NBA 2k9 Review
It is difficult to judge sports game improvements. The biggest problem comes from the fact that there is just so much that can be changed in one year. I was always afraid that 2k9 would suffer from breaking out to early, from coming to its simulation peaque before its time, even though there is still far to go. As of yet, it is still to be surpassed by any other NBA game that is out right now. NBA Live 09 has been getting better, but which one you should get is really up to you. For different folks...
Presentation: 7.5
The biggest problem for me is always the menu system for 2k. They really do not get that the concept of the right stick flick does not do them any good. They need to make this a little more intuitive and less confusing, or at least put the map into the manual booklet. Even so, the actual in game presentation took a step up. Instead of constant replays every two seconds we now get running recaps during whistles, which generally makes it like seem like a real TV presentation. The commentray is changed just a bit, slightly better, still heavily recycled. The small detail is amazing though. From bench reactions to the crowd presence, its all just perfect. And one more, why is there noone at the half time desk? I mean they had it for NFL 2k5 on the PS2 and regular xbox...
Graphics: 8.5
It's not live, so its not orgasmic, but that also means that players do not look like limited collection figurines still in their original package. The animations are great and it feels genuinely like I was watching NBA games. From a far it looks like the real deal, a coupple of close ups are still problematic. The sweat effects, although a nice thought, perhaps could have been done better. Unlike LIVE, 2k animations are smooth as margarine (thanks Kenny Smith, now I got it too...). Every superstar plays like I would expect them to play in real life. It's just a great thing that 2k does with this, I am always left amazed with the touched up animations. Some leaner jumpers still look slightly awkward though, but nothing too unforgivable.
Sound: 9.0
The soundtrack is great. I love almost every song on there and the "2k Pennies" is probably one of the better songs I've heard... well.... best songs I've heard this month, but my tastes switch so dont use that as your indicator. The commentary could be much better, it still feels very recycled. Although they did add a coupple of personal team like comments its fairly the same as last year. They didn't even switch lines, so its a different commentator saying the same lines as last year. Just feels lazy and uninspired at times. EA always had a better deal with commentators.
Gameplay: 8.6
The gameplay is solid. 2k bumped the speed just a bit to match the NBA real life runners, but at the same time not as much as to get it into the different stratosphere arcade territory. They really did a stellar job on the mechanics of the gameplay, I've seen AI adopt and run plays, esploit weaker defenders, sag off and press against press threats and shooters repspectively. It just feels like every game is different, dependent on who you play. The AI finally knows what to do and who should have the ball in the clutch moments of the game. The online is still a little problematic, the speed has been cranked, and to be honest, there is still a lot of Star Player exploitation, which annoys the hell out of me. Shotstick 2.0 works just like I hoped it would and creates some crazy, jumping on the couch "OH MY GOD!!!" moments when you pull a double clutch properly between KG and Perkins with AI or Kobe. The defence is better too, more realistc where you actually have to play and try and dictate the angles of defence, unlike just holding down the left trigger last year and going out for coffee.
Lasting Appeal: 9.0
With Association 2.0, 2k is on to one of the deepest franchise modes in the history of sports gaming. There is just so much to do. If you're not into all the management stuff, you can just automate it, which is an amazing option. The 2k Insider gives 2k a break for a year if they ever want one. The constant updates won't ever make your game feel dated, which was why I got bored with sports games in the past. Just knowing that your game has the same rosters as the NBA teams do makes me feel special. Online is great as well, surely some changes like the take away of the lobbies make it a little more frustrating, but its workable. The Leagues are back and thats great. The only problem is that one of the most anticipated online feautures, the 5 on 5 online, is still terrible. I am yet to have a full game without any lag or being thrown out, but I really hope that they fix their servers and this problem.
Overall: 8.5
Overal its once again the best basketball sim on the market. For those looking for something that resembles the real thing the most, this is the best title to go with. The game is fun and very deep, with some minor issues, but nothing that will push you away from having fun. Trust me. The online will keep you coming back, especially if you're in the league, and barring that online issues and 5v5 lag are unattended to, this game has some long and strong virtual online legs.