PS3,Xbox 360,Wii,PSP,PS2
Underrated Score not sure how IGN can give Madden 09 8.8,NCAA Football 09 8.4 and score this game 2pts lower. Proper rating would fall somewhere between 7.0-7.9
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 had 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.
To start with, one of the newer additions to this year's game is the pick and roll system, which lets you control both a ball handler and a player setting a pick during a play. This is a fundamental part of the game, and in NBA Live 09, it works really well. To call for the pick, you press and hold the L2 or the Left Trigger button, and a teammate will run over. Depending on how long you hold the button or if you make a move will determine what the screener will do by a basketball meter above the ball handler's head. Release the button before your ball handler makes a move, and your teammate will slip to the hoop, which can lead to a great break to the basket. If you take the screen, releasing the button before the meter gets halfway, your teammate will roll towards the basket, while filling the meter more than halfway will cause your teammate to pop out for a shot. Used effectively, you can perform incredible alley-oops or draw off defenders and free a teammate for an open shot. It's an excellent mechanic that works incredibly well.
Tags: NBA Live 09 EA Sports ps3 xbox 360