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NBA 2K9 is the latest in the highly praised 2K Sports NBA lineup. The winning formula of gameplay and comprehensive game modes return with the all new 5 on 5 multiplayer and the technical showpiece: Live Rosters. The inclusion of this latest feature is the title's most touted enhancement and boasts longevity through updated team rosters and player abilities. As impressive as it sounds though, what makes the title great are its similarities with its predecessors.

The most striking and immediately apparent thing about NBA 2K9 is its broad scope of content. Game modes from association, quick match and the dunk contest to the fully featured online community bring to bare just how complete this package is. The game can be played solo, locally or online and with any combination of any players with up to 10 players online in the new 5 on 5 mode. With all these modes plus the advanced reelmaker with full sharing and community options there is little left to squeeze in.

Nothing highlights the production values like the new Live Rosters. This new feature means your game will remain up-to-date on a daily basis. Everything from team rosters, player statistics and tendencies right up to new animation packages to let a player's video game counterpart truly represent their latest talents. This is an impressive technical achievement and will keep competitive players adapting their teams and style. Although, as somebody who doesn't follow the real sport nor intends to scan the game in frivolous detail for the maximum advantage, I must admit that it doesn't have that much effect on the overall game.

You're free to jump into a quick match which is conveniently greeting you when you boot up. Additionally in single player you can play the association, season, playoffs, rookie challenge, practice (including tutorial) and situation modes. The Backtop also returns with the slam dunk contest, pickup games (1 on 1, 2 on 2, etc), 21 and dunk school to help you learn the unique controls and patterns for the dunk contest.

Online is an equally comprehensive game mode. Full community options are available from playing in custom made leagues, ranked and unranked matches with team mates or no team mates. Online multiplayer is complimented well with the proper online community functions including the custom reel sharing, roster sharing, online profile and more.

It is difficult to discern  which, if any game mode is NBA 2K9's primary mode. Your favourite online and offline modes will be your own, but mine was the association. In association mode you can scout for new talent, reassign teams, change coaching techniques and control any team at all during a match. You have complete control over the NBA. It is possible to play association mode entirely as a manager too by 'simulating' each match based on your managerial decisions. The amount of freedom is staggering and thankfully it is all optional, with plenty of default and automatic configurations for those who want to just want to score some hoops.

NBA 2K mimics the sport the with competent and adapting AI mixed in with its unique control style. While on the offensive your opponent will defend exceptionally well and spot a lot of patterns you might have. One man team approaches work only early in a match, as it progresses you will be forced to issue team mate orders to continue your success. Pressing the L Button opens up a menu containing four command options to issue, plus you may also press the button corresponding with another player to perform two man maneuvers with them, which are devilishly fun to execute. Defense isn't nearly as enjoyable though. You can lock onto an attacker with the L Trigger and block his passes and time your intercepts but there isn't much more to do. Micromanaging your defense as you might your offense leads to an easy defeat, which I cannot decide is a commendation to the AI's defensive strength or a gameplay/control flaw.

The control system works quite well though it has its faults. The most abundant problem is that it's learning curve is a little long. A dedicated gamer will grasp it with some patience in the tutorial but NBA 2K9 won't be a party hit because of this complexity. Manually intercepting rebounds or passes is extremely difficult and like many other abilities it is often best to let the AI on your team handle it. There was also the very occasional slip-up where passing the ball lead to it being thrown all the way across the court to the wrong player and going out or getting intercepted; very frustrating indeed.

Amongst all the game modes are a mountain of customisable options. From the ability to manage your team roster to the reelmaker you will find just about everything you will need to recreate the NBA experience how you want. The regular lineup of camera types, audio options, match settings and so forth are expected in today's sports titles, but never-the-less it is always appreciated when so many are included.

NBA 2K9 is as I opened, staggering with the amount of content and options it has on offer. It does have a few pitfalls such as its learning curve and the occasional control and AI hiccups, plus the Live Rosters turned our fairly ordinary. Although all the improvements over NBA 2K8 are here and the series remains of the highest caliber. You cannot go wrong with NBA 2K9 if basketball is your thing.

Platform reviewed: Xbox 360

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