For me, I chose NBA Live 09. Not only has EA brought legs back to this franchise since struggling its first two years out on next generation platforms, but they have delivered a very strong outing last year and now this year as well. Live 09 mixes the strategy and stat performance of a sim, but allows you to play the game even if you don’t know how to call particular defense and offensive post positions. I will be honest, since the NBA has put the “I” in team allowing for franchise players to be the centerpiece of why fans come to the game instead of the team experience, I’ve lost interest. Well that and the fact my NY Knicks have sucked big time since screwing Patrick Ewing over a few years back. But maybe with basketball video games remaining highly enjoyable and Patrick Ewing Jr. joining the Knicks, I may give the NBA another try this year, and I will start with this review of NBA Live 09.

NBA Live 09 looks the part once again in the visuals department with slick menu presentations, authentic TV atmosphere, and detailed player models from the bodies to the faces for a great majority of the players, and striking and accurately modeled courts and arenas that can be summed up in one word…polished. While EA has not really integrated the ESPN license to its fullest, it can be said that the team has created a TV station of sorts of their own without the necessity of the ESPN screen wipes. Granted you will feel like a shill with all the promotional product placements throughout the game, but I guess of course that is also what makes it seem like a televised broadcast too. Players look better than before with a great attention to detail in facial variety, sweaty skin, and great use of emotion on the faces, especially when vying for the big play against the boards. It helps that the developers have finally gotten Live away from the “players on ice” look to the animations with slick streaming animations that sync together fluidly from a crossovers to taking the shot from the top of the key. The crowd could still use some retooling as of all 3 of the franchises out there; Live’s crowd is easily the worst in visual respects. That being said, the replication of the hardwood and arenas are spot on and look fantastic. Whether it’s the classic parquet flooring of Boston, to the odd 90’s colors of Charlotte…err…New Orleans. There is some noticeable frame rate dipping occasion on replays and close ups, but the in game experience is smooth as butter and that is where it really counts anyway. All in all, NBA Live takes it to the hoop for two in the visuals, and while not a total slam dunk, it still manages to make you say…damn that was pretty.

Audio presentation is also as strong as ever presenting an experience exciting even with your eyes closed. Granted you not going to hear much difference over the prior years as far as execution goes, but those who have followed the series in the past will know what to expect in Live 09. Summed up, you get spot on solid commentary, crowd ambience that reacts to big plays and situations, plenty of down the court music, squeaky shoes, rim shaking authentic sound effects, and of course Marv Albert…YES!

Game play is always where gamers will dispute which game is really the king of courts. But my money still is on Live for one reason only and that is so I don’t have to be a head coach in real life to know how to set up on the fly play calling, I can just worry about my positioning and that the shot. While some may prefer those intricacies, be aware that this type of simulation is also in Live, but they don’t force it down your throat like in 2K where it’s do or die. This being said, EA still has the signature play calling feature that is connected to the Live 365 where players will run plays on the court like they do in real life. Hardcore action aside, Live plays a simple yet smart game of hoops and while some franchises have used the right analog stick for shooting mechanics, I’m happy that Live is sticking to their guns by keep it real with it being a crossover stick. Shooting has the same mechanics for better or worse with two shot buttons. One for lay-ups inside the paint, and one for bringing down the thunder. The A.I. still is a formidable opponent, but there is no denying that it is still on the weak side unless you bump that A.I. slider way up. The addition of the aforementioned Live 365 is tremendous as the game is fresh everytime you play. Once you boot up, an update will come from the online community updating player’s stats, physical condition, and hot/cold streaks to allow players to perform as they are in real life. For instance, if there is a rookie on your team that is rating mediocre, but comes out of the gate hot and puts on a clinic, the game will make him play like he is in real life by updating tendencies, shot accuracy, and more. No more waiting till next season to play as that rookie of the year candidate, now he’s accessible 365 days a year! This is a new feature that will draw many gamers in and I hope becomes a staple in not only NBA Live, but EA integrates it into their other franchises as well.

There are some new features beyond NBA 365 that gamers who even played a ton of Live 08 will find reason to buy this year’s game. NBA Academy allows you to jump into a simulated game and practice your skills in the all new practice facility. NBA Rewind allows you to replay last night’s game complete with updated statistical data that recreates identical conditions including injuries, hot/cold streaks, tendencies, and player DNA. It is in this DNA where 365 comes in most noticeably as each player in the NBA is broken down in 20 statistical categories and is rated and updated on the fly to the day you are currently playing. The FIBA is back with 24 national teams and tournaments. Your typical game types are here from Dynasty to Online play so no worries on the meat of the game, it’s all here too. The “Be a Pro” mode that was featured earlier this year in NHL 09 has made it’s way to NBA Live, but honestly it is no where as near as engaging as in NHL and really feels rushed and unfinished. This is something I will look forward to in future integrations, but this year it feels more like an afterthought.

NBA Live 09 may not win over any new fans, or even convert the dreaded 2K die-hard fans who won’t budge into trying something new, but if you have been a follower for many years now, you will be happy to know that EA’s back on its game and has made the NBA Live series one to be proud of again. No matter if my Knicks in real life will struggle to win more than 30 games this year, I have the pleasure knowing my fantasy Knicks have the chance to fare better in NBA Live 09. I just hope the player DNA isn’t as accurate as they claim or I will be in for a long season virtually as well as in reality.