With its realistic animations, solid controls, and ambitious Association mode, NBA 2K9 makes its title run once again. But the competition is stiffening, and next year needs to bring significant leaps forward with online play and the low-post game if 2K wants to make it 10 in a row.
NBA 2K9
Visual Concepts · Oct 7, 2008
About
NBA 2K9 is the premier basketball game for serious players, delivering a realistic, stylistic, and feature-rich simulation basketball experience. This year's edition features an improved Association franchise mode, adding a Player Ambitions system and an NBA.com interface. Individual players also have special Hot Zones and Signature Shots, making the action on the floor as realistic as it is in the NBA.
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- 8.0NBA 2K9 is basketball game for the purists out there and has plenty for diehard basketball fans to enjoy. ...There are tidbits built in to appease casual fans, but there?s no question that with things like Bird Years making their way into this year?s game that 2K9 is made for aficionados. Even still, anyone who has seen a pro game will be able to find the similarities and the finite details that make NBA 2K9 the best game in town.
- The NBA 2K series has seen modest improvements since NBA 2K7, primarily due to the level of quality achieved at such an early phase in the next-gen life cycle. Because of this, casual hoops players aren't going to be wowed with this latest iteration of NBA 2K9, but it's meant to satisfy those who live and breathe basketball, as the improvements in the AI and atmosphere alone are sure to tickle the inner twine of dedicated fans.
- 9.0Besides, with the promise of Living Rosters and an always-impressive set of online options, there’s plenty to keep us entertained. Even though the competition this season is better than ever, NBA 2K9 puts the franchise back on top of the hoops heap. Sometimes, everything just comes together nicely.
- 8.0It'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.
- 8.2NBA 2K9 is a solid basketball experience through and through. While the competition is still in a rebuilding process of sorts, 2K has taken advantage by improving on what they’ve accomplished in their NBA series throughout recent years. Anyone who has enjoyed the last couple of installments won’t be disappointed with the changes made this year. The Living Rosters feature is certainly enticing enough for 2K fans to pick this title up.
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