NBA Live 09
Final NBA Live game for PlayStation 2 and Nintendo platforms.
NBA Live 09, also known as NBA Live 2009, is a basketball simulation video game developed and published by Electronic Arts, released on October 7, 2008. It features Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs on the cover in most markets. This installment is notable as the final NBA Live game released for the PlayStation 2 and the last in the series to appear on a Nintendo platform.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- EA Canada (PS3, Xbox 360); HB Studios (Wii, PSP, PS2)
- Publisher
- Electronic Arts
- Series
- NBA Live
- Released
- October 7, 2008 (NA)
- October 9, 2008 (AUS)
- October 10, 2008 (EU)
- Genre
- Sports
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
- Platforms
- PlayStation 2
- PlayStation 3
- PlayStation Portable
- Wii
- Xbox 360
Facts from the source article.
Features
Dynamic DNA, a new feature in NBA Live 09 for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii (but not the PlayStation Portable), breaks down how a team scores, sets up offense, and how individual players perform on offense. It also updates player accessories, haircuts, facial hair changes, and shoes, and is updated daily through NBA Live 365. NBA Live 365, an addition to the franchise, provides downloadable updates every three or four months that reflect player trades and injured players. The game allows replaying previous games with updated statistical data that recreates identical conditions including injuries, hot or cold streaks, tendencies, and player DNA; if the player lacks internet access, they can still play games from the 2007–08 playoffs. A two-man game mechanic lets the player control both the ball handler and the screener, with on-court instructions guiding each play. Up to five players on each team for each starting position are user-controlled, and club play allows a set team to compete against other teams in a league-type game, gaining rankings and moving up divisions with each win; team play without a club is also possible. A defender can be forced to step up and guess the player's next move, and the player can use the turbo button and right analog stick for ball-handling moves to fake out defenders. An in-game play calling system, linked to LIVE 365, suggests authentic plays for NBA stars, and the players shown on the play calling menu can be changed in the options menu. The game includes 24 FIBA teams, up from 8 in NBA Live 08, and an international tournament using authentic FIBA rosters and teams is available.
Reception
According to video game review aggregator Metacritic, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions received generally favorable reviews, while the PSP, PlayStation 2, and Wii versions received mixed reviews. In Japan, Famitsu gave the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions scores of three eights and one nine, the PSP version all four sevens, and the PS2 version two sevens, one six, and one seven. GameSpot nominated the game for Least Improved Sequel in its 2008 video game awards, though the award went to Animal Crossing: City Folk.
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