NBA Live 96

Live 96 introduces Free Agent pool and Create-a-Player to the series. To meet release deadlines, the latter feature was not included in the PlayStation version.

This is the first NBA Live title to utilize Virtual Stadium Technology and multiple camera angles.

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. 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. 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 found the Genesis version inferior to the SNES version with its smaller sprites, fewer colors, and less smooth opening music, but still outstanding in absolute terms.