NBA 2K9 is the premier basketball game for serious players, and will deliver the most realistic and feature rich simulation experience ever available in the history of basketball video games. From gameplay and graphics to presentation and online features, true ballers play NBA 2K9.
Kevin Garnett is on the front cover of NBA 2K9. Kg is an 11-time NBA All-Star and 2008 Defensive Player of the Year.
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Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics will be featured as the cover athlete and spokesman for this year’s most highly anticipated basketball video game, NBA 2K9. After leading the Boston Celtics to the greatest single-season turnaround in NBA franchise history, Garnett will lend his unmatched passion and on-court intensity to provide dedicated fans with the most fun and riveting basketball simulation experience available.
PLAYSTATION 3, Sony Computer Entertainment America’s San Diego Studio introduced a next-generation basketball experience that delivered smooth, ultra-realistic basketball action in the release of NBA 07. For the first time in any console sports title, NBA ’07 incorporated true 1080p high definition at 60 frames per second fps to provide detailed, lifelike graphics and the most engaging gameplay available. This year, NBA ’08 continues to improve on this next-gen hoops formula by further pushing the graphical envelope as well as adding a host of new features and innovative gameplay functionality.
NBA 08 introduces an all-new progression system where players earn skill and experience rewards that can be used to thoroughly customize player appearance and play styles. With an upgraded control system from last year that utilizes broader SIXAXIS functionality, gamers can engage in all-new and comprehensive gameplay movement on and off the ball. Also for this year, character models are updated with new animations, more dynamic movement, and new skin textures to give them a more realistic look. Additionally, the user interface has been significantly revamped to incorporate a retro NBA look and feel – from the menus down to the loading screens. To submerse gamers in a true basketball atmosphere, NBA 08 introduces for the first time a comprehensive and in-depth audio commentary with top broadcast talent. With a fully reworked user interface, revamped character models and environments, and a robust online system with player profiles and quick play options, NBA 08 is set to push the envelope for NBA action and bring an unparalleled basketball experience to the PS3.
Sony PlayStation 3 NBA 08 Features
Electronic Arts often can be considered the king of sports games. It’s certainly got a lock on football.
When it comes to basketball, however, 2K Sports unquestionably has had the better games.
That trend continues this year, with “NBA 2K8” defeating “NBA Live 08.”
Both games are improvements over their 2006 predecessors, but neither breaks a lot of new ground. Personally, I think sports games should be released every other year so that there would be time for substantial changes. But that’s probably just me.
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As far as textures and overall looks, I like “NBA Live 08” better. Its menus are cleaner and actually make sense — as opposed to “NBA 2K8,” which has struggled for years to make a menu that’s easy to follow.
“NBA Live 08” also jumps straight into a practice mode upon loading, which I like a lot. And during loading screens, it asks trivia questions — at which I fail horribly, but I still like the idea.
On the other hand, the player animations in “NBA 2K8” are smoother and more realistic, and players running into the sidelines actually get a response. Those people standing on the sidelines aren’t just wooden props anymore, which is cool.
“NBA 2K8” also adds in neat signature style animations, allowing the players to perform moves that you would see in real life.
“NBA Live 08” kind of has something similar in that the superstars have special moves, but they don’t look as cool as in “2K8.”
One nice thing in “NBA Live” is a floor overlay that pops up when you hold in the left bumper button. It shows you the hot spots for the player you’re controlling — red for where they’re strongest, blue for weakest. This is especially helpful for someone like me who will recognize names of players but not really know where they’re strongest in play.
Meanwhile, “NBA 2K8” has its own useful tool, a guide that pops up to tell you how a certain play should be pulled off, where a player needs to be, where the ball should go, etc. It’s a nice way to learn the different plays.
“NBA Live” doesn’t have much new in the way of game modes, continuing with standards such as dynasty mode, slam-dunk contest, three-point shootout and a rookie challenge. European leagues have been added, as has the ability to put together a team of whatever players you want. Neither of those has a major impact, however.
“NBA 2K8” also only has minor additions. It changes the name of its streetball mode from 24/7 to NBA Blacktop and takes out the pointless attempt at a story. Association mode is still strong, but it’s largely unchanged other than some interesting personality/morale factors.
So, given all this, why is “NBA 2K8” such a clear winner? It’s in the gameplay. The controls are more responsive in “NBA Live 08” than they were last year, but the game just plays better in “NBA 2K8.” And while each game has similar modes, “NBA 2K8” manages to make its more fun.
Strangely, both games have issues with players missing easy shots. I’m not sure why this is a problem, but it happens frequently in both games, and that’s frustrating.
The artificial intelligence also is better in “NBA 2K8” than in “NBA Live.” “Live’s” AI is improved over last year’s, but I still found many instances, especially on defense, in which players would leave opponents wide open for shots. And I’m pretty sure they weren’t informed about rebounds.
“NBA 2K8,” meanwhile, has some pretty tough AI. And I don’t mean tough in that “the computer is cheating” way. The players are smart and will walk all over you if you let them (and believe me, I did, frequently, because I’m not particularly good at basketball games).
The 2K games have long been the winner online and this year is no exception. The online play is stable and mostly without lag, and just about any option you can think of is there. Players can participate in quick games, or they can go as far as playing in tournaments, seasons, NBA Blacktop games, even drafts. And of course, there are stats and leaderboards galore.
“NBA Live” comes a little closer this year with the addition of online leagues but it still isn’t nearly as in-depth as “NBA 2K8.”
Comparing these games is helpful for people who can afford only one game, and in that case “NBA 2K8” is the one to pick up. But “NBA Live 08” is not a bad game by any means and it certainly has improved over last year. If that’s the one you end up with (say, as a Christmas gift), it’s not the end of the world.
Both games continue to have little issues that could be fixed (I particularly wish for a revamped menu in the 2K games), but either one would be entertaining for a basketball fan.
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