#5 of 2008: NBA Live 09

by pastapadre
Posted December 15th, 2008 at 2:49 pm

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

Tags: top 10, year in review

Dee

well after he ranked 2k number 6!! i knew it too!! WTF!!!! Im just wondering what his top 4 games are!! this is absurd!!!

C G

After I Played Them Both I Like Live Better I Guess People Figured That Out To

Dee

well after he ranked 2k number 6!! i knew it too!! WTF!!!! Im just wondering what his top 4 games are!! this is absurd!!!

C G

After I Played Them Both I Like Live Better I Guess People Figured That Out To

Dee

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!!!

patrick oak

maybe live 365 can add an update to that!!! lol

Dee

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!!!

patrick oak

maybe live 365 can add an update to that!!! lol

Dee

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!!

JY56G

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

Dee

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!!

JY56G

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

Only Speak Da Real

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!!!!
Only Speak Da Real

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!!!!
Lars

Haha, Enjoy sitting next to Peter Moore at the EA Christmas Dinner.

patrick oak

Maybe they can talk about how to make a basketball game that will actually sell!!!!

ReignMan

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.

http://www.intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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).
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

ReignMan

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.

http://www.intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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).
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

Lars

Haha, Enjoy sitting next to Peter Moore at the EA Christmas Dinner.

patrick oak

Maybe they can talk about how to make a basketball game that will actually sell!!!!

danny

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!
danny

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!
ReignMan

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…

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

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.
http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

LOL. Way to take this long exchange of words and to take it out of context. We were discussing Pasta's top 10 list and his justifications for it. Shame on me? Because I prefer a game over another? Once again "Dr Logic" at no point did I say one game was better than the other. When are you going to get that through your skull? You call yourself Dr. Logic but you obviously lack it because you begin arguments by taking what I say out of context to support your fanboyism. Seriously, grow up bro. LOL. That's the last I have to say about that See you guys next thread.
http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

"LOL. Way to take this long exchange of words and to take it out of context. We were discussing Pasta's top 10 list and his justifications for it." -JR

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.

(POINT MADE)

ReignMan

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…

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

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.
http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

LOL. Way to take this long exchange of words and to take it out of context. We were discussing Pasta's top 10 list and his justifications for it. Shame on me? Because I prefer a game over another? Once again "Dr Logic" at no point did I say one game was better than the other. When are you going to get that through your skull? You call yourself Dr. Logic but you obviously lack it because you begin arguments by taking what I say out of context to support your fanboyism. Seriously, grow up bro. LOL. That's the last I have to say about that See you guys next thread.
http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

"LOL. Way to take this long exchange of words and to take it out of context. We were discussing Pasta's top 10 list and his justifications for it." -JR

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.

(POINT MADE)

hawkfan23114

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.
hawkfan23114

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.
Teh Mind Reader

Pasta's top games:

#1 NHL 09
#2 NCAA Football 09
#3 MLB 08: The Show
#4 NCAA Basketball 09
Teh Mind Reader

Pasta's top games:

#1 NHL 09
#2 NCAA Football 09
#3 MLB 08: The Show
#4 NCAA Basketball 09
ReignMan

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

ReignMan

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

ReignMan

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

ReignMan

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

"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?

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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…

http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

"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?

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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…

ReignMan

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…

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

Orreo

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.
http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

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?

ReignMan

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…

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

Orreo

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.
http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

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?

patrick oak

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!!!
patrick oak

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!!!
http://intensedebate.com/people/LeeBron LeeBron

I have both and I also like Live over 2K and I haven't played Live since 04.
http://intensedebate.com/people/LeeBron LeeBron

I have both and I also like Live over 2K and I haven't played Live since 04.
ReignMan

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.
ReignMan

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.
Justin Tuck

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.

patrick oak

j Tuck and jR i see both of you are lap dogs for pasta!!

Justin Tuck

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.

patrick oak

j Tuck and jR i see both of you are lap dogs for pasta!!

ferris

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.
ferris

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.
swizzy

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
swizzy

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
swizzy

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
swizzy

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
http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

lonnie

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.

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

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.

lonnie

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.

johnshaft23

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.
johnshaft23

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.
swizzy

dis iz sum BULL..ISH

LIVE SHOUD HAV DAT #1 SPOT

PASTA AINT NO GANGSTA

HE A BITTY YALL

I B LIVID RITE NOW
swizzy

dis iz sum BULL..ISH

LIVE SHOUD HAV DAT #1 SPOT

PASTA AINT NO GANGSTA

HE A BITTY YALL

I B LIVID RITE NOW
adeel

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…
Sam

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.

Dee

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!!

adeel

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…
Sam

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.

Dee

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!!