NBA 2K9 (Xbox 360)

Reviewed by

Aaron Thomas

on 10/08/2008

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Page 2

While improved, 2K9's gameplay still could have been better. The controls are overly complicated and the manual doesn't provide enough guidance. It's better than last year's, but when the instruction manual refers you to a more detailed online manual (which is currently only available for the Xbox 360), it's safe to say the controls have gotten a bit too complex. Passes often don't go to the highlighted player, so using icon passing is a must if you want to reduce turnovers. Manually snagging rebounds is inconsistent as well, even if you've clearly established position. Free throws--a problem for years now--are still too difficult to make thanks to the different timing of each player's unique shooting animation. The AI is generally quite good on defense, but it's a different story on offense, especially at the end of the game. CPU-controlled teams that are losing will often stand around and dribble precious time away at the end of the game, but when they're winning they'll sometimes take quick shots rather than running the clock out. Your teammates typically do a solid job without your interference, but it can be frustrating when they fail to rotate on defense or when you call a pick-and-roll only to have them pick and forget to roll.

Once again, there are a boatload of game modes. And once again, the menus are poorly designed (though they are new). Association mode, where you take the reins of an NBA franchise, is back and has seen a few improvements, especially with trades and contracts. No longer are you given a visual indication of whether or not a team or player is pleased with your offer before you make it; you're only told whether or not it's a valid offer with regard to the salary cap. The "Larry Bird" rule as well as three-team trades have also been implemented--though it's incredibly difficult to pull off a three-team deal. Blacktop mode is back and mostly unchanged, although the dunk contest is a bit easier--and, therefore, better--this time around. You can still create your own highlight reels with the game's intuitive video editor and share them online, which is a pretty cool feature. The biggest addition to the already robust online play is the ability to play five-on-five with as few as one person per console. There's no player progression, but it's a step in the right direction--or at least it would be if not for the crippling lag and camera angles that made it difficult to follow the action that plagued each and every game. Two curious omissions may upset series veterans: There's no baseline 2K cam option online, and online lobbies have been eliminated. However, given the leagues, the ability to share rosters, and the tons of other options, you couldn't ask for much more from NBA 2K9's online capabilities.

Signature player shots and outstanding animation are series staples, but it's the little things 2K9 does that make its presentation better than ever. The arenas look amazing thanks to raucous crowds, packed sidelines, mascots, coaches, and ball boys. On their own these things may seem insignificant, but as a whole they do a great job of replicating the atmosphere of a real NBA game. In fact, from the default gameplay camera view, there aren't a whole lot of faults to notice--it looks like you're watching a live game. Only during replays and free throws do the few visual flaws--a choppy frame rate and player models that are starting to look a bit dated--become apparent. Neither of these affects the gameplay, but the inconsistent frame rate does make it difficult to enjoy the otherwise impressive replays when the announcers (accurately) break down the game between quarters. Two things that do affect gameplay, however, are the Gatorade logos at the beginning of the half and the play-calling menus. Both obscure a large portion of the screen, often making it impossible to see the ball handler. This is inexcusable.

The crowds, sidelines, and arenas look fantastic.

2K9 sounds as good as ever. The crowds are loud, the PA announcer is solid, and like in a real NBA game there's plenty of music in the background. Kevin Harlan returns, and he's joined by two new personalities: Cheryl Miller, who reports from the sidelines, and Clark Kellogg, who helps call the action. Their play-by-play and commentary is generally spot-on, though they tend to repeat themselves, sometimes on the same possession.

It's disappointing that there aren't more noteworthy additions to this year's game. Living rosters and five-on-five play are nice, but their appeal is limited. That said, there's very little not to like about NBA 2K9. Player animations are outstanding, Association mode is deep, online options are plentiful, and the gameplay is terrific. If you're a baller, this is the game for you.