NBA 2K9

Reviewed by:
Gerasimos Manolatos

Price: $59.99 (PS3, Xbox 360), $49.99 (PS2)

The Skinny: Kevin Garnett is the new face of 2K Sports' NBA franchise, which brings real-time player updates to the hardwood for the first time.

The Good: You know the drill by now: same sport, different year, blargity, blargity, blah. With the requisite juiced up HD graphics (more dunk animations and more post-up maneuvers) and a thumping soundtrack featuring artists like The Beastie Boys and N.E.R.D., 2K9 once again delivers for both veterans and newcomers. The new roster updates, dubbed "living rosters," is a seamless endeavor, activated every time you open your Internet-enabled console. For example, if someone on the lowly New York Knicks goes off for 75 points one night, you can expect Jordan-like ratings when you encounter that player in the game the next day.

The Bad: While the snarky announcers provide decent commentary of the action on the court, thinks get head-scratching when you hit the T-Mobile Halftime desk. No bloviating Charles Barkley, and well, no anyone at all—nobody's sitting there. There also could've been better work done on player movement as, outside of the smooth signature dunks, most of the guys are little spastic. Nothing too horrible, but there's definitely room for improvement.

EVERYBODY SWEATS! Watch as Danilo Gallinari slam drunks English.

Buy, Rent, or Disembowel? Buy.

Share