NBA 2K9

 PlayStation 3
NBA 2K9 Image
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 38 Ratings

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  • Summary: Improved facial and skin textures, better uniforms, improved eye movement and more realistic crowd reactions bring the game alive like never before. Analyst Clark Kellogg and sideline reporter Cheryl Miller join color commentator Kevin Harlan to create one of the most knowledgeable broadcastImproved facial and skin textures, better uniforms, improved eye movement and more realistic crowd reactions bring the game alive like never before. Analyst Clark Kellogg and sideline reporter Cheryl Miller join color commentator Kevin Harlan to create one of the most knowledgeable broadcast teams in the game. End each quarter with enhanced, multiple angle replay highlights, and be rewarded like never before with all-new, true-to-life celebration sequences after you capture the NBA championship. [2K Sports]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. 1UP
    91
    The game shines particularly bright in the Total Team Control mode, which allows you to hook up online with nine other players for 5-on-5 basketball. This mode simulates the experience of playing an actual game of basketball more closely than any videogame I've played.
  2. GamesRadar+
    90
    NBA 2K9 is the closest thing yet we’ve seen to a total hoops package. Other than a few minor quibbles – the visuals get choppy during the cutscenes between play and the Blacktop mode is a throwaway collection of uninteresting minigames – we’re utterly delighted with 2K’s latest ode to the hardwood.
  3. NZGamer
    88
    With the insight and dedication the makers of NBA 2K9 have applied to their franchise, dunking from my couch has never been more fun, more rewarding or closer to the real thing.
  4. GameTrailers
    84
    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.
  5. Worth Playing
    82
    This is a game designed and built for hardcore fans, and it's not going to waste any time concerning itself with anyone who doesn't "get it." To be perfectly blunt, the game is very, very hard, and most decidedly not for everyone, especially if you aren't an NBA superfan or a longtime franchise devotee.
  6. DailyGame
    80
    Still the best NBA game you can play, without question. However, the lack of new features may prevent it from being a slam dunk worthy of your $60.
  7. PS3bloggen.se
    50
    Newcomers beware. If you're not familiar with 2K's basketball games you'll need to spend an awful amount of hours to get into shape. Apart from the online and quickplay modes there isn't much to look forward to, and this years iteration will only satisfy old fans of the series.

See all 30 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 5 out of 15
  1. Totalcoolness20
    Jun 21, 2017
    10
    This game was awesome on the ps3 because when i used to play NBA 2K9 on my Playstation 3, they had good game modes and my favorite game modeThis game was awesome on the ps3 because when i used to play NBA 2K9 on my Playstation 3, they had good game modes and my favorite game mode was the dunk contest.… Expand
  2. MArkM.
    Oct 10, 2008
    10
    THis game is a lot better than the 09. Its contorls are very nice and the free throws are easy. Seriously i can hit almost every freethrow on THis game is a lot better than the 09. Its contorls are very nice and the free throws are easy. Seriously i can hit almost every freethrow on perfect release except for those players with the "messed up" motion. 10 out of 10.XD… Expand
  4. AidaO.
    Oct 13, 2008
    9
    Being previously a live player, I was at first disappointed in my switch to 2k. The menus suck, and the general feel is not good. However, Being previously a live player, I was at first disappointed in my switch to 2k. The menus suck, and the general feel is not good. However, the gameplay is SOOO much better than Live. Not a dunk fest and much more difficult to play. First game, on pro mode I hung with the opp but struggled as the game went on and the AI adjusted to my play. At least it is a challenge unlike Live. Tried the assoc mode and picked up Pierce, Rondo, R.Davis, McDyess, Bogut and some good role players. Obviously didn't take enough notice of the cap so I'm stuck with some long contracts. Overall, I'm now glad I made the switch even after playing only 3-4 games.… Expand
  5. RobertC.
    Oct 11, 2008
    8
    This is definitely a game for the major basketball fanatic. The amount of depth that this game shows in the Association mode is crazy. The This is definitely a game for the major basketball fanatic. The amount of depth that this game shows in the Association mode is crazy. The play calling is responsive and the ball handling is good as well. The game should only be played in 1080 or 720 resolution. Anything less will not do the graphics justice. The detail on the characters is well done although a few player models are off. The online needs a little work in the lobby department, but after the game is connected, it is a smooth experience. The blacktop modes could have been left out, but the best portions would have to be the dunk contest and 21. The three point shoot out, while simplified with just the player worrying about the shooting, is a little too simple once the timing is down. All in all, this is a great simulation basketball game with a few kinks that ultimately won't effect a great experience. A must buy!… Expand
  6. SeanC.
    Oct 9, 2008
    7
    It's a good game but anything more than an 8 and you are just really not beign honest. The player movement is fantastic best part of the It's a good game but anything more than an 8 and you are just really not beign honest. The player movement is fantastic best part of the game, really got all the individual animations down, very realistic, but that's it for me...The closeups stink and they do close ups all the time, they're are ad's on the screen I couldnt turn off, the crowd is beyond animated they are practically out on the court, easy to step outta bounds you can't even see the sideline cuz of the crowd, the controller isnt customizable much, it's really difficult topick up and have a good time you will have to work hard at it to excell really hard, Way different control than it was in previous editions. Bottom line I was bored, wasn't fun. I rented LIVE which isn't great either, but it sure is a lot more fun and you can pick it up and compete right away.… Expand
  7. RolandoD.
    Oct 8, 2008
    6
    Graphics suck. alot of glitches. terrible port.
  8. ChrisA
    Oct 10, 2008
    0
    Do NOT buy this game on ps3. If you HAVE to buy this game, only get it for xbox360. Online mode will CRASH your system causing extreme risk Do NOT buy this game on ps3. If you HAVE to buy this game, only get it for xbox360. Online mode will CRASH your system causing extreme risk to your system's hardware. The xbox360 version does not have this problem because of xbox live. Also, if you are excited about 5v5 gameplay online, forget it, there is no way all 10 people will stay in game without most, if not all, of the players' systems crashing. After 3 days of user's systems freezing, 2k sports has done nothing to alleviate the problem, showing that they are not dedicated to their fan base. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME.… Expand

See all 15 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best PS3 Game of 2008
56
#56 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
72
#72 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008