NBA 2K9

 Xbox 360
NBA 2K9 Image
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 46 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: 30 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  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. GameSpy
    90
    This game delivers where it needs to, offering the most realistic NBA experience to date. Heck, even free-throw shooting means memorizing the shooting styles of different NBA players (a feature we really like, by the way).
  3. IGN
    85
    Refined gameplay that captures the speed of the NBA game without reverting to being an arcade title. A few annoyances here and there are all that hold this one back from a guaranteed spot in the Hall.
  4. ZTGD
    84
    The Association mode is making a case for the best franchise mode in the entire genre, and the on court gameplay is mostly very solid. With some tweaks to the post play, and an overhauled menu system, next years' version has the potential to be a truly outstanding title.
  5. WonderwallWeb
    81
    A great basketball game though and highly recommended.
  6. Gamer.nl
    80
    The game is an excellent new addition to the series despite the fact that it knows little innovation. The gameplay goes deep and demands from the gamer some form of commitment. If you're willing to give these extra miles than you will experience a great basketballgame with superb plays.
  7. Gameplanet
    70
    If you're a dedicated NBA fan then there might just be enough here to keep you occupied. If not, there are better alternatives on the market.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 3 out of 11
  1. NBAOz
    Oct 7, 2008
    10
    This is the best basketball game I have ever played. Pretty much everything has been improved from NBA 2k8. Better graphics, bug fixes, more This is the best basketball game I have ever played. Pretty much everything has been improved from NBA 2k8. Better graphics, bug fixes, more realistic and lively crowd. I don't know how they could possibly improve on this game next year except for maybe adding Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan to the legend teams:-) Highly recommended!… Expand
  2. LeoR
    Feb 23, 2009
    10
    I agree Iall the previous 10 ratings. I have been playing basketball video games since Double Dribble, and I can say this is probably the I agree Iall the previous 10 ratings. I have been playing basketball video games since Double Dribble, and I can say this is probably the funnest one I've ever played. The visuals, controls, and presentations all greatly exceeded my expectations.… Expand
  4. Jobadkins
    Jun 2, 2012
    10
    I just had to write this review,seeing I'm years late but I'm a true basketball believer.First off 2K's game just gets better and better everyI just had to write this review,seeing I'm years late but I'm a true basketball believer.First off 2K's game just gets better and better every year.Ever since the very first Nba 2k on the Dreamcast.There really has never been a year where there was a problem or something was suspect.Nba 2k12 is out right now and the game is flawless in every way and every detail.There is one thing that stumps me though.Put your NBA 2k12 and then put your NBA 2k9 and look,NBA 2k9 looks amazing in all the word!As an overall picture on a HD TV running at least 1080i,the game looks better then any year and I went year by year,game by game because I thought maybe something was wrong with me but it is true.Yes the player models are way better,animations,sound,ect...,ect..Do what I did and just look at the game.I actually was playing the game and two friends came into my home and could of swore that the game was on TV.I look back now and also realize that 2K was in a league of there own and NBA live never even compared because they were not even on the same playing ground as 2K,and later look what happened to EA,they dropped out of the race since 2K11.So once you see what I see than just kick back with your NBA 2K12 and just love the fact that your NBA 2K9 was perfect in 2008, and play it here and there it is well worth the cheap asking price that you can get it for now.If the game had updated rosters and the my player mode it actually would be perfect but that would also mean that 2K sports wouldn't make anymore money on basketball games. 9.9… Expand
  5. JobA
    Jul 15, 2009
    9
    wow,Its really amazing how far the 2K franchize has came over the years from nba 2k on the Dreamcast.This is definetly the best basketball wow,Its really amazing how far the 2K franchize has came over the years from nba 2k on the Dreamcast.This is definetly the best basketball game ever made and I cant wait to see how it evolves over the next 10 years.I give it a 9.6… Expand
  6. RogerM.
    Oct 7, 2008
    8
    Yes its seems 2K is now developing former EA fanboys into 2K fanboys. GJ. The game is excellent but by no means leaps and bounds, with its Yes its seems 2K is now developing former EA fanboys into 2K fanboys. GJ. The game is excellent but by no means leaps and bounds, with its predestined ball handling control scheme, get rid of the SHOT STICK, and give me the option to drive how and where i want to based on my opponents defense.… Expand
  7. niconline
    Oct 29, 2012
    7
    Playing this game is fun and will keep you busy throughout the NBA season and beyond. Lack of player emotion is puzzling like the gameplayPlaying this game is fun and will keep you busy throughout the NBA season and beyond. Lack of player emotion is puzzling like the gameplay sometimes. It seems as though 2K is losing its lead over NBA Live and needs to come up with fixed online servers and deliver their promise of up-to-the-minute roster updates. Once again the menus are frustrating but players will eventually get used to them. A decent pick-up if you love the NBA and want to play through a season as it's happening. You won… Expand
  8. jonsmith
    Nov 10, 2008
    0
    graphics were a real let down compared with nba live, gameplay is languid, ratings of players are ridiculous kb24 is over 100, need i say more

See all 11 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
90
#90 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008