NBA 2K9 Does It Again

Admittedly, what game you buy says a lot about your preferences as a gamer. Traditionally those who love realism and "in the game" feel purchase the 2K series. Those who are more into the excitement of the game (high light reel dunks, etc) typically purchase the Live series. After playing each game, the unofficial blacksportsonline gaming experts says that NBA 2K9 should be your game of choice.

The first thing I noticed when I played 2K9 was that what was an already realistic basketball series has gone even more into detail. The player models are right on point and they have gone into great detail capturing even the worst player's tendencies and style of dress. From Kobe letting the ball bounce while he wipes off his hands on his jersey before shooting free-throws to Paul Pierce having his leg back on his free throw stance, 2K9 has gone even further into detail. In game nuances such as being able to grab and hold jerseys and reaching around an offensive players back (don't you hate it when you beat your man and he pokes the ball from behind) to poke the ball away have been added to this game and makes the game such that I feel like I'm actually on the floor with them. This game is not without the element of excitement either. Offensive players are now able to adjust their shots around the basket with the reverse layups and the way players finish around the basket looks even more realistic. There have been a few new in game dunks but what is even more beautiful is how the players react when met at the basket in terms of body contact. There are an array of finishing moves (depending on your player) that can be completed around the basket.

This years Live 09' was an upgrade from the year before but still lags behind the 2K series. The player models are not as crisp and the players just do not move like real NBA players move. The roller skating feel that used to be a main stay in the game has been erradicated but still lacks the smoothness of the 2K series. While they attempted to differentiate each player from the next, I did not notice a big difference between the way Paul Pierce shot the ball as opposed to Kobe Bryant. Also, players simply still make too many improbable shots even when contested. One of my long time beefs about the Live series is that great players and scrubs (Damon Jones, or players with high 3 point ratings) can too easily affect the game. Great players should be made great, but they shouldn't be made such that they make improbable shots consistently. One area where NBA Live tends to be better than 2K is in the post ups where the player's post moves appear more realistic and refined. However, over all, when comparing 2K vs. Live, Live lags behind 2K is graphics, game play, and even online play where 2K has now added the option to go online and play 5 on 5. Yep, you heard it right. You can now go online with 4 of your friends and play again 5 other peeps online. Each has their own version of the DNA where real live games and outcomes can be recreated.

In conclusion, Live isn't a bad game, it just (in my mind) can't and hasn't competed with the 2K series for some time now. I won't knock your hustle if you get Live but if you haven't given 2K a chance, it's about time you pick you up a copy and get your hoop on.

Last but not least, if you feel like you have a little game go ahead and get at me. I'll let whoever wants it have my user name and we can do this.