Summary
- Release Year: 2008
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Developers: EA Canada
- Publishers: EA Sports
NBA Live 09: A Solid Basketball Experience
NBA Live 09, also known as NBA Live 2009, is the 2008 installment in the NBA Live series, developed and published by Electronic Arts. It was released on October 7, 2008, for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii. The game features Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs on the cover in most markets.
NBA Live 09 introduces several new features and improvements over previous installments in the series. The most notable new feature is the Dynamic DNA system, which aims to create more realistic and unique player AI. Each player in the game has their own set of DNA traits that determine their playing style and tendencies. These traits are based on real-world data and observations of NBA players.
Another new feature in NBA Live 09 is the Signature Style system. This system gives players the ability to create their own unique playing style by assigning different signature moves to their created players. Signature moves can be unlocked by completing challenges and earning experience points.
The gameplay in NBA Live 09 is fast-paced and arcade-like, with a focus on flashy dunks and highlight-reel plays. The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.
The graphics in NBA Live 09 are solid, but not spectacular. The player models are detailed and well-animated, but the environments are somewhat bland and uninspired. The game’s presentation is also fairly standard, with no major innovations or surprises.
Overall, NBA Live 09 is a solid basketball game that offers a fun and engaging experience. The game’s new Dynamic DNA and Signature Style systems add some depth and variety to the gameplay, and the fast-paced action is sure to please fans of arcade-style sports games.
Key Features
- Dynamic DNA: A new AI system that creates more realistic and unique player AI.
- Signature Style: A system that allows players to create their own unique playing style.
- Fast-paced gameplay: Arcade-like gameplay with a focus on flashy dunks and highlight-reel plays.
- Simple controls: Easy-to-learn controls that make the game accessible to players of all skill levels.
- Solid graphics: Detailed player models and well-animated, but somewhat bland environments.
- Standard presentation: No major innovations or surprises in the game’s presentation.
Game Modes
NBA Live 09 features a variety of game modes, including:
- Exhibition: A single game mode where players can choose any two teams to play against each other.
- Season: A mode where players can simulate an entire NBA season, including the playoffs.
- Playoffs: A mode where players can participate in the NBA playoffs with any team.
- Dynasty: A mode where players can create their own team and manage it over multiple seasons.
- Online multiplayer: A mode where players can compete against other players online.
Reception
NBA Live 09 received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s new features and improvements, while others criticized its lack of innovation and uninspired presentation. The game was also criticized for its technical issues, including occasional crashes and glitches.
Despite the mixed reviews, NBA Live 09 was a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. The game was particularly popular on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.
Legacy
NBA Live 09 was the last NBA Live game to be released on the PlayStation 2 console. The game was also the last NBA Live game to be developed by EA Canada. The development of the NBA Live series was later moved to EA Tiburon.
NBA Live 09 is remembered as a solid basketball game that offered a fun and engaging experience. The game’s new features and improvements were well-received by fans, and the fast-paced gameplay was sure to please fans of arcade-style sports games.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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