NBA 2K9

NBA 2K9 received "favorable" reviews on all platforms except the PlayStation 2 version, which received "average" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of three sevens and one six for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions; and two sixes, one seven, and one five for the PlayStation 2 version. David Ellis of 1UP.com particularly praised the customization aspects of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions and the levels of realism, but disliked the unnecessarily complicated control scheme. Ellis also spoke positively of the online modes and the Living Rosters feature. Ellis summed up his review by stating: "The NBA 2K9 team has refined last year's game and added several new features that change the way videogame basketball is played. While it's not perfect, 2K9's certainly headed toward another title run." Matt Bertz of Game Informer said that the concepts of the same console versions "continue to refine [the series] with the deepest franchise mode in any sports game", called the crowd animations "amazing", liked the broadcast team, complimented most aspects of the controls, and said the game is "the best basketball game around for hoops aficionados". Bertz stated: "With its realistic animations, solid controls, and ambitious Association mode, NBA 2K9 makes its title run once again. But the competition is stiffening, and next year needs to bring significant leaps forward with online play and the low-post game if 2K wants to make it 10 in a row." Aaron Thomas of GameSpot praised the "Living Rosters", "excellent" gameplay, and the presentation of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. Thomas said: "It's disappointing that there aren't more noteworthy additions to this year's game. Living rosters and five-on-five play are nice, but their appeal is limited. That said, there's very little not to like about NBA 2K9. Player animations are outstanding, Association mode is deep, online options are plentiful, and the gameplay is terrific. If you're a baller, this is the game for you." IGN's Nate Ahearn said of the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 versions: "NBA 2K9 is [a] basketball game for the purists out there and has plenty for diehard basketball fans to enjoy. At a price of $19.99 I can almost forgive the absence of multiplayer, especially when you consider how much game there is still is to play. There are tidbits built in to appease casual fans, but there’s no question that with things like Bird Years making their way into this year’s game that 2K9 is made for aficionados. Even still, anyone who has seen a pro game will be able to find the similarities and the finite details that make NBA 2K9 the best game in town." GameTrailers complimented the PS3 version's overall presentation, crowd animations, overall gameplay, and CPU, but disliked the game's lack of an identity, the menu designs, commentary, online technical issues, and the introduction of some "silly" features. The review stated: "The NBA 2K series has seen modest improvements since NBA 2K7, primarily due to the level of quality achieved at such an early phase in the next-gen life cycle. Because of this, casual hoops players aren't going to be wowed with this latest iteration of NBA 2K9, but it's meant to satisfy those who live and breathe basketball, as the improvements in the AI and atmosphere alone are sure to tickle the inner twine of dedicated fans." During the 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated NBA 2K9 for "Sports Game of the Year".