NBA 09 The Inside PS3 Review

NBA 09 The Inside

PS3 Review
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: SCE Studios San Diego
Players: 1-4

I was hopeful going into NBA 09 The Inside that I would see a highly-improved game over what we saw from SCEA a year ago on the PS3, due to the fact that the game had a lot of promise.

The game was hyped up last year with its full 1080p high-definition presentation, its shooting mechanic, and its ability to replay key moments in NBA games.

The only issue though is that it seems that not all that much has changed from a year ago, with the exception of a few new things being added in.  The first big changes you will see once you pick up the game this year is a move toward a more traditional control set-up.

A year ago, the SIXAXIS controller was used to do all of the jukes, defensive positioning, etc.  This year though, the developers allowed gamers to use the right analogs tick by default instead.  On top of that, there has been other improvements made in that the game is far more intelligent, with the AI being better this time out than a year ago.

That is about where the improvements end though with NBA 09 The Inside in regards to the gameplay aspects.  The shooting mechanic is back, the arcade-style once again returns but fails to either be a true arcade experience, nor a sim experience.

The biggest issue I have with NBA 09 The Inside that needs to be improved for next year is the overall flow of the game.  I never felt like I was in the true flow of a basketball game in regards to dealing with momentum, streaks by teams, etc.

The same can be said with the animations on both the offensive and defensive end of the ball, as it is very strange as to how easily it can be to get around defenders with simple spin animations and such.

In regards to the game modes, you have all of your standard stuff here, but the big selling point is the story-based mode that has three different storyline branches.

There is a storyline for those who want to be a point guard, a shooting guard, and a center.  You start out in the NBA D-League, and from there you have to try and fulfill goals you have to accomplish.  This all works well, but lacks a lot of intrigue as other modes we have seen in sports games.

In regards to the visuals, the 1080p HD presentation of NBA 09 The Inside isvery well-done, with some improved lighting and details.  The biggest issue though as stated above is the animation.  Framerate is extremely smooth throughout.

One big alteration from last year is the improved reward system for player performance, which has now expanded to five players so you can set up your own strating five of custom players and use them in any game mode in the game.

You gain points as you play the game and they get added to your player profile.  You can use the points to buy abilities, upgrade gear, and all of that good stuff.  This is great for those who want to create balers.

On top of that, we also see the return of mini-games, the great franchise mode, as well as online play.

NBA 09 The Inside is an improvement over last year’s game on the PS3, but it is not a big enough improvement for recommend it over NBA 2K9 or even NBA Live 2009.  Maybe next year, with some changes to the shooting system, upgrades to animation, and more, this one could really shine.

Graphics: 7.8 A nice looking basketball game, but the animations really need work, they lack flow.

Audio: 7.5 The audio presentation is improved over a year ago, nice little sound effects.

Gameplay: 6.0 The gameplay needs an overhaul, shooting mechanic has to go and the animations need to be improved, as does the AI further.

Replay Value: 6.0 If you can get into the game, there is plenty here, but the Life story-mode needed to be longer.

Final Score: 7.0

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