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Game review: NBA 2K9

Posted on October 21, 2008, 6:06am and updated on October 21, 2008 at 9:02 am ,  1 views

The leader in basketball simulations has returned with its annual update, but it is far from just some new names and faces added to the mix.

 

NBA 2K9 had plenty to live up to after NBA 2K8 was a clear winner in the basketball stakes and while this year’s edition is not perfect, it does raise the bar in terms of presentation.

 

Publisher 2K Sports has managed to produce arguably the best basketball experience to date, making you feel as though you are watching a broadcast.

 

In-game highlight clips of strong performers on the court, as well as quarter time and half time highlights give you that broadcast feeling.

 

While the presentation is not vital, it does help round out any game and the effort put into making you feel part of the production will be well received.

 

Player animations are also improved, from up-and-under moves, running jump shots and hard fouls around the basket making the gameplay more realistic.

However, the responsiveness of the controls feel as though they have dropped off slightly from 2K8.

Grabbing an offensive rebound under the basket, you will sit there tapping the shoot button for days before being allowed to lay the ball up.

 

While it does become annoying, to the point where it is less frustrating to dribble the ball out and start your offence again, the sheer beauty of the presentation will have you overlooking the minor flaws.

 

The Association mode has also been given a spit and polish, with a new news feed providing you with all the news from around the league, including milestones and records.

 

But perhaps the addition to this year’s game that will make the biggest impact is the Living Rosters.

 

The Living Rosters service is designed to keep the players’ ratings as true to life as possible.

 

Ratings will be changed and maintained throughout the season by 2K Sports, with a simple automatic download from their servers providing a ratings boost to a rookie who has a breakout opening week or slash the shooting rating of a veteran who has lost his touch from the field.

 

Going online to play will also have its rewards, with the top performers earning a place in the 2K Sports team - just think of it as the All-NBA First Team.

 

Verdict (score out of 10): 8.

 

Closing comments: Overall, as close to perfect as a basketball game has come and still the champion of the basketball sims. It loses points for slight unresponsiveness and the fact only features the NBA, while EA Sports has grabbed the FIBA licence as well. But this is the better basketball sim.

BRAD GRAY

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