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

PSN updates every thurs

sum1 correct me if i’m WRONG
http://pastapadre.com sdot

PSN updates every thurs

sum1 correct me if i’m WRONG
amedawg00

For being a Live fanboy, Pasta recognizes the limits of this fading franchise known as Live (read in between the lines of his impressions, he was not impressed in the least bit!), yet has categorically avoided switching over to 2K for the sole reason of his OTP club. Pasta, now that 2K has OTP added as a feature, do you see your self getting a clue and switching your allegiance to 2K? WE DONT BELIEVE YOU EA, YOU NEED MORE PEOPLE! In fact its not even about believing the hype mongers anymore, as we have seen this pathetic demo and can now decide for ourselves, save for those who continue to drink the Live Kool-Aid.
amedawg00

For being a Live fanboy, Pasta recognizes the limits of this fading franchise known as Live (read in between the lines of his impressions, he was not impressed in the least bit!), yet has categorically avoided switching over to 2K for the sole reason of his OTP club. Pasta, now that 2K has OTP added as a feature, do you see your self getting a clue and switching your allegiance to 2K? WE DONT BELIEVE YOU EA, YOU NEED MORE PEOPLE! In fact its not even about believing the hype mongers anymore, as we have seen this pathetic demo and can now decide for ourselves, save for those who continue to drink the Live Kool-Aid.
r00tabaga

Pasta, what is the colors for the Pick’n'Roll meant for again? When I press A to pass to the picker it goes to the wing. If I try holding longer to have them release for a J and shorter to roll it still goes to others. I do like the demo a lot but some things still don’t feel “finished”…

…sdot, why was Nash and Dirk not deserving??? Cuz dey wuz wite???
r00tabaga

Pasta, what is the colors for the Pick’n'Roll meant for again? When I press A to pass to the picker it goes to the wing. If I try holding longer to have them release for a J and shorter to roll it still goes to others. I do like the demo a lot but some things still don’t feel “finished”…

…sdot, why was Nash and Dirk not deserving??? Cuz dey wuz wite???
James

you know 2k has the basketball sports title when pasta puts up a live thread and everyone gets excited about 2k9 (while a few loyal EA fans try to defend it) lol… personally i could care less about seeing 2k9 in motion because we already know 2k9 is far more superior in motion than the competition (although live has improved)
James

you know 2k has the basketball sports title when pasta puts up a live thread and everyone gets excited about 2k9 (while a few loyal EA fans try to defend it) lol… personally i could care less about seeing 2k9 in motion because we already know 2k9 is far more superior in motion than the competition (although live has improved)
VinceFan#15

Damn no homo but in that pic Vince look so good id suck his daddy’s dick. again no homo.
VinceFan#15

Damn no homo but in that pic Vince look so good id suck his daddy’s dick. again no homo.
cant wait for live 09!!!!!!!!!

i dnt care how many times u say no homo THAT WUZZ SUPAHOMO. ima be so pissed if da demo dnt be out by thurs. dawg.
cant wait for live 09!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i dnt care how many times u say no homo THAT WUZZ SUPAHOMO. ima be so pissed if da demo dnt be out by thurs. dawg.
VinceFan#15

its just a quote from a famous song and I said no homo TWICE. He looked ok in 2k8, but in 2k9, well i already said it. he look so good…
VinceFan#15

its just a quote from a famous song and I said no homo TWICE. He looked ok in 2k8, but in 2k9, well i already said it. he look so good…
http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

@ root DOn’T make dis as me being a RACIST even though I believe RACE played apart N dem winning

da 1ST MVP dat went 2 NASH should’ve went 2 SHAQ he turned da heat from a Play OFF team 2 legit contenders & as SHAQ said “dey TAINTED da MVP award ” I mean J-KIDD been puttin up #s equivalent & even better than Nash 1st MVP Y didn’t he get it

da yr dirk won it I think is da same yr KOBE avg 34ppg it was either dat yr or Nash 2nd MVP CAN’T remember off TOP

who was da last playa 2 avg 34 ppg & NOT win da MVP
James

[quote comment="35528"]its just a quote from a famous song and I said no homo TWICE. He looked ok in 2k8, but in 2k9, well i already said it. he look so good…[/quote]

lol that was kinda homo but i know the quote so ima let that slide… but yea if the game actually looks like that its gonna be 2k9 all day everyday for me.. who am i kidding even if its not its still gonna be 2k9 all day everyday
http://pastapadre.com sdot

@ root DOn’T make dis as me being a RACIST even though I believe RACE played apart N dem winning

da 1ST MVP dat went 2 NASH should’ve went 2 SHAQ he turned da heat from a Play OFF team 2 legit contenders & as SHAQ said “dey TAINTED da MVP award ” I mean J-KIDD been puttin up #s equivalent & even better than Nash 1st MVP Y didn’t he get it

da yr dirk won it I think is da same yr KOBE avg 34ppg it was either dat yr or Nash 2nd MVP CAN’T remember off TOP

who was da last playa 2 avg 34 ppg & NOT win da MVP
James

[quote comment="35528"]its just a quote from a famous song and I said no homo TWICE. He looked ok in 2k8, but in 2k9, well i already said it. he look so good…[/quote]

lol that was kinda homo but i know the quote so ima let that slide… but yea if the game actually looks like that its gonna be 2k9 all day everyday for me.. who am i kidding even if its not its still gonna be 2k9 all day everyday
http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

yea DATZ dat H0M0 @$$ BIGGIE VERSE which is Y

I say Pac is da betta of da 2
http://pastapadre.com sdot

yea DATZ dat H0M0 @$$ BIGGIE VERSE which is Y

I say Pac is da betta of da 2
r00tabaga

BIG was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more talented on the mic than Pac. Not even close. Unless you live in Cali I guess and don’t listen to Nas, Hova and the Wu.
r00tabaga

BIG was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more talented on the mic than Pac. Not even close. Unless you live in Cali I guess and don’t listen to Nas, Hova and the Wu.
http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

FAM i’m from FAR ROCK datz N QUEENS which is in NY I F__ wit nas bought da ___TAPES last month I mess wit GHOST FACE all dat I got is U is 1 of da REALEST songz but PAC got songz about every single subject there is & dey HOT

besides I CAN’T rock wit dat H0M0 ISH but if YOU can A….

got ur father hidin N da room
F’d wit a BROOM slit him down his back &
poured salt in his wound

advantage PAC
http://pastapadre.com sdot

FAM i’m from FAR ROCK datz N QUEENS which is in NY I F__ wit nas bought da ___TAPES last month I mess wit GHOST FACE all dat I got is U is 1 of da REALEST songz but PAC got songz about every single subject there is & dey HOT

besides I CAN’T rock wit dat H0M0 ISH but if YOU can A….

got ur father hidin N da room
F’d wit a BROOM slit him down his back &
poured salt in his wound

advantage PAC
Nell86

lol 2k look the same as last year
Nell86

lol 2k look the same as last year
Josh

2K does this every year. This is nothing new. Unlike Live, 2K lets the game speak for itself. EA has to advirtise Live so much because they know that their game is inferior.
di

IS THIS A GAMING SITE STILL ??????
Josh

2K does this every year. This is nothing new. Unlike Live, 2K lets the game speak for itself. EA has to advirtise Live so much because they know that their game is inferior.
di

IS THIS A GAMING SITE STILL ??????
di

SAVE THE MUSIC FOR THOSE SITES WE ARE GAMERS IN HERE!!!!!
di

SAVE THE MUSIC FOR THOSE SITES WE ARE GAMERS IN HERE!!!!!
r00tabaga

Pasta, any help with how to use the P’n'Roll??? It never lets me pass it to my “picker” as easily and fluid as I’d like. Did you figure it out?
r00tabaga

Pasta, any help with how to use the P’n'Roll??? It never lets me pass it to my “picker” as easily and fluid as I’d like. Did you figure it out?
NTG

[quote comment="35539"]BIG was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more talented on the mic than Pac. Not even close. Unless you live in Cali I guess and don’t listen to Nas, Hova and the Wu.[/quote]
LUPE More talented than all of them
NTG

[quote comment="35539"]BIG was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more talented on the mic than Pac. Not even close. Unless you live in Cali I guess and don’t listen to Nas, Hova and the Wu.[/quote]
LUPE More talented than all of them
VinceFan#15

Vince did look mad good though. right?
VinceFan#15

Vince did look mad good though. right?
cant wait for live 09!!!!!!!!!

U GAAAAY. BUT ANYWAYZ 2K LOOKS EXACTLY DA SAME TO ME. IT LOOKS LIKE ALL THEY DID WUZZ ADD realistic lighting reflections on tha court. dont get me wrong tho, it still look good. Im lovin live and WAITING SO IMPATIENTLY FOR A DAMN DEMO WTF.excuse mah french.
BustyBuffet

Damn I can’t even understand what sdot is saying half the time. Is that English?
cant wait for live 09!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

U GAAAAY. BUT ANYWAYZ 2K LOOKS EXACTLY DA SAME TO ME. IT LOOKS LIKE ALL THEY DID WUZZ ADD realistic lighting reflections on tha court. dont get me wrong tho, it still look good. Im lovin live and WAITING SO IMPATIENTLY FOR A DAMN DEMO WTF.excuse mah french.
BustyBuffet

Damn I can’t even understand what sdot is saying half the time. Is that English?
http://pastapadre.com/ sdot

@BUSTY datz a GAY name but Y
U gotta go bringin me N2 dis huh…

cantwait4live is don’t U kno YOU can be SHOT 4 REACHIN like dat LOL
like at dat pic of KIDD in da game datz SPOT on den go 2GSPOT & compare VC from 2K9 to him N 2K8 (dey hav a good pic from sum1 playin da DC U can use )

& den come back & edit ur POST
http://pastapadre.com sdot

@BUSTY datz a GAY name but Y
U gotta go bringin me N2 dis huh…

cantwait4live is don’t U kno YOU can be SHOT 4 REACHIN like dat LOL
like at dat pic of KIDD in da game datz SPOT on den go 2GSPOT & compare VC from 2K9 to him N 2K8 (dey hav a good pic from sum1 playin da DC U can use )

& den come back & edit ur POST
Josh

[quote comment="35522"]Damn no homo but in that pic Vince look so good id suck his daddy’s dick. again no homo.[/quote]

Yo that was mad homo dude!
Josh

[quote comment="35522"]Damn no homo but in that pic Vince look so good id suck his daddy’s dick. again no homo.[/quote]

Yo that was mad homo dude!
JR

sdot, those 2K screen shots looked good; however, look at 2K’s screen shots from last year and the actual game play….2K tends to use an artist rendition. I do believe the graphics are improved based off the demo video that came out a while back, but not as good as these screen shots show.

Not hating on 2K, just saying the graphics are very unlikely to be better than Lives. to argue your point from earlier.

One thing I really hope that 2K fixes more than anything is the skating. I’d take that over improved graphics. I’m not a graphics whore, it’s nice, but I love foot planting in games.
JR

And watch, all of a sudden now I’m an EA fan boy by some people, when the other day I was called a 2K fan boy. LOL. Better yet, just call me an NBA 09 fan boy.
JR

sdot, those 2K screen shots looked good; however, look at 2K’s screen shots from last year and the actual game play….2K tends to use an artist rendition. I do believe the graphics are improved based off the demo video that came out a while back, but not as good as these screen shots show.

Not hating on 2K, just saying the graphics are very unlikely to be better than Lives. to argue your point from earlier.

One thing I really hope that 2K fixes more than anything is the skating. I’d take that over improved graphics. I’m not a graphics whore, it’s nice, but I love foot planting in games.
JR

And watch, all of a sudden now I’m an EA fan boy by some people, when the other day I was called a 2K fan boy. LOL. Better yet, just call me an NBA 09 fan boy.