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E3 2008: NBA Live 09 All-Play Hands-On

Related Platforms:
  • Wii
By Shanker Srinivasan, GameSpot, Posted Jul 14, 2008 11:30 pm GMT

We get some hands-on time with NBA Live 09's new All-Play control scheme.

As with all of the games under EA's new All-Play lineup of Wii sports titles, NBA Live 09 All-Play seeks to make the game more approachable than last year's game. In addition to new controls tailored at novice players, NBA Live 09 includes a host of new game modes to cater to anyone's blacktop tastes. We had a chance to check out all of the new features at EA's pre-E3 event a few weeks ago.

The new All-Play control option in NBA Live 09 will let you disconnect the Wii Nunchuk attachment and simply take over control of key player actions such as shooting and passing. Most of the other player actions (including movement) are handled automatically by the AI. It is EA's hope that this will let experienced and novice players compete against each other, each using settings tailored to relative skill level. For the old-school enthusiasts, you can even turn the Wii Remote sideways and use the D pad and face buttons to get your game on.

Taking control improvements further, NBA Live 09 also introduces a new point-and-pass feature with which you will be able to highlight and dish passes to your teammates simply by pointing at them with the Wii Remote. This should make passing easier and allow for faster touch-pass offenses.

NBA Live 09 All-Play also debuts many new features not present in last year's game. You will now be able to face off against your opponent in two-on-two matches and games of 21. Both game modes let you select any NBA player and, as a result, typically feature rampant scoring in which the winner is likely to be the first one to cause a turnover. This year's game will also include a new slam-dunk contest and a three-point shootout.

However, NBA players aren't the only ones to get some love in this year's game. NBA Live 09 includes a revamped FIBA roster that features 24 international teams to select. All of the teams use their authentic rosters and jerseys, and you will be able to pit your favorite FIBA team against any NBA or WNBA team in the game.

Finally, online play has been touched up this year as well. In addition to an easier matchmaking system, up to four players will be able to suit up per console against four other players on another console online.

We will bring you more on this year's iteration of NBA Live for the Wii as more details are released.

22 Comments

  • jsgl

    Posted Dec 24, 2008 7:25 pm GMT

    k ppl read the preview will you. it doesnt say the movement IS controlled by Al, it says it CAN be. its obviously optional.

    that being said i think im still going to wait for 2010 to come out

  • da_monsta12

    Posted Sep 26, 2008 4:33 pm GMT

    I hope it's good, because I've been waiting for a basketabll game to get (only have Wii out of new gen).

  • nomadph

    Posted Sep 11, 2008 10:02 am GMT

    have you guys seen the new trailer for nba live 09 wii? it's fugly

  • MarandLui

    Posted Sep 9, 2008 9:09 pm GMT

    that's pretty cool, but other than that...WHAT??THE MOVEMENT IS CONTROLLED BY AI???THAT'S STUPID!

  • jazzy_47

    Posted Aug 24, 2008 7:16 am GMT

    "point-and-pass feature" hmmm sounds familiar, nhl 2k9 has the exact same feature in their game. ea using a 2k technique..

  • iamwlrs4

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 1:00 pm GMT

    if none of you guys like nba games at all, why are you even looking at this?

  • TehFuneral

    Posted Jul 19, 2008 2:28 pm GMT

    NBA games are not my type

  • lettuceman44

    Posted Jul 17, 2008 1:02 pm GMT

    Don't like NBA games.

  • grambyte

    Posted Jul 17, 2008 5:18 am GMT

    always liked nba games, but i don't know if it will work on the wii

  • gamefreakwill

    Posted Jul 16, 2008 2:26 pm GMT

    I hope All-play is just an optional control scheme because I'm sure many players would rather control their players manually and not have some sort of AI controlling it instead.

  • gamah_killah

    Posted Jul 15, 2008 8:29 am GMT

    Seems odd on the Wii, but it's definitely something new

  • Cube_of_MooN

    Posted Jul 15, 2008 6:46 am GMT

    I can't get used to the Wii controls. Therefore, if I were to buy this game, it would probably be on the 360.

  • playstation_wii

    Posted Jul 14, 2008 10:10 pm GMT

    I'm sure there will be franchise mode, because what will be the point of the game if there isn't one?

    Random pickup and mini-games?

    .....oh wait

  • bocaj121621

    Posted Jul 14, 2008 7:42 pm GMT

    there is a 0% chance i would buy it if it doesnt have franchise

  • Padrepride

    Posted Jul 14, 2008 7:25 pm GMT

    Is there a legit franchise mode?

  • ajdick

    Posted Jul 14, 2008 6:57 pm GMT

    you will be able to pit your favorite FIBA team against any NBA or WNBA team in the game.

    WNBA Teams in the game?

  • Shaesyco

    Posted Jul 14, 2008 6:37 pm GMT

    it better be an improvement from the last one

  • Hungry_bunny

    Posted Jul 14, 2008 6:31 pm GMT

    Weird... movement is a big part of the game, isn't it?

  • carstairs

    Posted Jul 14, 2008 4:30 pm GMT

    The controls have me worried about how they'll work.

Review Scores

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Game Info

  • Xbox 360 PS3 Wii PSP PS2 Release Info

    • Release Date: Oct 7, 2008
    • ESRB: E
      Titles rated E (Everyone) have content that may be suitable for ages 6 and older.

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