News Post

Why I'm Done With NBA Basketball This Year: NBA 2K9

11:53 AM - March 24, 2009 by RaychelSnr

If you have been paying attention to the community’s efforts to tweak NBA 2K9 during the past few months, you probably noticed that Neon1, one of the hardest-working NBA 2K community members, redid the ratings and tendencies for every player and coach in the game.

As someone who had previously shelved NBA 2K9 out of frustration, I was initially excited to sit down and try this tweaked version of NBA 2K9 now that March Madness is in full bloom.

But after only a few games as my underachieving Grizzlies -- who have actually gotten a lot better, ratings-wise, since I last touched the game -- it became clear to me that the same opinion I had formed a few months ago still holds true:

NBA 2K9 is a mess, and no amount of slider tweaking or roster editing can save it.

So, in the first of a two-part series, I am here to explain why I have given up on NBA hoops this year, and I am also here to detail what needs to be improved in 2010.

Read More - Why I'm Done With NBA Basketball This Year: NBA 2K9

Game: NBA 2K9Reader Score: 8.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS2 / PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 72 - View All

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Member Comments

# 241 DC @ 04/16/09 08:43 AM

Hmmm, read this - http://www.operationsports.com/forum...post2039432594

# 242 GSW @ 04/16/09 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky


	1) That's not by design. That's people taking advantage of flaws in the game. The rapid, reaction times, pinpoint passes, some unstoppable ISO moves, and the inability to defend close baskets. Every game has people who take advantage of flaws or tricks in the game....The Show (after playing a top player), Fifa included. If I want to play with the Spurs, should I really be forced to play a slow it down game just because they do so in real life. Sure, it shouldn't be advantageous to do so, but I clearly don't think you can force someone to play the way they don't want to play. 2) If you know the game well enough, you can beat 80% of arcade gamers by playing sim. Switching on defense, using the right combination of settings, and playing controlled basketball will beat hardened cheesers most of the time. That said, I would agree that it is too easy for arcade-like gamers to compete.

the offensive moves you listed arent flaws..that is a game design...they want it to be easy to do a sweet looking crossover and get a layup and dunk. they want you to be able to pinpoint your passes, and make close shots, i mean come on...

after 3-4 years of the SAME "flaws" can we just agree the same "flaws" cant really exist and chop it up that that's the way it was meant to be?

and NO you cannot beat a "cheeser"/arcade like gamer 80% of the time playing SIM, at some point you will have to result to some arcade like tactics to secure the win.

Re: your spurs comment...no you shouldnt be "forced" to do anything, but you shouldnt have continued succcses if you chose to play that way...spurs are old, they would get tired way quick playing uptempo, and it would show on the defensive end, which would inevitably lead to more losses.

# 243 DC @ 04/16/09 09:51 AM

Quote:


	Re: your spurs comment...no you shouldnt be "forced" to do anything, but you shouldnt have continued succcses if you chose to play that way...spurs are old, they would get tired way quick playing uptempo, and it would show on the defensive end, which would inevitably lead to more losses.

Agreed 800%

# 244 spankdatazz22 @ 04/16/09 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican


	Hmmm, read this - http://www.operationsports.com/forum...post2039432594

And this was necessary why...? Is that all this boils down to - you needing to be told what you want to hear so you'll feel better? You create a billion threads on this board complaining about one thing or another (sometimes looking for stuff to complain about, like the free throw all nets thread), yet all it takes is for you to hear the right thing from a Live developer and you'll quietly wait to see what comes of it. Okay. I guess this whole perfectionist thing you have going has a little more behind it.

Somehow I get the feeling that even if there were a dev or two here telling the handful of you guys that need to be given some sense of consolation what you [supposedly] want to hear, it wouldn't be enough. And no, I'm not trying to "shut anyone up" - it's just tiring to read over and over, six months after the game released. Knock yourselves out complaining. Some of it's actually entertaining, like when behindshadows put a video up asking for comments, got negative feedback on his style of play (although of course, it's the game's fault!), so deleted everything. And is still in other forums talking about how the game sucks. The game's too arcade! All the teams play the same! Free throws are all net! I've learned as much about Live in the 2K forum as I've learned in visiting Live's own forum. Yep, I visit, but haven't posted there. Fortunately I don't have some burning need to tear the game down. Guess that's because I'm enjoying the one I am playing

# 245 DC @ 04/16/09 11:09 AM

The importance is they are TELLING us where the series is going. That is refreshing. i WISH I could know where the 2K Series is going.

Let us just not communicate when it comes to bashing vs defending the game because it is getting old. I throw in the towel man because you seem to go out of your way to defend this title at any costs. You win man. I am done with it.

# 246 GSW @ 04/16/09 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	And this was necessary why...? Is that all this boils down to - you needing to be told what you want to hear so you'll feel better? You create a billion threads on this board complaining about one thing or another (sometimes looking for stuff to complain about, like the free throw all nets thread), yet all it takes is for you to hear the right thing from a Live developer and you'll quietly wait to see what comes of it. Okay. I guess this whole perfectionist thing you have going has a little more behind it. Somehow I get the feeling that even if there were a dev or two here telling the handful of you guys that need to be given some sense of consolation what you [supposedly] want to hear, it wouldn't be enough. And no, I'm not trying to "shut anyone up" - it's just tiring to read over and over, six months after the game released. Knock yourselves out complaining. Some of it's actually entertaining, like when behindshadows put a video up asking for comments, got negative feedback on his style of play (although of course, it's the game's fault!), so deleted everything. And is still in other forums talking about how the game sucks. The game's too arcade! All the teams play the same! Free throws are all net! I've learned as much about Live in the 2K forum as I've learned in visiting Live's own forum. Yep, I visit, but haven't posted there. Fortunately I don't have some burning need to tear the game down. Guess that's because I'm enjoying the one I am playing

spank,

you are way too sensitive man, nobody is tearing the game down, ive repeadtly(sp?) stated the game is fine, its just that im looking for a more simulation based game not arcade.

its fun in limited doses (vs the computer) for what it is though..but the things that DC and I bring up would make it more simulation like (if thats the way they choose to go in the future)

It's not "complaining"...its asking.

are you honestly saying the things being brought up wouldnt make the game better?...are we both really that out of line?...are we lying?

I enjoy the game too sometimes, but I persoanlly want it to be more based in reality,strategic, simulation based... so im asking for that...

I have not bashed the game or said it sucked, since my post back when the game came out and iw as really frustrated and angry because my expectations were high...

I dont really get where you are coming from...but i will respect your desire to stay loyal to the cause though, and debate like this is always healthy and fun.

# 247 Pared @ 04/16/09 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican


	The importance is they are TELLING us where the series is going. That is refreshing. i WISH I could know where the 2K Series is going.

Let's be honest here... on a sports gaming site full of players that call themselves sim... do you expect any developer to ever tell you otherwise?

People are being told what they want to hear... I wouldn't expect anything less from ANY developer.

No one in their right mind would tell you otherwise.

# 248 DC @ 04/16/09 11:16 AM

They could have ignored the issue completely like 2K is doing. If I were to ask one of them the same question, I doubt I would be told "what I want to hear."

# 249 spankdatazz22 @ 04/16/09 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican


	The importance is they are TELLING us where the series is going. That is refreshing. i WISH I could know where the 2K Series is going.

That's what I said. You want to be told [something] so you'll feel better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican


	Let us just not communicate when it comes to bashing vs defending the game because it is getting old. I throw in the towel man because you seem to go out of your way to defend this title at any costs. You win man. I am done with it.

How am I going out of my way anymore than you are? It's okay if everyone's spreading the negative love around, but if someone says something to counter it that's an issue? I wouldn't want to see this forum become a praise board like some forums have become. But it shoudn't be so overwhelmingly negative because of the same handful of people either imo.

# 250 DC @ 04/16/09 11:22 AM

I offer solutions to improve the gameplay and you essentially tell me to shutup and stop complaining. Be thankful and happy for what I have.

That is going out of your way.

I respect you but you are very sensitive as GSW said. I would rather not go back and forth with you on this subject any more. It isn't helping the series out at all.

# 251 GSW @ 04/16/09 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	That's what I said. You want to be told [something] so you'll feel better. How am I going out of my way anymore than you are? It's okay if everyone's spreading the negative love around, but if someone says something to counter it that's an issue? I wouldn't want to see this forum become a praise board like some forums have become. But it shoudn't be so overwhelmingly negative because of the same handful of people either imo.

you should read my post on the last page...

youre making us out to be the bad guys, when we are all on the same team chief.

# 252 Kully @ 04/16/09 11:23 AM

I would also like to know where this game is heading. It certainly (to me anyway) doesn't have that simulation feel; it doesn't feel like I can get an authentic game against the CPU without seeing some weird, arcade-ish play.

After a few years of pinpoint passing, close shot success through the roof, and flashy looking crosses, you start to think that this game is heading in that route. Nothing lately has shown me that it isn't; it has just gotten worse over the years.

I guess we will all find out in a few months. This game is beautiful to look at in motion, but playing it is sometimes a far less enjoyable experience.

# 253 DC @ 04/16/09 11:24 AM

^ That is my point GSW. We are all on the same page but he isn't seeing it that way. We aren't saying the game is bad.

We are saying the game needs work in THIS area, here is how we should fix this.

Why would you be upset at me for offering solutions? I don't understand that AT ALL!

So like I said, you ignore me and I will ignore you because I am tired of it man.

# 254 Pared @ 04/16/09 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican


	They could have ignored the issue completely like 2K is doing. If I were to ask one of them the same question, I doubt I would be told "what I want to hear."

So you don't think Beluba would have told you the same exact thing while he was working for 2k?

You're tripping. It's quite obvious this push by these companies is working.

Seems like all 2k needs to do is have a stronger presence to give the appearance they are listening and all would be well with some of you.

# 255 DC @ 04/16/09 11:31 AM

I am not sure to be honest what he would say if he was with 2K. The issue never came up. I honestly never questioned where the series was going. This is the first year

The reason I ask Live Beluba is because I am thinking about giving it a chance next year.

Yea I wish 2K did communicate with us more. I know they read what we are saying but I wish they comminicated with us like hell so we can get SOME sort of feedback from them.

It's like talking to a girl and writing her letters every day not knowing if she really likes you or not. You KNOW she reads the letters so that means she is at least acknowledging you, but we all want some feedback.

# 256 GSW @ 04/16/09 11:31 AM

Spank,

Try this...I call it the "Semaj Bell"...

Take the Spurs, vs any team.. on offense pass the ball to Tim duncan(or anyone)...hold down turbo and run around the court..then run towards the basket then hit triangle or Y....then dunk.

a simulation game would not allow that to happen with any regularity even if you miss!!...(at all)

is it really "complaining" if i bring this point up , or other like-minded points?

Or should I, a person who wants his favorite game to be more based in reality, sit back and just be happy i have a fun game to play?

# 257 Behindshadows @ 04/16/09 11:42 AM

Wow!!! 31 pages of people bickering over this game! While it's not perfect the game is good, and after having a time with sliders last night to finally get some decent play out of it, I can honestly see why people think it's the best 2k so far even with poor defensive A.I. and all the other things that plague it's gameplay.

But Spank,and KC act like the 2ksports Police and nothing is to be said negative about them period without these guys jumping to their defense like they are on the payroll. And Joey P comes in with the token sidekick statements (I agree, that's whats up, exactly!)

Guys seriously grow up and stop defending this company, people are not going to agree with you no matter how much you rant and rant and rant about how everyone else is wrong blah blah!

The devs, including Simballer aren't even coming in here to dispute half the complaints on this board, so why do you guys continue to, you are swarming every 2k thread in here, trying to counter every individual complaint about a 2k game. Seriously though, this game isn't a travesty all together, but what is wrong with it, prevents a lot of people from playing it, mainly because some just will not tolerate the ignorance in the A.I system and a lot of people just don't like losing because the cpu decides to cheat you out of games. I remember the 1st and 2nd month of release, people complaining about not being able to win, online issues, etc. And you know what it's months later and those complaints remain, post patch!

The game does have it's issues or even the people who run this site, including those same guys who wrote high reviews for 2ksports game previously, are really tired of this game. Not the mention the king of entertainment videos DCzar has moved on to Live this year and he's been one of the biggest 2k guys since day 1 of him coming to the boards.

Mo' the king of high light videos and tributes has done almost nothing this season as far as videos for this game, because I'm sure even he is struggling to play it or get any good substance out of it.

And for the first time, constant clipping in animations and players, force fields, no defense, sliding, etc. Has even plagued me from really finish a whole game. I've probably finished a total of 9 games out of the 100's I've began to play.

I'm not done with NBA Basketball this year, but I'll am highly disappointed in the outcomes of both games. And for the guys who are always on Live's jock, it's not perfect either, but it plays more sim than this game, and has progressed more this season. Hate EA all you want for past efforts, but Live series is improving and 2k should be worried. All the flashy highlights in the world won't make me buy 2k10 if the gameplay doesn't get better, graphics too, those jaggies and drops in frame rate has got to go and I mean go!!!!

# 258 Pared @ 04/16/09 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSW


	Spank, Try this...I call it the "Semaj Bell"... Take the Spurs, vs any team.. on offense pass the ball to Tim duncan(or anyone)...hold down turbo and run around the court..then run towards the basket then hit triangle or Y....then dunk. a simulation game would not allow that to happen with any regularity even if you miss!!...(at all) is it really "complaining" if i bring this point up , or other like-minded points? Or should I, a person who wants his favorite game to be more based in reality, sit back and just be happy i have a fun game to play?

You're starting to sound like Hillary Goldstein.

Yes, that annoying little chick from IGN. He has the Shaq test... take Shaq and shoot threes with him all game and see how many fall.

Here's the thing that bothers me... remember when Duncan hit the 3 pointer to send the game to OT in the playoffs? If that happened in your game, would you immediately come to OS and complain how it should NEVER happen?

There should be the ability, in a sports game, for the "impossible" to happen. The problem is... who the hell shoots 3's with Shaq? What you're asking is for the impossible to always be impossible. Vince should never be able to catch a reverse dunk off an inbound alley to win the game.

The NBA and sports gaming is about the impossible. The Rays shouldn't have made the World Series last year. Kobe shouldn't be dropping 50+ points on 4 consecutive games. It shouldn't happen in a game until it happens in real life.

And that's where a lot of the comments of sports gamers really annoy me. Guys that play a game, then say "C'mon that would never happen!" but they see amazing things happen all the time. And if it does happen in real life, there's an explanation for it. "Well, we all saw this one coming."

No, you didn't.

It's more about what the game is doing wrong than what it allows you to do right.

There's a group of gamers that modify sliders, rosters, whatever, all year long because so and so "isn't possible." It's THAT gamer that I would hope these game developers never cater to.

And this has nothing to do with the high FG%'s out of the box in 2k9, the lack of foot planting by the defense, the lack of fast breaks in Live '09, the supposed comeback AI in The Show... it's about what "tests" a sports game should be able to pass. This isn't the GMAT.

It seems like I'm getting too old for some of the posts by "gamers" here.

# 259 Pared @ 04/16/09 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Behindshadows


	Wow!!! ...

That's quite a list of assumptions and accusations.

# 260 IGOTU23 @ 04/16/09 12:06 PM

This is so ridiculous and sad...we are talking about a game..really!!??

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