View source for NBA 2K9

{{Short description|2008 basketball video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|image= File:NBA 2K9 cover art.jpg
|caption= [[PlayStation 3]] cover art featuring [[Kevin Garnett]]
|developer = [[Visual Concepts]]
|publisher=[[2K (company)|2K]]
|series=''[[NBA 2K]]''
|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]<br>[[PlayStation 3]]<br>[[Xbox 360]]<br>[[Microsoft Windows]]
|release={{Video game release|NA|October 7, 2008|PAL|October 10, 2008|JP|March 26, 2009}}'''Windows'''<br>{{Video game release|EU|October 17, 2008|NA|October 20, 2008}}
|genre=[[Sports game|Sports]]
|modes=[[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
'''''NBA 2K9''''' is a 2008 [[basketball]] [[simulation video game]] developed by [[Visual Concepts]] and published by [[2K (company)|2K]]. It is the tenth installment in the [[NBA 2K|''NBA 2K'' franchise]] and the successor to ''[[NBA 2K8]]''. It was released in 2008 for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], and [[Microsoft Windows]]. [[Kevin Garnett]] of the [[Boston Celtics]] is the cover athlete of the game. ''NBA 2K9'' is the predecessor to ''[[NBA 2K10]]'' in the ''NBA 2K'' series.
Like the past games in the series, ''NBA 2K9'' simulates the experience of the sport of [[basketball]], and more specifically, the [[National Basketball Association]]. Players play NBA games with any team of their choosing, and may customize many different aspects to alter the play style and overall presentation. Several single- and multiplayer game modes are present, including season, online, and quick play, as well as the ability to create new teams and players.
''NBA 2K9'' received positive reviews from critics upon release. Most positive comments were concerning the overall gameplay, and the aesthetical presentation; some called ''NBA 2K9'' the "best basketball game around". Some criticism was directed at the game for what some saw as having a lack of new features. By July 2009, the game had sold over 2 million copies.
==Gameplay==
''NBA 2K9'' is a basketball simulation video game based on the [[National Basketball Association]]. Like past games in the series, ''NBA 2K9'' simulates the experience of the sport of [[basketball]], and more specifically, the NBA. Players play NBA games with any real life or custom team, and can customize many aspects, such as camera angles, the presentation of players, the sound levels, and the level of realism. Several different game modes are present, such as Association 2.0 (a season mode), 5-on-5 online multiplayer, mini games, and quick games of varying levels of competition.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ahearn |first=Nate |date=September 23, 2008 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/23/nba-2k9-multiplayer-hands-on |title=''NBA 2K9'' Multiplayer Hands-on |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 10, 2015 |archive-date=March 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325161546/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/23/nba-2k9-multiplayer-hands-on |url-status=live }}</ref> Like other ''NBA 2K'' games, ''NBA 2K9'' is marketed as being as realistic as the actual NBA, with all the things featured in NBA games, such as commentary, halftime shows, replays, crowds, and real player movement, among many other things. Another feature heavily touted before release was the game's [[High-definition video|HD]] visuals, which was said to have been "drastically improved".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/games/nba-2k9/xbox-360-954501 |title=''NBA 2K9'' - Xbox 360 |website=IGN |access-date=August 10, 2015 |archive-date=September 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916125834/http://www.ign.com/games/nba-2k9/xbox-360-954501 |url-status=live }}</ref>  [[Kevin Harlan]] and [[Clark Kellogg]] are the commentators with [[Cheryl Miller]] being a sideline reporter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/videogames/nba2k9_overview_australia.html |title=''NBA 2K9'' |publisher=[[NBA|NBA Australia]] |access-date=June 9, 2015 |archive-date=November 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106110558/http://www.nba.com/videogames/nba2k9_overview_australia.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Development==
[[Kevin Garnett]] is the cover athlete of the game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=June 6, 2008 |url=http://www.destructoid.com/celtics-kevin-garnett-named-nba-2k9-cover-athlete-89515.phtml |title=Celtics' Kevin Garnett named ''NBA 2K9'' cover athlete |website=[[Destructoid]] |access-date=August 7, 2015 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923223228/http://www.destructoid.com/celtics-kevin-garnett-named-nba-2k9-cover-athlete-89515.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> ''NBA 2K9''{{'}}s soundtrack consists of 24 licensed songs as well as one original song.<ref>{{cite web |author=IGN Music |date=October 6, 2008 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/06/nba-2k9-soundtrack-revealed |title=''NBA 2K9'' Soundtrack Revealed |website=IGN |access-date=June 9, 2015 |archive-date=January 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101121955/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/06/nba-2k9-soundtrack-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sines |first=Shawn |date=June 10, 2008 |url=http://www.1up.com/news/nba-2k9-soundtrack-revealed |title=''NBA 2K9'' Soundtrack Revealed |website=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=October 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305142448/http://www.1up.com/news/nba-2k9-soundtrack-revealed |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The game was released worldwide in 2008 for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows. ''NBA 2K9'' is the first game in the ''NBA 2K'' series to be released on PC.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=July 10, 2008 |url=http://www.destructoid.com/nba-2k9-s-living-rosters-and-release-date-s--106717.phtml |title=''NBA 2K9''{{'}}s Living Rosters and release date(s) |website=Destructoid |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316195542/http://www.destructoid.com/nba-2k9-s-living-rosters-and-release-date-s--106717.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
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==Soundtrack==
*[[Beastie Boys]] - Root on't Love Me (Extended Mix)
*DJ Rasta Root - RootZilla Best
*Mommy and Daddy - Pretty Loser
*[[Money Mark]] - Silly Putty
*[[N.E.R.D.]] - Spaz
*Nickodemus - Funky In The Middle
*[[Santigold]] - Creator ft. [[Switch (band)|Switch]], [[Freq Nasty]]
*[[Skeewiff]] - Light the Fuse
*[[Spank Rock]], [[Benny Blanco]] - Loose (Instrumental)
*[[The Brand New Heavies]] - Jump N' Move
*[[The Cool Kids]] - 2K Pennies
*[[The Heavy (band)|The Heavy]] - Coleen
*The Limp Twins - Moving Closer to the Sofa
*[[The Meters]] - Cissy Strut
*[[The Pharcyde]] - Passin' Me By
*Ursula 1000 - Step Back (Deekline & Ed Solo Remix)
==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| PC = true
| PS2 = true
| PS3 = true
| X360 = true
| na = true
| Fam_PS2 = 24/40<ref name="Famitsu review">{{cite web |url=http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355581 |title=Famitsu Info 18 May 2009 |publisher=[[NeoGAF]] |date=March 17, 2009 |access-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202001055/http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355581 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Fam_PS3 = 27/40<ref name="Famitsu review"/>
| Fam_X360 = 27/40<ref name="Famitsu review"/>
| GI_PS3 = 8.5/10<ref name="GI review">{{cite magazine |last=Bertz |first=Matt |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/nba_2k9/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/23/review.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202003155/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/nba_2k9/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/23/review.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |title=''NBA 2K9'' (PS3, X360): 2K's Latest Basketball Sim Is Dunkadelic |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |issue=187 |date=November 2008 |access-date=May 7, 2016}}</ref>
| GI_X360 = 8.5/10<ref name="GI review"/>
| GSpot_PS3 = 8/10<ref name="GameSpot review">{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Aaron |date=October 8, 2008 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-2k9-review/1900-6198839/ |title=''NBA 2K9'' Review (PS3, X360) |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201232629/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-2k9-review/1900-6198839/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpot_X360 = 8/10<ref name="GameSpot review"/>
| GSpy_PS3 = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="GSpy">{{cite web |last=Berman |first=Steve |date=October 15, 2008 |url=http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/nba-2k9/920085p1.html |title=GameSpy: ''NBA 2K9'' (PS3, X360) |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604113542/http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/nba-2k9/920085p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpy_X360 = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="GSpy"/>
| GT_PS3 = 8.4/10<ref name="GameTrailers review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=9208 |title=''NBA 2K9'' Review (PS3) |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |date=October 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023104918/http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=9208 |archive-date=October 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=May 7, 2016}}</ref>
| GameZone_X360 = 8.4/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Grabowski |first=Dakota |date=October 15, 2008 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/nba_2k9_360_review |title=''NBA 2K9'' - 360 - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216020651/http://xbox360.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r35470.htm |archive-date=December 16, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=May 7, 2016}}</ref>
| IGN_PC = 8/10<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web |last=Ahearn |first=Nate |date=November 19, 2008 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/19/nba-2k9-review |title=''NBA 2K9'' Review (PC) |website=IGN |access-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604114035/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/19/nba-2k9-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN_PS2 = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Ahearn |first=Nate |date=November 12, 2008 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/13/nba-2k9-review-2 |title=''NBA 2K9'' Review (PS2) |website=IGN |access-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-date=May 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506064407/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/13/nba-2k9-review-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN_PS3 = 8.5/10<ref name="IGN review 2">{{cite web |last=Ahearn |first=Nate |date=October 6, 2008 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/06/nba-2k9-review-3 |title=''NBA 2K9'' Review (PS3, X360) |website=IGN |access-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604114327/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/06/nba-2k9-review-3 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN_X360 = 8.5/10<ref name="IGN review 2"/>
| OXM_X360 = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite journal |last=Lahti |first=Evan |url=http://oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/m-r/nba-2k9 |title=''NBA 2K9'' |journal=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] |date=December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010203706/http://oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/m-r/nba-2k9 |archive-date=October 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=May 7, 2016}}</ref>
| PCGUK_PC = 83%<ref>{{cite journal |title=''NBA 2K9'' |journal=[[PC Gamer|PC Gamer UK]] |date=January 2009 |page=91}}</ref>
| PSM_PS3 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite journal |title=Review: ''NBA 2K9'' (PS3) |journal=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine]] |date=December 2008 |page=94}}</ref>
| rev1 = 411Mania
| rev1_PS3 = 8.6/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Robbins |first=Drew |date=October 30, 2008 |url=http://411mania.com/games/nba-2k9-ps3-review/ |title=''NBA 2K9'' (PS3) Review |publisher=411Mania |access-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604122952/http://411mania.com/games/nba-2k9-ps3-review/ |archive-date=June 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| MC_PC = 80/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k9/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''NBA 2K9'' for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 11, 2015 |archive-date=May 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520052406/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/nba-2k9 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_PS2 = 73/100<ref name="MCPS2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k9/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''NBA 2K9'' for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-date=May 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503195707/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/nba-2k9 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_PS3 = 82/100<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k9/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''NBA 2K9'' for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=June 11, 2015 |archive-date=March 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312020640/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/nba-2k9 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_X360 = 84/100<ref name="MCX360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k9/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''NBA 2K9'' for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=June 11, 2015 |archive-date=October 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029234331/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/nba-2k9 |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
''NBA 2K9'' received "favorable" reviews on all platforms except the PlayStation 2 version, which received "average" reviews, according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCPS2"/><ref name="MCPS3"/><ref name="MCX360"/>  In Japan, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave it a score of three sevens and one six for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions; and two sixes, one seven, and one five for the PlayStation 2 version.<ref name="Famitsu review"/>
David Ellis of [[1UP.com]] particularly praised the customization aspects of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions and the levels of realism, but disliked the unnecessarily complicated control scheme. Ellis also spoke positively of the online modes and the Living Rosters feature. Ellis summed up his review by stating: "''The NBA 2K9 team has refined last year's game and added several new features that change the way videogame basketball is played. While it's not perfect, 2K9's certainly headed toward another title run.''"<ref>{{cite web |last=Ellis |first=David |date=October 7, 2008 |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/nba-2k9 |title=''NBA 2K9'' Review (PS3, XBOX 360) |website=1UP.com |access-date=September 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305152505/http://www.1up.com/reviews/nba-2k9 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Matt Bertz of ''[[Game Informer]]'' said that the concepts of the same console versions "continue to refine [the series] with the deepest franchise mode in any sports game", called the crowd animations "amazing", liked the broadcast team, complimented most aspects of the controls, and said the game is "the best basketball game around for hoops aficionados". Bertz stated: "''With its realistic animations, solid controls, and ambitious Association mode, NBA 2K9 makes its title run once again. But the competition is stiffening, and next year needs to bring significant leaps forward with online play and the low-post game if 2K wants to make it 10 in a row.''"<ref name="GI review"/>
Aaron Thomas of [[GameSpot]] praised the "Living Rosters", "excellent" gameplay, and the presentation of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. Thomas said: "''It's disappointing that there aren't more noteworthy additions to this year's game. Living rosters and five-on-five play are nice, but their appeal is limited. That said, there's very little not to like about NBA 2K9. Player animations are outstanding, Association mode is deep, online options are plentiful, and the gameplay is terrific. If you're a baller, this is the game for you.''"<ref name="GameSpot review"/> [[IGN]]'s Nate Ahearn said of the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 versions: "''NBA 2K9 is [a] basketball game for the purists out there and has plenty for diehard basketball fans to enjoy. At a price of $19.99 I can almost forgive the absence of multiplayer, especially when you consider how much game there is still is to play. There are tidbits built in to appease casual fans, but theres no question that with things like Bird Years making their way into this years game that 2K9 is made for aficionados. Even still, anyone who has seen a pro game will be able to find the similarities and the finite details that make NBA 2K9 the best game in town.''"<ref name="IGN review"/><ref name="IGN review 2"/>
[[GameTrailers]] complimented the PS3 version's overall presentation, crowd animations, overall gameplay, and CPU, but disliked the game's lack of an identity, the menu designs, commentary, online technical issues, and the introduction of some "silly" features. The review stated: "The ''NBA 2K'' series has seen modest improvements since ''[[NBA 2K7]]'', primarily due to the level of quality achieved at such an early phase in the next-gen life cycle. Because of this, casual hoops players aren't going to be wowed with this latest iteration of ''NBA 2K9'', but it's meant to satisfy those who live and breathe basketball, as the improvements in the AI and atmosphere alone are sure to tickle the inner twine of dedicated fans."<ref name="GameTrailers review"/>
During the [[12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''NBA 2K9'' for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Sports Game of the Year|Sports Game of the Year]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2009&idGameAwardType=126 |title=2009 Awards Category Details Role-Playing Game of the Year |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref>
===Sales===
By July 2009, ''NBA 2K9'' had sold over 2 million copies across all platforms.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brice |first=Kath |date=July 2, 2009 |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nba-2k9-reaches-2-million-sales-worldwide |title=''NBA 2K9'' reaches 2 million sales worldwide |publisher=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=June 11, 2015 |archive-date=June 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612064825/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nba-2k9-reaches-2-million-sales-worldwide |url-status=live }}</ref>
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==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
*{{moby game|/nba-2k9}}
{{NBA 2K series}}
[[Category:2008 video games]]
[[Category:2K Sports games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:NBA 2K|9]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
[[Category:Take-Two Interactive games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games set in 2008]]
[[Category:Video games set in 2009]]
[[Category:Visual Concepts games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]