NBA Live 09 is back in prime form
First off I dont know what the reviewers at GS are smoking, but when I retire ill contact them to get some. They got this game review all wrong. Lets start with the graphics which are just fantastic. There is the typical sweat the only problem with is they start sweating all to early. The faces are remarkable.....the jerseys move with fluid and life like realism. The bench, coaches, crowd and EVEN mascots get you pumped and into the game with every big play. There is no doubt that the graphics are one of the best aspects of this game.
The gameplay is also spot on. I dont know what the GS reviewers were doing when they said your players dont play good "D" I played like 10 games and in 7 of those games my computer controlled team mates had more or caused more steals than I did. Unlike previous years they jump at shootes and try to block shot instead of letting shooters run wild. The one problem I see is rebounding. Its tough to do and the mechanic seems busted as rebounds often seem to appear in a players hands no where near the rim. The offense is also impressive as you can control your dribbling unlike 2K where you dribble and crossover moves are assigned to one stick. The breaks to the hole are good. Bottom line sharp gameplay equals good game.
The Music in this game isnt going to get you hyped to play by any means, but the sounds and effects will. Playes scream at each other, and the crowd more than gets into whats going on in the game. This is a mixed bag. The commentators do a real goood job of calling the game and keep up with the action well.
The presentation is not as good a 2K9, but it gets an "E" for effort. As cheerleaders hit the court at the begining of the game and every other opportunity such as time outs. There are highlights of the quarters after you play them, but unlike 2k arent set to music that make it seem liks a telecast. Also unlike 2K there are no top three plays, player exsclusive highlights, and Unreal TV presentaion altogether.
Sure you can pick another BBALL game and youd probably like it....but I dont think youll go wrong with NBA Live this year where gameplay is concerned. After all isnt that what makes a game great? So go out and at least rent this one like I did to get into the experience. I think youll like it.