#5 of 2008: NBA Live 09
by 
The NBA is one place where EA Sports now plays the role of the underdog. That isn’t a familiar scenario for them. How did they react with NBA Live 09? Improved gameplay and a big investment in the future. While the game still had issues it provided an enjoyable experience with fully functioning modes and a variety of features.
NBA Live 09 had the most innovative addition of any game this year with Live 365. While its value to the game remains questionable it does offer a great deal. Not only in providing a daily roster update, but changing the way the game plays and offering the opportunity to view some fascinating data that NBA fans normally would never have access to. This multi-year exclusive deal with Synergy showed that EA is serious about the franchise and would be attempting to achieve what they have done recently with FIFA and NHL. That is changing the perception around a franchise that lagging behind a competitor. While 365 hasn’t shown enough to justify it as a paid add-on next year it has proven it does have some value.
While gameplay is always going to be subjective, Live’s showed some big improvements this year. Additions such as the Pick and Roll Control and new play calling system were of big benefit. Despite that there were several areas that the game struggled with. Some of those include rebounding, lack of aggressiveness for loose balls, broken fast breaks, and terrible directional passing. The Lockdown Defense and Quickstrike Ball Handling were disappointments too. The animations keep the game from being as fluid as 2K9 and that flow is probably the most striking difference between the two titles. Presentation is still in need of an upgrade however the commentary is by far the best of the NBA offerings.
While Live 09 didn’t have a real Be a Pro mode, it did come through with the NBA Academy and excellent online performance and options. Online Team Play continued to run smoothly and bringing in the Clubs provided more reason to play it. Hopefully next year they go the MMO route seen in NHL 09. I also have to stress the importance of what the NBA Academy provided. Being able to practice specific situations not only provided opportunity for improving skills but it also added a new element to franchise mode with the team practices. More drills should definitely be added on next year.
Live and 2K9 easily could be flipped in order since they offer unique strengths while carrying their own weaknesses. Neither one offers the full package. The online performance and options, attempts at innovation, familiarity and accessibility, as well as general direction the franchise is headed pushed my preference towards Live. This was a great year for basketball gaming with three quality titles that excelled in their own distinct ways.
#5 NBA Live 09
#6 NBA 2K9
#7 Madden 09
#8 Blitz: The League II
#9 NFL Tour
#10 Tiger Woods 09
December 15, 2008 at 9:55 am
nice
December 15, 2008 at 10:08 am
wiw pasta i know this is tottaly ur opinion but i thought u said in a earlier post before release u like 2k, but maybe im wrong….. u saod there gameplay was better and every single website has reviewed 2k better. and it has a bunch more sales. i dont know how u could even think of putting live in front of 2k
December 16, 2008 at 3:02 am
exactly! wtf is wrong with this guy!!! live should have been number 10 on this list. it was the worst rated sports game in comparison to the rest of these on the list! IGN gave Live a 6.9! this game is no way in hell number 5!! whatever its his opinion!! but im sure everyone else agrees 2k should be in the top three sports games of the year! I mean if you give one of the best games (nba 2k9) a low rating like that then im just waiting to see whats in the top 4!! this is ridiculous!!
December 15, 2008 at 10:08 am
lol, give me a break
December 15, 2008 at 10:12 am
Pasta this is clearly your EA bias taking over again. Not one review of NBA Live found on a majority of credible websites would rate NBA Live over 2K9 and the fact that you throw out 365 and the other lame features as reason to rate it over 2K9 just shows more awful bias towards EA. Gameplay should ultimately be the most important thing and 2K9 trumps Live in every aspect, and for this reason it should at the very least be placed ahead of Live. However I know this is ultimately just your opinion and I respect that but if I were you I'd re-think placing Live ahead of 2K9.
December 15, 2008 at 10:32 am
Basically it comes down to which game am I more likely to play again? For me it is Live for the reasons described and because 2K never delivered on the Team-Up feature they advertised. I don't review games, so it really doesn't matter to me how the mainstream media sites have reviewed them. I'm not even saying one is better than the other since it depends on each person's preferences.
December 16, 2008 at 4:05 am
yeah never delivering on what it advertised. cough ea cough
pasta has again lost his credibility. get a job pasta
December 16, 2008 at 4:15 am
based on that statement. never delivered on what was advertised. first of all whats advertised is always bull. i bet you show up to girls houses that say they are in their twenties and they are really in their teens.
and second. based on your words every ea sports game should be at the bottom of every list. this is just poor journalism.
thirdly, why dont you write reviews? trying to be the middle man that we can relate to. while trying to blind people to ea's slightly retooled games and saying you prefer them.
and at last. what kind of credible opinions can one get from someone that only plays online.
you go on to state its clearly preferences. just remember morons can also give their opinions, and a lot of those particular "opinions" are presented by you
now make sure you vote against me multiple times so people think im talking like you always do
December 16, 2008 at 4:33 am
basically u suck EA Cock, your a bitch
December 16, 2008 at 6:53 am
"I'm not even saying one is better than the other since it depends on each person's preferences."
Thats exactly what your doing. (obviously it depends on everyones individual opinion. You've simply stated yours.)
In fact, you have a list that says so.
December 17, 2008 at 7:38 am
Pasta you don't review games? You basically have been reviewing every sports game on the market, or maybe I'm reading your posting wrong. But I agree with you that this year it's a toss up between Live and 2k. I am a big fan of 2k but I feel that with EA's money they will produce a better game by next year.
December 15, 2008 at 10:12 am
EA: Your check is in the mail Pasta
December 15, 2008 at 10:14 am
Your credibility just went out the window Pasta….It's true what they say about you on other forums….
December 15, 2008 at 11:55 am
You base credibility on whether someone likes one game over another? Really???
December 15, 2008 at 10:24 am
Did your Ball's drop Pasta? How n the world live is better than 2k9??
December 15, 2008 at 10:25 am
Where did I say anything about "better"? Its why I don't do reviews. I got more enjoyment out of what Live offered. Doesn't mean it would be the same for you or anyone else.
December 15, 2008 at 10:28 am
uh oh here come the 2k apologists lol. defending a game that has a ton of problems. its half a game since online is so bad. live isnt perfect but it should be known that it was a good game
December 16, 2008 at 7:01 am
Would you say its better the nba 2k9?
Like if you had a list, would you rank it higher then nba 2k9?
Have you ever played nba 2k9?
December 15, 2008 at 10:32 am
"particularly in terms of innovation, but like the Houston Rockets exiting in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, it's the same old story here. NBA 2K9 continues to be the dominant basketball title, hands down."
thats all you need to know
December 15, 2008 at 10:51 am
Leave the rockets alone! lol i agree with u tho, but u could of used a diff example
PPPP
December 15, 2008 at 10:34 am
I actually agree with Pasta here. Live 09 had lots of value with the variety it had, working online play, and 365 which is amazing. I do play 2K but its just the same old game and actually less sim than it was last year.
December 15, 2008 at 10:46 am
Pasta,
You state you don't "review" games, but by putting out a top 10 list, that is essentially what you are doing.
Otherwise just issue the top 10 games not in any order. By putting the games in order 1 through 10, you are pretty much saying which one you believe to be the better game.
This "I don't do reviews thing" is pretty much a copout for "I love EA".
December 15, 2008 at 11:57 am
If you look at that way, but I prefaced the entire list as having to do primarily with how much enjoyment I got out of each game. Not which game is "better". If people want a list of the top 10 games by metacritic score that could be arranged also, but I don't see how that is worthwhile lol.
December 16, 2008 at 3:15 am
exactly!! EA CAN"T FACE THE TRUTH!! one of the reasons why they monopolized NFL GAMES because of fear of competition!! and i don't care if someone tells me the NFL had no choice! that is BULLSHIT!!!! those bastards at EA paid them to shut up!!
December 15, 2008 at 11:22 am
i agree with this totally! good job pasta as for everyone else… you all probably havent even played live 09 so what is there to say your probably just taking 2ks side cause they usually come out with the better game.. but i think i liked live better than 2k this year..
December 15, 2008 at 11:29 am
#1 id say would have to be ESPN NFL 2k5 with updated rosters!!!
December 15, 2008 at 11:32 am
it's over im done…i had this page bookmarked but pasta u have lost all cred wit this one..back to ign and 1up sports anomoly now..lol pasta your a dumbass..
December 16, 2008 at 3:04 am
same here, i am done with this site! THE MOST EA SPORTS BIASED SITE!!!
December 16, 2008 at 12:01 pm
lol are u seriously using ign and 1up as examples of credible sites? thats too funny
December 15, 2008 at 11:32 am
Good Job Pasta for not taking the normal route. You knew you get shitt for placing live ahead of 2k9 and you had the balls to do it I applaud you sir. basically Live and 2k9 are the same games from last year. I also prefer live over 2k9 this year.
December 16, 2008 at 1:01 am
You accuse Pasta of being on a payroll, but looking back at your comments…wow. So much hate….
December 16, 2008 at 6:52 am
How do pasta's balls taste?
salty?
December 16, 2008 at 6:56 am
Awww, how old are you? 12?
December 16, 2008 at 7:28 am
Have you recieved your PASTA PALS t-shirt in the mail yet?
December 16, 2008 at 7:39 am
Cute…
December 16, 2008 at 1:29 am
After many a year acknowledging 2k as my game of choice LIVE made a resurgence this year. I find myself wanting to play LIVE more than any other game in my collection. Even with all of its issues LIVE IMO was/is a vastly improved game and a viable option for those of us who have grown weary of the same stale 2k formula that has continually provided sub par graphics and LAST GEN physics and gameplay. Its time for 2k to step into the next generation…errrr…Current generation…I need something new from 2k
Good choice Pasta…and as the man said his opinion is just that…an opinion…Not a statement on which game is better.
December 16, 2008 at 11:55 am
Afrodamus, I agree, but there are too many fan boys on here that makes me want to throw my 2K copy out, lol. It's a lost battle bro. I too have leaned 2K over the years, even though I wasn't happy with the overall basketball gaming community, but I give the notch to Live this year.
December 17, 2008 at 6:32 am
Why do you let who plays the game determine if you play the game? You weren't happy with the 2K gaming community so you almost threw your copy out? Really JR? So if someone that I don't like roots for the same team that I root for should I then not root for that team anymore?
December 17, 2008 at 6:39 am
Oh lord. It was an anecdote my friend. Switch to decaf.
December 17, 2008 at 10:35 am
Well JR aka Pasta jr, "my friend", judging by your 101 post defending Pasta it sounds like you're the one who needs to switch to decaf. Lol. Seriously though JR, you sound like a well educated dude & you sound articulate, but why do you find the need to defend Pasta so much. Pasta stated his piece so just give it a rest. "A wise man once told me not to argue with fools because people from a far can't tell who's who."
December 16, 2008 at 12:37 pm
you know its easy to play live if you cant jump over a sheet of paper or even shoot a basketball in the pool. so i give praise to you afro for not being a real basketball fan or player.
December 17, 2008 at 6:42 am
I'm not a real fan because? Lakers fan since being in my mother's womb and I played throughout high school and during my tenure in the armed forces. But that's the past, everyone on here will claim they were good and was the starting PG for their high school team. Spent $1500 to go watch the Cavs play the Lakers next month and I'm flying out there just for one day to go see the Lakers play. That's dedication to my team and the game. My favorite sport is basketball, I'm a fanatic.
December 17, 2008 at 7:39 am
Look Jr next time take that 1500 dollars and put it to good use. Catch a flight to e.a. sports head quarters in california and help them make a real basketball game!!!!! not one with dna flow charts that will impress the average kid like yourself. And if they can't donate the money so they can buy out the nba license and no more arguments about who is the best game like they did with college basketball.
December 17, 2008 at 7:45 am
Actually 2K Sports decided not to produce a College Hoops game this year. Get your fact straight kiddo. Last I checked EA Canada was HQ for EA. You tell me Patrick. How misinformed you are. It's cute.
December 16, 2008 at 1:37 am
Yo Pasta AMAZING SITE! Hey i was just wandering I got a ps3 and i'm an all graphic type of gamer so…..2K or Live? ______________________________________
December 16, 2008 at 6:57 am
Aaaa Dave if you want some stick figured guys go and buy live. If you want real men go and get 2k9.
December 16, 2008 at 1:46 am
If LIVE and NBA2K9 could have been switched, why didnt you switch it? You're a lame, you probably had LIVE NO.3, but after our outrage, you switched your garbage list. Madden and NBA2K9 are the two most played on/offline sports games…Your list is for dummies…
December 16, 2008 at 3:03 am
How is 2K9 the most played online game if their online feature doesn't work? O.o
December 16, 2008 at 6:57 am
Ive played over 100 games online.
It does work.
December 16, 2008 at 7:02 am
I'm guessing the scores of people having online issues with 2K was all in their minds?
December 16, 2008 at 7:33 am
I can only speak from my experience. Thats not to say that things cannot be improved, I'm simply challenging the notion that 2k's online gaming is broken.
If ive managed to play over 100 games online(with about 5 or 6 games with lag) then how could it be broken? the majority of my online experience is a very positive one.
December 17, 2008 at 12:17 pm
People who say 2K9 doesn't work online, are people w/o xbox live, because I play online just fine.
December 16, 2008 at 1:54 am
I also like the comment that claims. you suck EA dick, and you're a bitch. that guy got you described spot on.LIVE hasn't been good/worthwhile in YEARS, its a joke that your list even has it on there, a broken game with broken code, with funny animations, and it doesn't represent the sport it claims to simulate, yet you have it as a top 5 game to purchase, in your opinion, in the sports genre…You really think LIVE represents THE Basketball video game purchase to make over NBA 2K9? Even the guys at EA play NBA 2K9 more than they play LIVE, still trying to copy shit…EA probably laughs at how fake you keep it. Be real with them and maybe they finally make a decent basketball title. You've been a joke for awhile now, and I admit, I check in to see what new 'spin' you put on EA's fall from grace. I now you grew up just to kiss they're booty, but they're not hot anymore, not the trendy company, no need to ride their balls…come up for air, pasta LIVE is not better than 2k9, just come off it….that insane drug you sniff…
December 16, 2008 at 2:04 am
Pasta, you suck! Live rated higher than 2K9. What a joke you clown!
December 16, 2008 at 3:08 am
exactly!
December 16, 2008 at 2:46 am
Everybody here is on the same side.
Everyone wants Live to be a better game.
I believe, moderated arguing, criticizing, negative, but true opinions only can make a game better. Many of U here dislike people, who disagree with Pasta, but he chose to support EA whatever it produces, others have chosen to whip EA to achive! Peace
December 16, 2008 at 3:06 am
There are a lot of people who do support Live but also see room for improvement. They acknowledge the success and call out on the negatives. It's not people just accepting Live for what it is, it's seeing it for what it is and what it can be. It's all about forward progression, but the 2K fanboyism on this forum needs to chill out for real.
December 16, 2008 at 2:49 am
its about time someone speaks out against the holy 2k that can do no wrong. the game is a mess with a train wreck of online play. 2k is a take your money and forget about you company. mlb 2k, top spin, prizefighter, and now nba 2k9. i dont get why people want to defend them when they dont give a crap about the customer.
December 16, 2008 at 3:15 am
Last i recalled we were talking about basketball no???? please. And last i recall 2K puts up its roster updates before live no???? OHH ok i thought so.
December 16, 2008 at 11:53 am
Live's rosters get updated as soon as the player plays for that particular team. They also include players that weren't originally on the roster, case in point: Morrow. At the same time, when the player plays for the team, EA compiles their new player DNA. There's more to it than just adding a player to a team.
December 16, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Jr for the 100th time please stop riding nba live! a game is more than some stupid dna update!! as long as the rosters are up to date!
December 16, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Patrick,
I'm simply stating fact. I've stated my reasons why I lean more towards NBA Live, and I'm pretty sure I listed more than an update. DNA has been a worth while experience, and well received within the community. I really don't believe you understand the concept of DNA. Roster updates are important and actually having players in the game that play and not omitted are important. Roster updates along with a reflection how they play on their current team is important too.
So for the 100th time Patrick (rolls eyes), stop being a troll and a hater. Did you even own NBA Live?
December 16, 2008 at 3:02 am
lol exactly!! revise these rankings NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 16, 2008 at 3:08 am
well after he ranked 2k number 6!! i knew it too!! WTF!!!! Im just wondering what his top 4 games are!! this is absurd!!!
December 16, 2008 at 3:14 am
After I Played Them Both I Like Live Better I Guess People Figured That Out To
December 16, 2008 at 3:11 am
heres a shocker in his explanation:
"however the commentary is by far the best of the NBA offerings"
alright first of all, they are recycling marv alberts lines for the past 5 years! AND STEVE KERR IS NOT EVEN A COMMENTATOR ANYMORE!! hes the damn GM of the SUNS!!! How can EA avoid that for 2 years!!!
December 16, 2008 at 8:02 am
maybe live 365 can add an update to that!!! lol
December 16, 2008 at 3:13 am
Then:
"Despite that there were several areas that the game struggled with. Some of those include rebounding, lack of aggressiveness for loose balls, broken fast breaks, and terrible directional passing. The Lockdown Defense and Quickstrike Ball Handling were disappointments too. The animations keep the game from being as fluid as 2K9"
He basically criticized the whole game and then gave it a higher ranking for no reason!! i mean some of those things in the list are fundamentals of basketball!! EA CAN"T EVEN GET THE BASICS DOWN. all they did was add some features that 2k has had for years!!! I REQUEST THAT YOU REVISE THESE RANKINGS!!
December 16, 2008 at 3:19 am
Dee your absolutely correct. The reason why we go hard is because we respect pasta's opinion and insight on videogames. so we expect him to put the correct all around reviews for everything game related. But these ranking that hes putting up are making him look someone who rates based on what he has preffered over the years which isnt fare to the new gamers
December 16, 2008 at 3:15 am
NCAA 09 should be #1-3, with NHL and The Show mixed in. All other games were lackluster, though both basketball games were decent. Madden is Trash for one reason ONLINE FRANCHISE. PASTA MAKE SURE YOU TELL EA THEY HAVE TO MAKE ONLINE FRANCHISE SIMILAR TO COLLEGE AND MADDEN WILL BE BACK!!!!
December 16, 2008 at 3:26 am
I got U, but Live 09 do not even reach the buttom of my preference, and I wont play with it now, just because 'it has room for improvement' and 'can be better'.
U became like Pastas little sister, try to stop fanboyism, if U can, but its against the grain, most gamers are never gonna understand, how a serious gamer can prefer live over 2k.
December 16, 2008 at 4:27 am
So you're saying you're judging a game you haven't even played? Interesting. That's not being biased or a fan boy (rolls eyes yet again).
December 16, 2008 at 4:29 am
So you're saying you're judging a game you haven't even played? Interesting. That's not being biased or a fan boy (rolls eyes yet again).
I'm Pasta's sisters because I'm stating fact? That's even more interesting. Once again with the name calling because someone doesn't agree with your views, even though people come on here with supportive and well thought out comments. We can agree to disagree, but you try to come on here to sound like the voice of reason with vague statements and cliche's that doesn't give you any credibility on here.
December 16, 2008 at 3:26 am
Haha, Enjoy sitting next to Peter Moore at the EA Christmas Dinner.
December 16, 2008 at 7:57 am
Maybe they can talk about how to make a basketball game that will actually sell!!!!
December 16, 2008 at 4:14 am
I had respect for your opinion Pasta. That was until now and this ridiculous choice! You call yourself a sports gamer and yet you choose a flawed and severely broken game against the proven King of basketball. It's like picking the 0-14 Lions over the Titans. Your opinion means nothing no more. You have lost All credibility!
December 16, 2008 at 6:14 am
This pastapadre.com site is an UPSIDE DOWN page, where:
-Peter Moore shows U something 'never seen before' every week;
-There is no other review or list on the net, where liveo9 is better than 2k9, and maybe Facebreaker shall be on the top of the list;
-and JR is teaching everyone, 'stating the fact' every hour and has a high reputation.
It is all upside down…
December 16, 2008 at 6:25 am
When did Pasta become a reviewer? He simply stated he picked the games he enjoyed the most this year. Pasta already stated that Facebreaker was one of the bottom games for him this year, shows how much you really read his work.
As for people liking Live over 2K this year, you will find plenty of people who believe that notion. Like I said, people have their preference but to put someone down because of their preference and to act like your opinion is the end all be all is just ignorant and on more than one occasion on here ReignMan you've displayed that.
December 16, 2008 at 7:24 am
MORE PEOPLE BOUGHT 2K FOR THE 3RD STRAIGHT YEAR.
ITS A BETTER GAME.
ITS PERFECTLY FINE IF YOU FEEL OTHERWISE.
MY THEORY IS ANYONE WHO LIKES LIVE MORE THEN 2K, HAS NOT PUT AMPLE TIME INTO 2K. 2K CAN BE FRUSTRATING TO PLAY, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR COMING FROM A LIVE-TYPE GAMEPLAY EXPERIENCE. 2K CAN BE DIFFICULT TO JUST PICK UP AND PLAY. IT TAKES TIME TO GET THE HANG OF IT. BUT BECAUSE OF THAT IT IS AN OVERALL DEEPER GAME AS FAR AS GAMEPLAY AND REPLAYABILITY.
ITS NOT SURPRISING THAT PASTA (CASUAL GAMER) AND YOU JR (CASUAL GAMER) WOULD LIKE A GAME LIKE LIVE, BECAUSE YOU CAN JUST PICK IT UP SMASH ON SOME BUTTONS AND DOMINATE.
HAVE YOU EVEN PLAYED 2K ONLINE POST PATCH?
HAVE YOU PLAYED AT ALL POST PATCH?
LIKE YOU SAID, CASUAL GAMERS LIKE LIVE BECAUSE YOU(CASUAL GAMER) TYPICALLY DONT PLAY THAT OFTEN AND LIVE IS AN EASIER GAME THEN 2K.
THAT MAKES PERFECT SENSE AND IT IS VERY EASY TO UNDERSTAND WHY A CASUAL GAMER WOULD FEEL LIKE THAT, JUST DONT TRY TO SIT HERE AND ACT LIKE LIVE IS THE BETTER GAME.
THATS SIMPLY OFFENSIVE, WHICH IS WHY PEOPLE ARE REACTING THE WAY THEY ARE.
December 16, 2008 at 7:36 am
Call me crazy…but I'm sure I've mentioned on this blog and others that I preferred 2K over Live the last several years. When did I call myself a casual gamer? Wow your argument just went out the window in a flash just like that. Dr. Logic, as it's been stated, the overall better game is subjective. But I'm over here laughing at your childish antics on here, and your false claims about me. Did you feel a sense of accomplishment? I'm actually pretty good at 2K, I played 2K2, 2K3 and 2K6-2K8 way more than NBA Live. I'm an avid basketball gamer, for me it has nothing to do with pickup and go. And lose the caps kiddo.
December 16, 2008 at 8:15 am
If my argument went out the window then your argument was never in the house.
Like what you want to like, but dont go off the deep end and try to explian why the features on the back of the box suddenly mean more then the gameplay you actually experience. Why online lag (which has nothing to do with the actual gameplay) holds such weight when the MAJORITY of gamers dont play online.(and a good amount of the ones that do, like me, have had a more then positive experience)
If your having a "grass is always greener" moment and you like the fact that when you picked up live it didnt feel like 2k thats perfectly fine, but that doesnt make it a better game.
Shame on you, because given your experience with 2k you should know better then to persist that its perfectly normal for Live 09 to be listed as a higher quality sports game then NBA 2k9.
Thats what we're conversating about here, not which game you or pasta prefers. Were talking about which game deserves to be ranked higher when you put into context the top 10 sports games of 2008.
December 16, 2008 at 6:32 am
Thanks for your opinion Pasta. I know for myself, i own both 2k9 and Live 09…..both are awesome Bball games!!! NBA fans were lucky this year. I find myself playing Live just a bit more than 2k, just because i tend to have more fun with Live 09. I understand this list is based off of sports games during the year that you enjoyed playing the most. Only reason why NFL Tour is on this list LOL. I just enjoying scanning the comments are reading all the different opinions from all the different fanboys. This one is better…….NO this one is better and on and on and on…….Just play whichever NBA game you prefer.
December 16, 2008 at 6:38 am
Pasta's top games:
#1 NHL 09
#2 NCAA Football 09
#3 MLB 08: The Show
#4 NCAA Basketball 09
December 16, 2008 at 6:54 am
Maybe not familiar scenario to Live serie to be the second, but they have go get use to the feeling.
THIS POST FROM PASTA SHOWS 2 THING CLEARLY:
-HE IS ADVERTISING EA GAMES HERE UNDER COVER (WHICH IS FINE, BUT DONT THINK PEOPLE ARE STUPID)
-HE IS NOT A SERIOUS SPORT GAMER, AS HE CONFESSED THAT BEFORE, SO HIS PREFERENCE LISTS ARE NOT PROFESSIONAL, ONLY BASING ON HIS PERSONAL PREFERENCE, WHICH IS QUITE STRANGE, AS HE LIKES LIVE OVER 2K.
One last note, last week nba 2k9 ~4times oversell live o9 , even live08 had better sale results.
December 16, 2008 at 1:05 am
Last week or first month of sales? Both 2K and Live are not going to reach the figures that they did of last y ear even though they both came out the gates fast. Didn't we have this discussion already?
Pasta did admit he was a casual gamer in terms; however, his analysis of games are actually more in depth than a lot of gaming sites out there, which is probably the reason why so many people come here.
In terms of advertising EA games, Pasta has been critical on those games as well for their short comings.
So its strange if someone prefers Live over 2K? A lot of people feel that way, and vice versa.
ReignMan, we've had plenty of discussions, and please take your European figures out of here because they aren't really relevant.
December 16, 2008 at 2:36 am
I do not want to bother U with stats, go and see them on vgchartz.com, and think again.
Funny things U R writing: "depth" and "analysis" from a "casual gamer". Most of his posts R like EA advertisements.
So europeans R not welcomed here? JR, stop being a licking dog, europeans has many benefits, like we do not have the overwhelming Marketing and Advertisement here, so we can make a difference, we hate the Peter Moore guys and we can decide, that what we R reading is an usefull post or just empty marketing.
I do respect, that he prefer live, I felt the same way 10 years ago.
December 16, 2008 at 3:00 am
What exactly do you want me to see at vgchartz.com? The point I made is that even though Live and 2K flew out the gates in terms of sales, it hasn't held up and they will probably not outsell last years world wide totals.
Europeans are welcomed; however, you back your "facts" and opinions based off European appeal. Sports video gaming is catered mostly to the American demographic, so thats why I say throw your European figures out the window since they only account for a small percentage of an entire figure.
Yes he is a casual gamer in the sense that he won't sit there and play Madden for 5 hours a day, but plays it long enough to provide and in depth analysis of the game. A casual sports gamer doesn't purchase every sports game out there. He simply can't become a hardcore gamer because of the fact that the market is saturated with games and he tends to play the majority of them, please look at his xbox live gamer card for proof.
So when get got on Live about the DNA not being updated, and the DNA defaulting for all players, those were advertisements? Or how about when Madden had online issues? What about lack of names being used in NCAA 09 Basketball online, or the EA Locker not working?
ReignMan you have tunnel vision bro.
December 16, 2008 at 7:52 am
"Live's rosters get updated as soon as the player plays for that particular team. They also include players that weren't originally on the roster, case in point: Morrow."
- JR
(Im pretty sure 2k updates its game as well or better then live with things that will actually make a difference in the gameplay experince, i.e. animations. Live DNA is a cute idea and may be big one day, but lets keep it real, what good are tendencies if two humans are playing the game. You guys are saying that live online is better right? Tendencies would really only be relevent in a cpu vs. cpu match up, no?
December 16, 2008 at 7:58 am
DNA is more applicable to offline play, so every team doesn't play the same. Again, someone commenting who hasn't even played the game…
December 16, 2008 at 7:54 am
Someone has pushed the 'full court offense" on JR.
I personally do not have any problem, if U prefer live, but it is frustrating, if someone is trying to makes me believe, that live is better, just because some aspects of the game is better. And I think ALL OF US tried both games (or all 3), before he made his choice…
December 16, 2008 at 8:03 am
No one is trying to tell you that one game is better than the other. That's why I've consistently said that claims of whichever game is better will be subjective, but not one single opinion is the end all be all.
I don't mind the "full court offense" on me. It's killing time at the office for me. I just like watching these people get upset and start with the name calling and childish antics.
December 16, 2008 at 8:28 am
I agree. It’s hard to believe how immature some people are being over a stupid list (not trying to say that your list is stupid pasta, I actually enjoy it very much, but you know what I mean). And just so that everyone knows, this is coming from someone who has always preferred 2k over Live. That’s all I’ve got to say.
December 16, 2008 at 9:08 am
When you make a list and rank the BEST SPORTS GAMES OF 2008 wouldn't you say that thats a pretty defenitive suggestion about which, in order, are the better sports games of 2008?
December 16, 2008 at 8:06 am
Yo Pasta you sure you not on the same ea sports payroll like that Illinios governor blogojevicvh???? I respect your gaming insights but this one is not one i give respect to!!! live have been crap for some years now. why would 2k add any features to a good product model. the game does have flaws but live has been a joke for the past few years!!!
December 16, 2008 at 8:40 am
I have both and I also like Live over 2K and I haven't played Live since 04.
December 16, 2008 at 8:48 am
Even if NBA live is not a popular, well-selling game, I hope EA wont cut it like possibly does with the NFS frenchise, it needs only more effort and passion, and less Peter Moore.
I would love to play with a better NBA Live in the future, and arguing on PASTAPADRE.COM, as according to the news EA is axeing over 500 jobs, I hope Paste will keep his job, and his name remain on the monthly payroll.
December 16, 2008 at 9:16 am
Yo Pasta can you IP ban hammer all these people who dont see the truth. Live is the truth like paul pierce in the finals against lakers. 2k9 is like Kobe's performance in the finals. all flash no depth.
December 17, 2008 at 7:51 am
j Tuck and jR i see both of you are lap dogs for pasta!!
December 16, 2008 at 10:09 am
People, if your talkinga ll the shit on pasta, then y do u keep coming back. if u dont like his opinions, dont look at them. go to another site. i still personally think that 2k9 is better but its an opinion. i still love ya pasta lol.
December 16, 2008 at 10:40 am
yo I steel LIVID ova dis ish
pasta used 2 B my HOMIE used 2 B my ACE
WUT DA HELL U FINKIN???
DAMM MA
December 16, 2008 at 11:38 am
An 2 da BITTY usin my name SWIZZY & copyin my post & tryin deer HARDEST 2 post like me
@ 1ST I thought it was kinda FUNNY but NOW dis F** bin doin dis 4 MONTHS SH…is just G** NOW
whoeva U R
ILL U G** E.A.D L-A-M-E
December 16, 2008 at 11:51 am
What amazes me by the "regulars" who come to this site are shocked that Live is over 2K. Pasta has leaned towards Live, not because he's biased, it's because he just prefers that game of 2K. I had always leaned towards 2K, but this year I'm leaning heavily on Live. I have both games, I've played both games and while 2K offers a very fluid game play, the Live engine also brings good things to the table and solid game play as well (especially post patch). The fact I can take the game online, use the NBA Academy, All-Star Weekend and FIBA I'm very pleased with this years release of Live.
Which game is better is subjective and for every person that says they prefer Live, another will prefer 2K. A lot of people on here want to act as if their opinion is the end all be all, and that your opinion is the only one that matters. You can agree to disagree, but the name calling, the questioning of ulterior motives and whining just makes you guys look ignorant, uninformed and biased yourselves. Pasta stated this is his list, his opinion, which he enjoyed the most. Don't question his credibility because you can't name 1 other individual who has dedicated himself to sports gaming such as Pasta.
Why is it that because Pasta prefers playing one game over another it's biased or he's in EA's payroll? So is this the case when anyone else prefers Live over 2K? Seriously everyone, anyone that has prefered Live over 2K has come on here and stated their opinion while at the same time being respectful to 2K gamers, but the majority of the 2K fans on here are just coming out hell blazin.
I'm all for good basketball gaming as I was dissapointed over the years by BOTH games. This year, both games stepped up, and stumbled at some points. For every flaw you can point out in 2K, you can counter with Live flaws and vice versa. You guys, grow up, get over it.
December 16, 2008 at 12:20 pm
AMEN thats the same thing i was trying to say in my posts,you said it much better than me,i agree with you 100 percent.
December 16, 2008 at 12:17 pm
wow…..there are a lot of people who are stupid and can't read who respond to this article.
Pasta is stating his preference……..HIS OWN preference and what he likes himself. Not yours and not the general publics opinion. Wether or not 2k9 is the superior game or not is not the issue…..pasta likes live and is playing that more so that gets on the list.
I repeat……..a lot of guys can not read properly and a lot of guys do not understand what the read so they respond like lunatics. Most of the time their respond is not even right, cause the argument they are trying to bring forward has no value, cause it is not the ISSUE.
NOW read this and please understand:
PASTA PLAYS LIVE…..HE LIKES LIVE OVER 2K…….it IS HIS OPINION. THAT IS WHAT THIS LIST IS ABOUT.
NOT ABOUT THE BEST GAME IN GENERAL.
before you post a comment, read…….then think…………then don't post.
bunch of idiots here.
still get a laugh out of most you guys, though. Stupidity is funny to me.
December 16, 2008 at 12:21 pm
dis iz sum BULL..ISH
LIVE SHOUD HAV DAT #1 SPOT
PASTA AINT NO GANGSTA
HE A BITTY YALL
I B LIVID RITE NOW
December 16, 2008 at 12:34 pm
you guys THIS LIST IS HIS OPINION and he knows that you guys will agree/disagree…
he has a right.. just like everyone else to post his opinion on HIS SITE…
1st amendment people…
December 16, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I disagree strongly, but it's your opinion. The next four will be interesting to say the least. A lot of good sports games are left out there to be chosen.
December 16, 2008 at 3:07 am
OPINION!! SCREW THE OPINION!! the list is called the top 10 sports games of 2008. IT DOESN"T SAY ITS THE TOP 10 in his opinion. it should be the top 10 non-opiniated games!! Im not even trying to boast for 2k. its just that live was in no way better!! Have you seen the glitchy jerky crowd animations!! The gameplay is far from smooth and the players look nothing like their real-life players!!