NBA Live 09 Demo Thoughts

by pastapadre
Posted September 8th, 2008 at 9:11 am

While I’m going to save a more detailed comparison of the build that was played at the community event for the final version of the game, I wanted to get up some random things I noted from playing the NBA Live 09 demo. You can check out the videos that I recorded here and more impressions of the demo from Andrew over at NLSC. Other than wishing that the NBA Academy had been included in some fashion the demo does provide a good representation of what to expect from the game.

The passing seems to have improved at least slightly including the analog directional based passing. It still isn’t great as it frequently doesn’t recognize the player you are actually attempting to pass to. However it does seem to be a little more responsive the passes have a little more on them.

The player momentum is still a little heavy. I noted back then how I would attempt to pull up for a jumper but it would carry me into a leaner. That doesn’t seem quite as evident from my time with the demo but I did recognize it would pull my player in a little deeper than I would anticipate. So running and pulling up for a three pointer would often end up with me taking off while on the line.

I still really like the quick play calling though it seems like it will call the same play the majority of the time (as the Celtics it’s posting up Garnett). The normal play calling actually seemed like it was more natural to use now than before, I’m not sure if it was a button change to pull up the plays or what but it seems different to me.

With a smaller sample size it is difficult to judge the rebounding but I thought it seemed a little more true in the demo. Players were a little more aggressive in going up for the ball.

Even though we knew there was nothing going to be done about it, not having players able to dive for loose balls makes for awkward moments as it bounces out of bounds.

On All-Star it seems as though the hook move in the post is overly easy to execute and overly effective compared to the other moves. This was the case in the earlier build as well.

The CPU tended to make bad passes in the back court off of rebounds which gave me the ball back without really any effort required.

Saw an inordinate number of turnaround threes put up by the CPU, some of which were good. I also made one in that fashion. Just doesn’t look natural.

The responsiveness on defense is a concern. It seems like it takes a second after hitting the button for a player to go up for a block or a second after pushing up on the right stick to get their hands up.

Had some instances where an opposing player would drive into the lane and no help would come, they’d just watch him go by and dunk.

It is difficult to figure out the Pick and Roll Control timing wise. I think the NBA Academy will be really beneficial in many areas including this one.

With all the improvements to the gameplay the Online Team Play should be excellent.

I can’t wait for the Pastapadre OTP Club!

Tags:

http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

yes more B-BALL NEWS

if ur NOT 1st ur LAST
http://pastapadre.com sdot

yes more B-BALL NEWS

if ur NOT 1st ur LAST
http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

thx 4 da write sounds like da THROWN is safe LONg Live da KING
http://pastapadre.com sdot

thx 4 da write sounds like da THROWN is safe LONg Live da KING
J-Claw

feels to me like this is the year live either catches up or surpasses 2k. the 365, nba academy, and otp will be great. on the other side 2k still hasnt even shown a gameplay video. that makes me nervous.
J-Claw

feels to me like this is the year live either catches up or surpasses 2k. the 365, nba academy, and otp will be great. on the other side 2k still hasnt even shown a gameplay video. that makes me nervous.
JustASPORTS FAN

Seems kind of dissapointing with Live again.. i dont think they are ever going to get it right, gameplay wise, defensive awareness is very bad, passing is still not fluid, player movement is very arcade like, to easy to take it to the lane and dunk even with defenders just standing under the rim just watching, stealing the ball is very frusturating to me as pasta mentioned, if your a skilled NBA live player it should be very easy to take CPU’s ball, also kind of dissapointing that Paul Peirce’s shot looks nothing like his jumpshot in real life, kind of weird how i took Kobe to lane on every play to dunk on Superstar level.. i dont know just seems like to 2k9 is the way to go again until NBA live really turn things around cause they are leap years behind if they are competing in a simulation type of basketball game
JustASPORTS FAN

Seems kind of dissapointing with Live again.. i dont think they are ever going to get it right, gameplay wise, defensive awareness is very bad, passing is still not fluid, player movement is very arcade like, to easy to take it to the lane and dunk even with defenders just standing under the rim just watching, stealing the ball is very frusturating to me as pasta mentioned, if your a skilled NBA live player it should be very easy to take CPU’s ball, also kind of dissapointing that Paul Peirce’s shot looks nothing like his jumpshot in real life, kind of weird how i took Kobe to lane on every play to dunk on Superstar level.. i dont know just seems like to 2k9 is the way to go again until NBA live really turn things around cause they are leap years behind if they are competing in a simulation type of basketball game
http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

2 Ne 1 dat cares great LOOKIN screen shots of 2k9 in da NEW PREVIEW, NEW SCREENSHOTS thread @ 2Ksports.com

JR i’m TALKIN 2 YOU I told YOU it WOULD LOOK GOOD
http://pastapadre.com sdot

2 Ne 1 dat cares great LOOKIN screen shots of 2k9 in da NEW PREVIEW, NEW SCREENSHOTS thread @ 2Ksports.com

JR i’m TALKIN 2 YOU I told YOU it WOULD LOOK GOOD
Timothy Daley

[quote comment="35443"]feels to me like this is the year live either catches up or surpasses 2k. the 365, nba academy, and otp will be great. on the other side 2k still hasnt even shown a gameplay video. that makes me nervous.[/quote]

You should be nervous. This is the same protocol they followed with MLB 2k8 and we all know what a disaster that game was, not to mention that NBA 2k7 was actually better than 2k8 so that is even more cause for concern.

Seems to me that 2k is trying too hard and it is reflecting in poor games over all. MLB 2k8 was an abomination, NBA 2k8 was lackluster at best when compared to 2k7 and NHL 2k8 was weak when compared to NHL 08 and NHL 2k9 is even worse while NHL 09 is hands down the sports game of the year again and I have no qualms in making that prediction this early.
Timothy Daley

[quote comment="35443"]feels to me like this is the year live either catches up or surpasses 2k. the 365, nba academy, and otp will be great. on the other side 2k still hasnt even shown a gameplay video. that makes me nervous.[/quote]

You should be nervous. This is the same protocol they followed with MLB 2k8 and we all know what a disaster that game was, not to mention that NBA 2k7 was actually better than 2k8 so that is even more cause for concern.

Seems to me that 2k is trying too hard and it is reflecting in poor games over all. MLB 2k8 was an abomination, NBA 2k8 was lackluster at best when compared to 2k7 and NHL 2k8 was weak when compared to NHL 08 and NHL 2k9 is even worse while NHL 09 is hands down the sports game of the year again and I have no qualms in making that prediction this early.
nba2k

[quote comment="35445"]2 Ne 1 dat cares great LOOKIN screen shots of 2k9 in da NEW PREVIEW, NEW SCREENSHOTS thread @ 2Ksports.com

JR i’m TALKIN 2 YOU I told YOU it WOULD LOOK GOOD[/quote]

Those r amazing!!
nba2k

[quote comment="35445"]2 Ne 1 dat cares great LOOKIN screen shots of 2k9 in da NEW PREVIEW, NEW SCREENSHOTS thread @ 2Ksports.com

JR i’m TALKIN 2 YOU I told YOU it WOULD LOOK GOOD[/quote]

Those r amazing!!
http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

WTF 2K7 is NOT betta than 2K8 & i’m sorry 2 who I offend but hockey ISN’T a GOOD enuff/popular sport 2 be given game of da yr especially NOT dis wit both Live & 2K9 having 5 on 5 TP (I kno Live had it last yr & who won game of da yr last yr)

but dat was like nash 1st MVP he didn’t deserve it or his 2nd or dirk’s 1st but datz a diff issue
http://pastapadre.com sdot

WTF 2K7 is NOT betta than 2K8 & i’m sorry 2 who I offend but hockey ISN’T a GOOD enuff/popular sport 2 be given game of da yr especially NOT dis wit both Live & 2K9 having 5 on 5 TP (I kno Live had it last yr & who won game of da yr last yr)

but dat was like nash 1st MVP he didn’t deserve it or his 2nd or dirk’s 1st but datz a diff issue
juice0863

Hi pasta a little off topic here but were you invited to the ea sports ncaa college basketball community if so will you post some of the things on it thank you. Also the nba live demo was great if ea sports would only do what their doing for live for college basketball they’ll have a top seller.
juice0863

Hi pasta a little off topic here but were you invited to the ea sports ncaa college basketball community if so will you post some of the things on it thank you. Also the nba live demo was great if ea sports would only do what their doing for live for college basketball they’ll have a top seller.
ReignMan

Timothy, I do not know any other 2k games, but nba 2k9 will shine. You bet. Take a look at

http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_avances.php?pic=360&id=cw48c3eead61eb2&idj=cw48c3ee748db80&idp=&tipo=art&c=1&pos=0

It is INSANELY AMAZING. A classic: IF YOU DONT LIKE THIS, YOU DONT LIKE NBA BASKETBALL.

Look the detailed arms on the HD caps, with the veins and muscles under the skin, it feels like a NVidia techdemo. Brand new pregame warmup, and its NBA atmosphere. Gameplay was solid in 2k8, so 2k9 can only be better.

These pictures in motion shall feel like a REAL NBA BALLGAME AT ITS BEST!

PS: Sorry Padre about the OFFTOPIC.
JR

sdot I don’t see them, last I see is for 8/26, post a link.
ReignMan

Timothy, I do not know any other 2k games, but nba 2k9 will shine. You bet. Take a look at

http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_avances.php?pic=360&id=cw48c3eead61eb2&idj=cw48c3ee748db80&idp=&tipo=art&c=1&pos=0

It is INSANELY AMAZING. A classic: IF YOU DONT LIKE THIS, YOU DONT LIKE NBA BASKETBALL.

Look the detailed arms on the HD caps, with the veins and muscles under the skin, it feels like a NVidia techdemo. Brand new pregame warmup, and its NBA atmosphere. Gameplay was solid in 2k8, so 2k9 can only be better.

These pictures in motion shall feel like a REAL NBA BALLGAME AT ITS BEST!

PS: Sorry Padre about the OFFTOPIC.
JR

sdot I don’t see them, last I see is for 8/26, post a link.
http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

JR you BETTA NOT even TRY 2 HATE
http://pastapadre.com sdot

JR you BETTA NOT even TRY 2 HATE
James

[quote comment="35457"]Timothy, I do not know any other 2k games, but nba 2k9 will shine. You bet. Take a look at

http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_avances.php?pic=360&id=cw48c3eead61eb2&idj=cw48c3ee748db80&idp=&tipo=art&c=1&pos=0

It is INSANELY AMAZING. A classic: IF YOU DONT LIKE THIS, YOU DONT LIKE NBA BASKETBALL.

Look the detailed arms on the HD caps, with the veins and muscles under the skin, it feels like a NVidia techdemo. Brand new pregame warmup, and its NBA atmosphere. Gameplay was solid in 2k8, so 2k9 can only be better.

These pictures in motion shall feel like a REAL NBA BALLGAME AT ITS BEST!

PS: Sorry Padre about the OFFTOPIC.[/quote]

Damn dude I hate you for showing me these pics… now I cant stand waiting anymore… I NEED 2k9!!!!
James

[quote comment="35457"]Timothy, I do not know any other 2k games, but nba 2k9 will shine. You bet. Take a look at

http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_avances.php?pic=360&id=cw48c3eead61eb2&idj=cw48c3ee748db80&idp=&tipo=art&c=1&pos=0

It is INSANELY AMAZING. A classic: IF YOU DONT LIKE THIS, YOU DONT LIKE NBA BASKETBALL.

Look the detailed arms on the HD caps, with the veins and muscles under the skin, it feels like a NVidia techdemo. Brand new pregame warmup, and its NBA atmosphere. Gameplay was solid in 2k8, so 2k9 can only be better.

These pictures in motion shall feel like a REAL NBA BALLGAME AT ITS BEST!

PS: Sorry Padre about the OFFTOPIC.[/quote]

Damn dude I hate you for showing me these pics… now I cant stand waiting anymore… I NEED 2k9!!!!
BK Slime

I think I will be going with NBA 2K9, i hear people conplaining about MLB2K8 what was wrong with it, I havent noticed any issues can anyone please share?
BK Slime

I think I will be going with NBA 2K9, i hear people conplaining about MLB2K8 what was wrong with it, I havent noticed any issues can anyone please share?
ReignMan

I think You are right SDOT, 2k8 is better, than 2k7, but slightly, only the expectations were too high, and 2k could not deliver, plus they quit the 24/7 mode, which was fun. But I feel they wont fail this time. I am just thinking, if NBA Live will be a good game, rated 85-90, what about 2k9? Rated 115-120?

Forgive me being a fanboy of 2k after these pics.
ReignMan

I think You are right SDOT, 2k8 is better, than 2k7, but slightly, only the expectations were too high, and 2k could not deliver, plus they quit the 24/7 mode, which was fun. But I feel they wont fail this time. I am just thinking, if NBA Live will be a good game, rated 85-90, what about 2k9? Rated 115-120?

Forgive me being a fanboy of 2k after these pics.
http://pflnation.com/ DaveDQ

Pasta, on the speed of the game…I think it’s perfect. I’m not crazy about it becoming twitchy, almost like NCAA/Madden. It feels very comfortable the way the players move. If they can up the aggressiveness a little, that’d be nice. I have seen some cases where players sort of watch things happen.
http://pflnation.com DaveDQ

Pasta, on the speed of the game…I think it’s perfect. I’m not crazy about it becoming twitchy, almost like NCAA/Madden. It feels very comfortable the way the players move. If they can up the aggressiveness a little, that’d be nice. I have seen some cases where players sort of watch things happen.
Jose Canseco

sdot is such a troll
Jose Canseco

sdot is such a troll
http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

see reign datz where we differ 1 I neva really played 24/7 mode but I can see why people liked it (Like my BROTHER)

but I look at da addition of SIG packages N 2K8 which led 2 ALL NEW DUNKS CROSS OVERS aimations compared 2 just SIG shots N 2k7 havin vendors/fans walkin round da stadium( which Live just started doin 2) improved playa faces COUPLE of EXCEPTIONS I think it wuz a Pretty significant STEP UP

BUT datz da PAST & 2K9 iz wit out a doubt da FUTURE
http://pastapadre.com sdot

see reign datz where we differ 1 I neva really played 24/7 mode but I can see why people liked it (Like my BROTHER)

but I look at da addition of SIG packages N 2K8 which led 2 ALL NEW DUNKS CROSS OVERS aimations compared 2 just SIG shots N 2k7 havin vendors/fans walkin round da stadium( which Live just started doin 2) improved playa faces COUPLE of EXCEPTIONS I think it wuz a Pretty significant STEP UP

BUT datz da PAST & 2K9 iz wit out a doubt da FUTURE
aaron

oh boy less than a month before release and there are finally 2k screenshots, from some foreign website and they dont even look that good. im supposed to get excited over that? show some gameplay videos or get the demo out and then we can talk about how it looks like the game is coming along. while live has its good points and down points at least they arent hiding the game from us.
aaron

oh boy less than a month before release and there are finally 2k screenshots, from some foreign website and they dont even look that good. im supposed to get excited over that? show some gameplay videos or get the demo out and then we can talk about how it looks like the game is coming along. while live has its good points and down points at least they arent hiding the game from us.
http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

@lil jose I didn’t tell you STOP tryin 2 B sum1 ur NOT

datz DEF NOT a GOOD LOOK

wut U tight dat I providin B-BALL fans wit B-BALL info STOP CRYIN E.A.D
http://pastapadre.com sdot

@lil jose I didn’t tell you STOP tryin 2 B sum1 ur NOT

datz DEF NOT a GOOD LOOK

wut U tight dat I providin B-BALL fans wit B-BALL info STOP CRYIN E.A.D
Dr Logic

NBA 2k9 will be the best basketball game to ever hit the market. if you think im wrong name another b-ball game better. And dont say NBA live(you’re an idiot if you think this) or NBA jam (best arcade basketball game ever bur nowhere near the 2k series.)
Dr Logic

NBA 2k9 will be the best basketball game to ever hit the market. if you think im wrong name another b-ball game better. And dont say NBA live(you’re an idiot if you think this) or NBA jam (best arcade basketball game ever bur nowhere near the 2k series.)
ReignMan

Aaron, 2k marketing is like that. They avoid the hype. I hate it too. But use your imagination. Imagine these 2k9 pics in motion, like 2k8 was. Imagine these pics as a slow-motion dunk replay. I hate 2k marketing…
ReignMan

Aaron, 2k marketing is like that. They avoid the hype. I hate it too. But use your imagination. Imagine these 2k9 pics in motion, like 2k8 was. Imagine these pics as a slow-motion dunk replay. I hate 2k marketing…
ReignMan

My favorite is Nba Live 97… I am serious!
ReignMan

My favorite is Nba Live 97… I am serious!
http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

I still hav Live 98 but my fav Live is 05 when I 1st got home & we played our 1st DC & nobody could make a DUNK & then when we Finally figured out da timin & made 1 dat ISH was crazy

was dat also da same yr dey added da ability 2 jump ova sum1′s head If so cuz dat ISH was CRACk when I was on da break wit LBJ & only Nash was there 2 STOP me & well dat didn’t work out in his favor
http://pastapadre.com sdot

I still hav Live 98 but my fav Live is 05 when I 1st got home & we played our 1st DC & nobody could make a DUNK & then when we Finally figured out da timin & made 1 dat ISH was crazy

was dat also da same yr dey added da ability 2 jump ova sum1′s head If so cuz dat ISH was CRACk when I was on da break wit LBJ & only Nash was there 2 STOP me & well dat didn’t work out in his favor
streetheat9

STILL NO NBA LIVE 09 DEMO ON PSN
streetheat9

STILL NO NBA LIVE 09 DEMO ON PSN