We go through this every year … Sports titles are released focusing on the same sport and reviewers have the enviable task (which is sometimes not so easy) of playing them and determining which is the best bet for consumers. Granted, that is a purely subjective opinion, but it is one based on a few core aspects: game modes, multiplayer, game flow, controls, and graphics. Sure, there are other considerations, but when it comes to sports, those are usually at the top of the list.

EA Sports has, in the past, done fairly well with its NBA Live franchise, but nothing has been too stellar. There seems to be a renewed spirit at EA Sports. Both the NHL and FIFA brands (judging the latter from the preview disk) have taken the gameplay a little deeper. Would NBA fair as well? In many aspects, the answer is yes. But there is still a bit of work to do. However, having said that, so far EA’s NBA Live 09 is the main contender for the pro hoops championship ring.

The changes implemented are obvious right from the launch. The first thing players are assailed with is the new NBA Live 365 with its DNA downloads. Live 365 adds the same scrolling real-world scores updates that have graced other EA Sports titles. Yep, you get the MLB playoffs, college football, NFL scores – in short, if the game is being played and it is ESPN noteworthy, you will see scores scrolling along the bottom. You don’t have to interrupt your game to find out who is winning what game.

But the package is a whole lot deeper than that. DNA is a pro tracking program that charts hot streaks, cold streaks and general play of the NBA players represented in this EA Sports release. If you are playing as the Phoenix Suns and Steve Nash goes on a wild three-point shooting streak, that streak (or hot hand) will be reflected in your game. This certainly infuses a sense of realism into the game.

The Be a Pro mode that has been components of the NHL and FIFA titles gets an introduction in Live 09, but this is not as fleshed out as it could have been. You get to take on the role of one player for one game. There is no create-a-player mode to insert into a parallel NBA universe and work up, only the option to hop into the body of one player for a game. That means (to use Steve Nash, again) you would play as Nash on offense and defense with the game’s AI handling the rest of the players on the court. It’s fine, but certainly not the immersive experience provided by other EA Sports titles.

Adding to the multiplayer mode is the ability to create leagues and team play. The latter can have up to 10 players in a game (similar to the team play mode in NHL).

But that is getting ahead. New game modes (outside Be a Pro) include the NBA Live Academy, which is a series of challenges that will deepen game abilities. Things like offensive and defensive rebounding, and fast breaks are addressed in the academy, with level-based challenges.

New moves include the pick-and-roll (set a screen, then roll off it to receive the pass in what is hoped to be an open lane to the rim), locked-down defense, Quickstrike Anklebreakers (a new set of moves that could put a would-be defender on his butt – these are mostly tied to hesitation moves), a new playcalling option that allows players to use the DNA downloads to call the optimum play for the team based on what is currently working, as well as low-post situational attacks and defenses.

While one could chat for a while on the new features, the proof is (as they say) in the pudding, or more accurately in the implementation within the game. Not only were many of these tested in single player but multiplayer proved to be joyful as well. The game moved at a silky-smooth framerate, with players moving, and juking, at a realistic clip. The graphics, while there were a few minor clipping issues that are rare, are also in fine form. Watching the clock is important, though. Playing a one-versus-one game against an EA producer ran without a hitch, except when the clock expired in the fourth while the offense (trailing by three) was holding the ball and couldn’t get it into the hands of an outside shooter in an effort to tie it up at the end of regulation.

Graphically, the physics were very good and the player models were very nicely rendered. There is no create-a-player mode here, so you are stuck with the players that are actually playing the game. The sound was also solid. The musical score could have been better, but the game announcing is fine.

NBA Live 09 is an entertaining title that plays well and has a solid array of game modes. Some of the areas that are a bit skimpy may be addressed down the road, but you can’t build if the foundation is not strong and with Live 09, the foundation is strong.

Gameplay: 8.2
There are some very cool new features that affect the way the game is played. It will involve a bit of a learning curve to get the new moves down pat, but once you have them in your repertoire, they become great weapons. The control scheme is also easy to understand and use.  

Graphics: 8.4
The game looks good and the framerate is smooth.

Sound: 7.0
The musical score is hit and miss, but the announcing duties are handled well. The game sounds are also decently realized.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 8.0
Some of the new elements could have been fleshed out more, but NBA Live 365 is a very nice touch.

Multiplayer: 8.4
Whether head-to-head, in an online league or playing as one of five teammates (against, potentially, five other players), the multiplayer element has been improved.

Overall: 8.2
While the 2K title has yet to be reviewed by GameZone, EA Sports title is clearly the better of the two games currently reviewed. The game flow is much better, the animation is smoother and the overall experience is more enjoyable. Sure, there are some elements that would be nice to have included (like a better Be A Pro mode), but that little bit is countered by the replayability offered by the NBA Live 365 feature and the DNA downloads.