EMBEDDED VIDEO GAMETRAILERS
<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="gtembed" width="480" height="392"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.gametrailers.com/remote_wrap.php?umid=262385"/> <param name="quality" value="high" /> <embed src="http://www.gametrailers.com/remote_wrap.php?umid=262385" swLiveConnect="true" name="gtembed" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" allowFullScreen="true" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="392"></embed> </object>
NBA Live 09 - Demo Preview
By, Behindshadows
This is just a simple demo preview. As I'm spending more time with the demo, I will tell what is wrong and what is right about this game.
But one thing is for sure the series is definitely moving in the right direction. And this season's basketball game is definitely a true competitor and is shaping up to be an outstanding series winner.
With this being Season 2 of the new EA NBA team to work on Live. From what they all couldn't do with Live 08, they definitely implemented into Live 09.
One thing you will notice from 08 to 09, is the more alive stadiums and the outstanding presentation. Some people argue that the crowd isn't up to par. But these are the best crowd models, since The Show 08 on PS3. The models are in complete 3D and you see individual models stand up and sit throughout the game, while others walk the stairs leaving and going to the restrooms or concession stands. Either way you can definitely see the detail in them illustrated in many ways.
During the game the audio is a major boost, hook this puppy up to surround sound system and you'll just be amazed at the atmosphere of the stadiums. Not to mention the voices of the players while on the court. Get a penalty on a play and even the coaches voices are heard yelling at you about the call.
Free Throw system is much better and more simplified for those who disliked the system in 06,07, and 08. Just simply press and hold B and release at the green. You'll know what I mean when you get the chance.
Graphic wise, these are the best player models to date, I wish replay was available on the demo. I would have created some nice screenshots for this preview. Especially the close ups on their faces. Whatever graphics engine they are using is great, skin textures, players proportions, their faces are sculptured absolutely beautiful. Details even in the little things is very noticeable.
Now the players have personality, you'll see some guys get scolded by team mates on bad plays.
(Ex. I went for a steal and knocked the ball out of bounds, but almost kept the possession before touching the line. You saw the player pump his fist and the expression on his face, with the action of almost on his face and in his movements.)
These type of little things is what makes this game better than previous Live's.
Also for a demo, I really like the player collisions. I've played around 24 or more games so far, and I always see something nice in the game.
Sometimes I wish I would film every game I play, because the ones I'm not recording, something amazing happens and I wish I had it captured. Once you get Quickstrike down, this game is going to please a lot of people. So far I got the basics of it, I ran a play with Kobe as the primary shooter. I crossovered and drove to the basket. He did an up and under with some collision, and the ball hit and bounced around the rim, he hit the floor and slid across it looking back at the basketball.
Just insane details like that, will make this game stand out alone.
Steve Kerr has never sounded better in the commentary, him and Marv are just an incredible duo. Everytime you hear them talk, its like a musical melody, where the verses are not always different. But doesn't stop you from listening to the song. Not to mention what they say during the game is spot on, while going on with other subjects during gameplay is just a nice touch in video game commentary.
What's wrong with the demo is, its too short and not a full game. I would have rather had more time, than the rewind teams, etc. Which are a waste since you can't complete the game.
I found the reason some animations look weird is because you shouldn't use turbo anymore during quickstrike moves. Makes the animations look funky.
Also with all the Celtics butt kissing going on in the NBA games this year, especially the competitors. Seems the EA team also have made the Celtics damn near unstoppable. I've had many times where Ray Allen and Rondo was tightly covered and hit three's and jumpers with a perfect swish!
Also I've had times where Garnett was being pushed around and my defenders backed off him while he took his shot, and of course he made it.
Little things like that need to be Ironed out before release.
All I can say is get this demo for Xbox 360, its worth the try! And you'll be counting the days to October 7th.
SCREENSHOTS



















Comment