by the player's Free Throw rating - the better the rating,
the slower the ball travels.

ò EA TIP If playing against another human player, there is a definite
         home court advantage!  When the visitor shoots free throws,
         his opponent can rapidly press A, B, X, or Y to animate the
         home crowd background, making it harder to concentrate on the
         T-Meter.

PLAYCALLING

You can assign four different Sets and/or specific Plays for both
offensive and defense from the Strategy menu, and then call them on the
fly during the game. In addition, you can assign offensive and
defensive Quick Plays. See Strategy Menu on p. 21 for instructions on
selecting sets and plays.
> To call the Set/Play assigned to A, B, X, or Y, press SELECT + A, B,
  X, or Y. If your team has possession of the ball, an offensive play
  is called; on defense, a defensive play is called.
> To call the Quick Play assigned to A, B, X, or Y, press L + A, B, X,
  or Y.
> Follow the steps from the animated diagram to execute the play.  
  Computer-controlled players will move as outlined on the diagram, but
  you must control the actions of the ballhandler.

* NOTE: The plays and sets are guidelines, but NBA players aren't
        robots - you make the play happen. We've drawn the X's and
        O's, but it's up to you to orchestrate your team.

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(19)

PAUSE MENU

The Pause menu appears whenever you press START during a game. You must
pause the game to call a time out, make a substitution, or choose from
other menu options. The TIME OUT and SUBSTITUTION options are not
always available - for instance, you can make a substitution only when
the play clock is stopped. When options are grayed out, they cannot be
selected.

TIME OUTS

You can pause the game at any time, but you must have possession of the
ball to call a time out. The number of time outs remaining is listed
after TIME OUT in the Pause menu. Each team gets 7 time outs per game.  
(If you call a time out after your 7 are exhausted, a technical foul is
called and the other team shoots a free throw - but the clock is
stopped.)

To call a time out:
> Highlight TIME OUT from the Pause menu and press B. The SUBSTITUTION
  option becomes available if it was not already.

SUBSTITUTION

You can make player substitutions when the play clock is stopped between
periods, by a time out, or by a violation such as a foul or out of
bounds. When the clock is not stopped, the SUBSTITUTION option isn't
available.

To make a substitution:
1. When the clock is stopped, select SUBSTITUTION from the Pause menu.  
  The Substitution screen lists the 5 players currently in the game.
> To toggle between the two teams to check out your opponent's line-up,
  press L/R. (You can only make substitutions for the team you
  control, however.)

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(20)

> To cycle between game stats, player ratings, 1995-96 stats, and
  season/playoff stats (if applicable), press X.
> To cycle through the available statistics/ratings for the players,
  Control Pad [left/right].
2. To highlight a player for substitution, Control Pad [up/down].
3. To substitute for the highlighted player, press A.  A screen listing
  the available bench players appears.
4. Highlight a bench player, and press A to insert that player into the
  lineup. To return to the Pause menu, press START or SELECT.

ò EA TIP Try to sub in a player who plays the same position as the
         player you're replacing - don't put a center in for the point
         guard.

REPLAY

You can replay the last few seconds of action during the game.
> Select REPLAY from the Pause menu. An overlay displaying the game
  clock and the button functions appears at the bottom of the screen.

X: Frame reverse
Y: Play reverse
A: Play forward
B: Frame forward

> To move the center of the Replay screen, Control Pad in any
  direction.
> To toggle between normal and reverse angle, press SELECT.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(21)

STRATEGY MENU

OFFENSIVE PLAYS

Go to the Offensive Plays menu to select offensive plays and strategy.  
You can have the computer automatically choose sets and plays, or you
can choose four sets/plays to call during the action.

CPU SELECTS      Select this option to have the computer automatically
                select your offensive sets and plays. (But you can
                still call your own plays when you want.) When set to
                OFF [default], you call all your plays manually, and
                any play or set you call is run until you call another.
              > To toggle an option ON (*)/OFF, highlight the option
                and press A.

CRASH BOARDS     Go after offensive rebounds aggressively if ON (*), and
                get back on defense if OFF [default].

Offensive Sets and Plays
Seven offensive sets are available in NBA Live 97, and each set contains
from 4-10 plays.

Press A, B, X, or Y to assign highlighted play to button

> To cycle through the plays for the highlighted set, Control Pad
  [left/right].

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(22)

As you select plays, the animated diagram on the right displays the
motion of the players and the ball. In the diagram:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1     Point Guard                   2   Shooting Guard
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3     Small Forward                 4   Power Forward
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5     Center                        0   Player with the ball
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The first play in each set has an "A" for automatic after it.  When an
Automatic play is selected, the computer randomly chooses a play from
the offensive set when that set is called, and then keeps calling plays
from that set until another set or play is called. If you select a
specific play (i.e., any play other than "A"), that play is run until
you select another.
> To select the highlighted set/play and assign it to a button, press
  A, B, X, or Y. The selected play is assigned to that button, and any
  other play assigned to that button is cleared.
> To call the appropriate play during the game, press SELECT + A, B, X,
  or Y.

DEFENSIVE SETS

Go to Defensive Sets screen to select defensive sets and options.

CPU SELECTS      When set to ON (*), the computer selects defensive sets
                automatically. When set to OFF [default], any
                defensive set you call is maintained until you call a
                different set.

PRESSURE         Select LOW, MEDIUM [default], or HIGH defensive
                pressure. Higher pressure may lead to more steals, but
                also more fouls.

Defensive Sets
Five defensive sets are available, including man-to-man and trapping
sets. The clipboard diagram on the right side of the screen shows the
alignment for the highlighted set. Sets are selected and called in the
same manner as offensive sets, except that there are no individual plays
- only basic sets.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(23)

OFF. QUICK PLAYS

In the NBA, a basic play such as a pick and roll between a point guard
and a power forward can be the cornerstone of a team's offensive
success. In NBA Live 97, you can call your own NBA-style Quick Plays on
the fly. Quick Plays differ from standard plays in that they are quick,
simple, and can be run from any set (but do not alter the set).
Quick Plays are selected and called in the same manner as plays, and any
button assigned to a Quick Play overwrites any other offensive set or
play assigned to that button. The diagrams show a typical situation in
which the Quick Play can be called. However, the plays will execute
differently depending on which player calls the play and where the
player is located on the court. Experiment for best results.
> To call the appropriate Quick Play during the game, press L + A, B,
  X, or Y.

DEF. QUICK PLAYS

The two Defensive Quick Plays let you stop the clock with a foul or
double-team the ballhandler without altering your basic defensive set.

INSTANT FOUL     Computer players try to foul the ballhandler to stop
                the clock.

DOUBLE TEAM      Computer players try to double-team the ballhandler.

> To call the appropriate Quick Play during the game, press L + X or Y.

DEFENSIVE MATCHUPS

Go to Defensive Matchups screen.
> To select the highlighted player, press A.
> To change the opposing player that the selected player guards,
  highlight the player you want to guard, and press A again. The
  player who was guarding the man you selected now guards your original
  man.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(24)

> To toggle double-teaming ON (Y) or OFF (N) [default] for the selected
  player, Control Pad [left/right]. When on, the computer-controlled
  defensive players try to double-team the ballhandler.

ò EA TIP Double-teaming is a good way to shut down a player who's
         lighting you up.

SUBSTITUTION

Toggle between MANUAL and AUTO [default] player substitution. When set
to AUTO, the computer subs for tired players automatically.
> To view the player changes when the computer makes an AUTO
  substitution, press START when a substitution message appears on the
  screen.

OFFENSIVE SWITCH

Set the mode for switching players on offense when you don't control the
ballhandler. When you press B without pressing the Control Pad, you
switch to the player closest to the ball (unless this setting is OFF).  
This option controls how the Control Pad affects player switching.

OFF              Disables player switching, so you control the same
                player all the time. To use this feature, switch to
                the player you want to control, pause the game, and
                select OFF. You now always control the same player on
                offense.

BALL [default]   Switch players relative to the ball. When you press
                B + [up], you control the closest player in the up
                direction from the ballhandler.

PLAYER           Switch players relative to the player you now control.  
                When you press B + [up], you control the closest player
                in the up direction from your current player.

CLOSEST          Switch to the player closest to the ball, regardless of
                what direction you press the Control Pad.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(25)

DEFENSIVE SWITCH

Set the mode for switching players on defense in the same manner as
OFFENSIVE SWITCH. The default setting is BALL.

PLAY NOTIFY

Toggle notification of playcalling ON/OFF [default OFF]. When ON, an
overlay on the game screen lists the play being called.

COACH MODE

Toggle coaching mode ON/OFF [default OFF]. When ON, you can call plays,
pause the game, etc., but you donÆt directly control any players.

STATISTICS MENU

View stats for the current game or, if available, the current series.

TEAM STATS       Go to the Team Stats screen to view both teamsÆ
                statistics for the current game.

PLAYER STATS     Go to the Player Stats screen to view statistics for
                NBA players. The team you control is shown by default.
              > To switch to the other team, press L/R.
              > To cycle between game stats, player ratings, 1995-96
                stats, and series stats (Season or Playoff modes only),
                press X.

USER STATS       Go to the User Stats screen to view stats (sorted by
                Controller) for all human players participating in the
                current game.
              > To toggle between Game and Career stats, press X.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(26)

SHOT CHART       View a shot chart showing made shots (green 0) and
                those you missed (red X).
              > To switch to the other team, press L/R.

PLAY OPTIONS MENU

The Play Options menu gives you access to options and rules screens.

SET RULES        Go to the Set Rules screen to change specific rules.  
                See Set Rules Menu on p. 7.

SET OPTIONS      Go to the Set Options menu (p. 8).

PLAYER SETUP     Change controller options. See Player Setup Screen on
                p. 11.

EXIT GAME        Go to the Exit menu. Select EXIT CURRENT GAME to quit
                the game; select DO NOT EXIT to return to the Play
                Options menu.  
                In Season or Playoff mode, you have the option to exit
                the entire season or playoff as well as the current
                game.

END OF THE QUARTER/HALF/GAME

END OF THE QUARTER: The buzzer sounds, play stops, and the score is
displayed.  Press START, and the Qtr Stats screen appears. Press START
to continue, and the teams return to the floor.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(27)

END OF THE HALF: After the score is displayed, the Key Players screen
highlights a player from each team, followed by the Halftime Stats
screen. (To view additional stats, Control Pad [left/right].)  Press
START to continue after each screen, and a trivia question appears.  
(The answer is given after the third quarter.) When play resumes, all
uninjured players are at full Stamina.

END OF THE GAME: After the final buzzer, the final score is displayed.  
Press START, and the game stats of the Player of the game are shown.  
Press START after each screen, and the End of Game stats are displayed
followed by the Statistics menu. (See Statistics Menu on p. 25.)  When
you're through looking at the screens, press START to go to the Game
Setup menu.


PRACTICE MODES

Created to tighten your game, the 2-on-2 or 3-on-3 Half Court practice
games are new and ready for use. Nothing can sharpen your skills faster
than a little quick and dirty competition.

2-ON-2 OR 3-ON-3 HALF COURT

Selecting either of these modes places you in a halfcourt practice game
to a specified number of points. Arcade rules are in effect, so don't
look for the ref to bail you out with a call when you get fouled on the
way to the hoop. Define just how quick you want this competition to
last from the Game Setup menu.

POINTS           Set the number of points it takes to win to 7
                [default], 11, 15, 21, 30, or 50. The first team to
                the specified point total, with a 2 point lead, wins
                the game.

OUTS             Select LOSER'S OUTS [default] to let the other team
                inbound the ball after a basket or WINNER'S OUTS to
                give the ball back to the team who makes the bucket.  
                Winner's outs make it easier to get on a run; loser's
                outs ensure a more balanced game.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(28)

BASKET PTS       Select 1 AND 2 POINT or 2 AND 3 POINT [default] BASKETS
                to set the scoring for normal shots and shots from
                behind the 3-point line.

1. When you continue from the Game Setup screen, the 2 on 2 (or 3 on 3)
  Setup screen appears. To toggle between team slots, press A; to
  cycle through teams, press L/R; to highlight a player slot, Control
  Pad [up/down]; to cycle through players for the highlighted slot,
  Control Pad [left/right].
2. Press START, and the Player Setup screen appears. Select controller
  options as normal, and the game begins.
+ The ball must be cleared beyond the 3-point line after every change
  of possession. A tone and screen message signal successful
  clearance.


SEASON PLAY

You can take a team through an entire season in NBA Live 97. You can
play and/or simulate your way right on to the NBA Playoffs and the
Finals. Two memory slots for saving season or playoff series (including
stats) are provided, so you can save and resume your season any way you
want.

STARTING A SEASON

1. From the Game Setup menu, select SEASON from the MODE option.
2. Set up the remaining options, then press START. The Team Select
  screen appears.

To continue a saved Season:
1. From the Game Setup menu, select LOAD SERIES from the MODE option.  
  Press START to continue, and the Load Series screen appears.
2. Select one of the two memory slots, and press START. You return to
  the position at which the season was saved.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(29)

SEASON TEAM SELECT SCREEN

In Season mode, the Team Select screen allows you to choose the team
you'll control through the season and choose the number of games in the
season.

TEAM             Control Pad [left/right] to select from the 29 NBA
                teams. Ratings for the selected team are displayed to
                the right of the screen.

SEASON           Select from 82 (the standard NBA schedule) [default],
                28, or 56 game seasons.

> Press START to continue. The Team Schedule screen appears.

TEAM SCHEDULE SCREEN

Use this screen to play or simulate games throughout your team's season;
view league standings, and scheduled games; or make player trades.
> To move through your teamÆs schedule by day, Control Pad
  [left/right].
> To activate the highlighted option, press A.
> To jump to the next scheduled game, press START or X. If the next
  scheduled game is already highlighted, pressing START takes you to
  the game.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(30)

PLAY             Play the currently highlighted game. You can only play
                or simulate the next game; you cannot skip any unplayed
                games.

SIMULATE         Simulate the currently highlighted game. The game
                score appears beneath the team names.

* NOTE: If quitting Season play, you must save the last simulated game
        in order to play out the rest of the season.

STANDINGS        View League Standings by division.
              > To cycle through the NBA divisions, Control Pad
                [left/right].
              > To cycle through the NBA teams, Control Pad [up/down].

CALENDAR         View the league schedule by day.
              > To page through the league schedule by day, Control Pad
                [left/right]. (To page by month, press L/R.)

* NOTE: The TNT logo indicates games broadcast on TNT.

ROSTER SETUP     Go to the Roster Setup menu (p. 34).

GO TO PLAYOFFS   Go directly to the Playoffs, with the current standings
                determining the Playoff seeding. See the NBA Playoffs
                on p. 32.

SAVE             Go to the Save Series screen. See Save Series Screen
                on p. 31.

EXIT             Exit the Season.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(31)

AFTER THE GAME

After a Season game, the postgame and Statistics screens appear as
normal. Press START to continue, and the Save Series screen appears.

SAVE SERIES SCREEN

1. To select a memory slot, highlight one of the two slots and press A.  
  The current Season series is listed in the selected slot.
> To toggle between SAVE and DO NOT SAVE, Control Pad [left/right]. If
  you want to save the series, be sure to select SAVE before exiting
  the screen.
2. To continue, press START. You return to the Team Schedule screen.

END OF THE SEASON

The Standings screen appears after the Save Series screen. Teams that
qualify for the playoffs are highlighted in gold (division winners in
red, and conference champions in blue). Press START to advance to the
Playoff Tree screen. If you made the playoffs, see Starting a Playoff
Series on p. 32. If you didn't make the playoffs, the Playoff Tree
displays the playoff results. Press START to return to the Game Setup
screen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(32) THE NBA PLAYOFFS

The playoffs come but once a year in the NBA, but you can create your
own playoff atmosphere any time you want in NBA Live 97. You can start
with an NBA team in Season play and try to make the playoffs, or set up
your own custom playoffs using any NBA teams.

STARTING A PLAYOFF SERIES

FROM THE GAME SETUP MENU: When you start a new Playoff series from the
Game Setup menu, you can choose the teams that play in the series, as
well as which teams are human-controlled.

1. From the Game Setup menu, select PLAYOFF MODE from the MODE option.
2. Set up the remaining options, then press START. The Playoff Tree
  screen appears.

FROM SEASON PLAY: If your team qualifies for the playoffs, the Playoff
Tree appears after the end of the season, and your team is highlighted
with a control star. Playoffs proceed as normal, except that you cannot
change the teams or human control stars.

THE PLAYOFF TREE

Press L/R to cycle through teams for highlighted slot

Press A to toggle human control Star on/off for highlighted team

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(33)

> To highlight a team, Control Pad [up/down]. To scroll the screen
  left/right, Control Pad [left right].
> To toggle human control on/off for the highlighted team, press A.  
  Human-controlled teams have a blue star behind the team name at the
  bottom of the screen. Games involving human-controlled teams are
  played; other games are simulated.
> To change the team in the highlighted playoff slot before the
  playoffs begin, press L/R to cycle through the NBA teams. A team can
  appear in more than one playoff slot.
> To change the series schedule, highlight GAMES in the center of the
  screen. Press A to cycle through the choices. Choose from 5-7-7-7
  (the NBA format; 5 games in the first round and 7 games thereafter)
  [default], 1-1-1-1, 1-3-3-3, or 3-5-5-5.
> To go to the Roster Setup screen to change your playoff roster,
  select ROSTER SETUP. See Roster Setup Menu on p. 34.
> To continue, press START. The Playoff options appear at the center
  of the screen:

PLAY: Play the next scheduled Playoff game. Press A, and the Player
Setup screen appears. Gameplay proceeds as normal.
SIMULATE: Simulate the next Playoff game.
SAVE: Go to the Save Series screen (p. 31).
REORDER ROSTER: Go to the Re-Order Roster menu (p. 37).
EXIT: Exit the Playoff.

END OF THE GAME

After a Playoff game, the postgame and Statistics screens appear as
normal. Press START to continue, and the Save Series screen appears.

1. To select a memory slot, highlight one of the two slots and press A.  
  The current Playoff series is listed in the selected slot.
> To toggle between SAVE and DO NOT SAVE, Control Pad [left/right].
2. To continue, press START. You return to the Playoff Tree screen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(34)

END OF THE ROUND

> If you win your round, the procedure is the same as any other game,
  except when you return to the Playoff Tree your team icon is moved to
  the next bracket and you face a new opponent.
> If you lose a round, you return to the Playoff Tree screen to see the
  final playoff results after the postgame screens. Press START after
  each screen to return to the Game Setup screen.


ROSTER SETUP MENU

>From the Roster Setup menu, you can trade players as well as create
Custom players to change the roster and starting lineup for any team(s).

* NOTE: Team rosters are determined by actual NBA rosters as of August
        13, 1996. Some players are not included in the game for legal
        or contractual reasons.

TRADE PLAYERS SCREEN

You can trade players between your team and any other team, as well as
pick up free agents from the Free Agents pool.  You're the GM here - you
make the deals!

1. Select TRADE PLAYERS from the Roster Setup menu. The Trade Players
  screen appears.
2. Highlight the player you wish to trade, and press A. The bottom
  portion of the screen lists the roster of another NBA team.
> To cycle through the NBA teams, including the Free Agents pool, press
  L/R.
> To cycle through the statistics/ratings for the players, Control Pad
  [left/right]. (X to toggle between 1995-96 stats and ratings.)
3. To accept the trade for the highlighted player, press A. (Or to
  abort the trade, highlight the original player and press A.) You
  return to the Trade Players screen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(35)

CREATE/EDIT/DELETE PLAYER

You can create and edit up to 24 players in NBA Live 97. Newly created
players are placed in the Free Agents pool, and may be picked up by any
team.

1. Select CREATE PLAYERS from the Roster Setup menu, and the Create
  Player screen appears.

CREATE PLAYER

NAME             Enter a player name of up to 12 teams.
              > Press A to access the Name, then Control Pad [up/down]
                to change a highlighted letter; Control Pad
                [left/right] to add/highlight a letter.
              > Press A to accept the name.

NUMBER           Enter a jersey number from 00-99.

HEIGHT and       Adjust player height (5'3"-7'10") and weight (130-355
WEIGHT           lb).


HAND             Select LEFT or RIGHT hand for dribbling and shooting.

HEAD and PLAYER  Select head style and player skin tone.

POSITION         Player's natural position.

COLLEGE          Player's college.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(36)

EDIT RATINGS 50-99

FIELD GOAL       Field goal rating.

THREE POINT      Three-point shooting ability.

FREE THROW       Free throw shooting ability.

DUNKING          Ability to make spectacular slams.

STEALING         Ability to steal the ball.

BLOCKING         Shot blocking rating.

OFF. REBOUND     Offensive rebounding ability.

DEF. REBOUND     Defensive rebounding ability.

OFF. ABILITY     Offensive court awareness.

DEF. ABILITY     Defensive court awareness.

PASSING          Passing skill.

SPEED            Running speed.

QUICKNESS        Quickness rating.

JUMPING          Leaping ability.

DRIBBLING        Ball handling skill.

STRENGTH         Body strength.

ò EA TIP To add a Created player to your roster, select a player from
         your team, and trade for the Created player from the Free
         Agents pool that appears after the last NBA team.

TO EDIT AN EXISTING PLAYER: Choose EDIT PLAYERS from the Roster Setup
menu, then select a player from the Edit Player list screen. Press A,
and the Edit Player screen appears. Change player features and
attributes in the same manner as in the Create Player screen.

TO DELETE AN EXISTING PLAYER: Choose DELETE PLAYERS from the Roster
Setup menu, then select a player from the Delete Player list screen.  
Press A to erase the player or START to return to the Roster Setup
screen.

* NOTE: You can only delete a created player if he is currently in the
        Free Agents pool in all game modes (Exhibition, Season, and
        Playoff).

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(36)

RE-ORDER ROSTER MENU

The Re-order Roster menu allows you to change the roster slots for the
players on your team. The first 5 players on the roster are the
starters.

> To select a team, press L/R.
> To cycle through the statistics/ratings for the players, Control Pad
  [left/right]. (X to toggle between 1995-96 stats and ratings.)
> To exchange the roster slot of two players, highlight a player and
  press A. Highlight a second player, and press A again. The players
  switch roster slots.

RESET ROSTER

Reset all team rosters to their original lineups with the press of one
button. (Not available in Season mode.)

> To reset all rosters, press X. All trades are reversed and every
  roster returns to its original order.
> To return to the Roster Setup menu without resetting the rosters,
  press any other button.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(38) CREDITS

PROGRAMMER: John Siegesmund, Ed Hellesen, Joe Guagenti

GRAPHICS AND ANIMATION: Dave Pasciuto, Mike Smith, Ken Thurston, Mike
  Vanaselja, Sebastiaan Reinarz

PRODUCER FOR NUFX: Patrick Quinn

MUSIC: Brian Schmidt

ADDITIONAL SFX: Traz Damji

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Sam Nelson

PRODUCER: Stanley Chow

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER AND DESIGN: Tarrnie Williams Jr.

ASSISTANT PRODUCER: Michael Klassen

PRODUCT MARKETING: Glenn Chin

DOCUMENTATION: Andrea Engstrom, David Lee

PACKAGE ART DIRECTION: Nancy Waisanen

PACKAGE DESIGN: Susan Spies

PACKAGE PHOTO: Rocky Widner/NBA PhotosDocumentation

DOCUMENTATION LAYOUT: Corinne Mah

QA LEAD: Geoff Ball

QA BACKUP LEAD: Peter Dodson

TESTERS: Lori Wilson, Jamie Ip, Kristen Olafson, Nathan Wawruck, Peter
  Pearson, Kirby Leung, Evan Stanfield, Phong Lam, Fred Hirshfeld,
  Edwin Singh, Nathan McDonald

QA SUPPORT: Gary Lam, Rod Higo

SAN MATEO QA: Ollie Ongpin, Brian Winslow

SPECIAL THANKS: Amory Wong, Dan Scott, Daniel Ng, Renata Antonic, Jeremy
  Strauser, Zoe Quinn

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(39) ELECTRONIC ARTS LIMITED WARRANTY

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(40) HOW TO REACH US ONLINE

CompuServe: Game Publishers A Forum (GO GAMAPUB)
Or send E-mail to 76004,237

America OnLine: Send e-mail to ELECARTS

Internet e-mail: support1@ea.com

Warranty Inquiries: CSWarranty@ea.com
(Or send e-mail to elecarts@aol.com or 76004.237@compuserve.com)

World Wide Web: Access our Web Site at http://www.ea.com

FTP: Access our FTP Site at ftp.ea.com

TBS Super Station is a registered service mark of Turner Broadcasting
Sales, Inc.  All rights reserves.  TNT is a registered trademark of
Turner Network Television, Inc.  All rights reserved.

The NBA and individual NBA Team identifications used on or in this
product are trademarks, copyrighted designs and other forms of
intellectual property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective Teams
and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written
consent of NBA Properties, Inc.  (C)1996 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights
reserved.

EA SPORTS, the EA SPORTS logo, and T-Meter are trademarks, and "If it's
in the game, it's in the game", and Electronic Arts are registered
trademarks of Electronic Arts.

Software and documentation (C)1996 by Electronic Arts. All rights
reserved.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELECTRONIC ARTS(R)
P.O. Box 7578, San Mateo, CA 94403-7578

Printed in USA

------------------------------------------------------------------------
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