This versions 16-bit counterparts of the game caused a lot of controversy and copyright infringement battles when it was discovered that it had hidden ways of creating unlicensed legends of the NBA. Inputs into the create a player options name and last name served as ways of unlocking these legends. For example, Inserting the letter M into the first name, and Jordan as the last would result in the game producing Michael Jordan with looks, stats, and the #23. Since then stricter policies have been put in place to prevent any video game company from attempting adding names and characters they do not have the licensing rights to include in their games.
The SNES and Genises both received the first create a player and draft mode for consoles. The PS1 however missed out, resulting in negative reviews for The PS version, but flawless results for SNES and GEN.
There is 2 visually different versions of this game. The PC version is much bigger and camera angles can be customized to play at the players preferred camera angle prefence. This version was ported to the PS1 and downscaled a little in graphics and options, but is much the same game. The 16-bit versions for the SNES and Genesis where a locked angle with far less visual options, but often the preferred version to play. The Game Boy recieved a very watered duown version of the 16-bit varients.
Computer Gaming World named this the Sports Game of the Year - June 1996 (Issue #143)
During the 16-bit era (Snes/Super Famicom + Sega Genesis/Megadrive) the first 4 'NBA Live' games where released before moving to the next gen consoles. Between NBA Live 95, 96, 97 and 98, NBA Live 96 is more often than not the most preffered version.