NBA Live 09
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Game Information

Release Date: October 7, 2008
Developers: EA Canada , HB Studios
Publishers: Electronic Arts
Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360, Mobile
Genre: Sports

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Synopsis

NBA Live has been having quite a run of bad luck over the past few years with gameplay elements that were simply flawed in execution or completely unrealistic to the sport. As a result, there's been a concerted effort to remake the entire franchise and streamline many of the mechanics that have gotten out of control. While last year's title was the strongest the franchise has been in a while, ultimately it was still disappointing. This year, EA Sports has chosen to go completely back to basics, focusing on elements like low post play as well as pick and rolls. It's also tried to focus on the stats of the game with its new Dynamic DNA system, which attempts to present the action on the court the way that it plays in the NBA. While these decisions for the game are laudable, the implementation of many features feels incomplete when you hit the court for tip-off.

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Gameplay

They havent found an "average" difficulty its with way to easy 123-74 or you end up feeling like you are just trying to stay in the game but think its unrealistic you will win... 115-105 games. The Quickstrike works to well for the computer and not well enough for you... they will often blow right by you... Slow jumping when attempting to block sometimes u will block 3 straight shot with one guy and other times they will delay and give up an open look which WILL always go in on all-star and above Mikki Moore will hit open 15 footers all game a little un realistic but no one actually leaves people open in the NBA so who knows... Oh and the biggest Bug of all!!!! FANTASY DRAFT! It will often take Yao Ming Twice in a row... He will only show up on one team but the other team he was drafted on will end up without a 1st rounder... really frustrating. The way you shot all the players this year have weird jump shots and they barely get off the ground and its kind of difficult to make shots but once you get the hang of it gets pretty easy it's all about timing pretty much. Another problem is the Lock down defense system I don't think there's a button for it (correct me if I'm wrong) but you get a lock on your man (defender for people who don't know) and all you do is move a little bit or you press turbo and then you get out of the lock and they get pass you (and with me usually they get an easy basket). Also the quick strike moves need to be improved but there in the right direction.

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Graphics

I cant get over the graphics. To be honest, it probably has the best graphics ever put into a video game! Its that good! Its got great tricks to do and the shooting tricks are so cool. Characters respond in a realistic way to the situation. Like when you're under a net and guys are around you, a teammate might move into space for you just where you want him to be. You can even see the sweat pouring down a players face. All the great player models are back and better than ever with more facial description. If you like basketball games it is definitely a must buy. The passing and movement is a particular highlight of the game it allows for quick breaks whenever your opponent is on the attack. The things that make the game less funny are bad camera angles 2K has good camera angles but I grew up on EA and NBA Live It bad when I go to the baseline camera and I can't really play defense especially when it's a bad angle and it's a way back view.

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Controls

It takes some getting used to adding the "L" button to perform crossovers and the like instead of the game doing everything from the square button. The square button is now used to do the pro step. There are many added new features such as the 2 on 2 game which is reminiscent of the back in the day street ballers classic (i forget the exact title at this time) . Anyway there are lots of new features and improved enhancements to make this really a NBA Live 08 upgrade addition. If you liked 08 then you will love 09. You can shoot by just moving the remote back and forward you don't really have to have perfect form for the ball to go in. The control is very real and they give you every option in the book at this point, but when it comes down to it there are still flaws in the engine and the AI is flawed. Live is a change of pace and it's very refreshing and I have to say I'm impressed.

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On my point of view it's actually gave the players their own way to put the ball to the basket.With the rewing,it's gaves players the old way to score.In overall, this game is really nice.The game is REAl,and original.

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Ratings (Personal)
Game play: 7/10
Graphics: 9/10
Controls: 7/10
Overall: 7.5/10