'NBA 2K9' Looks Fabulous

Manu getting his Ginobli on

2K Sports has really done it this time. Their newest NBA sim re-creates the look of televised broadcast so accurately that my girlfriend was utterly shocked when I told her it was a video game on the screen, and not an actual TV broadcast. If this game continues to improve visually at this rate, it's gonna be hard for fans to turn off their Xbox 360s and flip over to TNT for the real deal. In my opinion, this is the real deal. Accurate facial details, signature moves, awesome arenas, realistic lighting, etc. 2K Sports has truly won me over with this game and I'll be wearing it out now through the playoffs.

And the gameplay isn't half bad either. While not quite as mind-blowingly stunning as the graphics, the gameplay is still solid and the players strengths and weaknesses are reflected in the game. For fans hooked up to Xbox Live, this year's model features roster updates (I love this) and allows for up to 10 Xboxes to compete simultaneously. Sounds like that might get a little crazy but you gotta love the roster updates. That along with improved graphics are the two biggest draws for me in buying the latest model of whatever sports game is in season.

And when they say signature moves and styles, they mean it. Playing as the Rockets, when I worked Tracy McGrady close to rim and then utilized the shot stick, McGrady dazzled myself and the CG defenders equally. This is also one of the rare sports video games where I have kept the volume on the TV turned on as opposed to my stereo. I couldn't bear to miss out on any of the simulation, including the sound. I can't remember the last time I tried to tolerate Madden repeating the same tired catchphrases with his muddled tongue.

NBA 2K9 is highly recommended for any basketball fans looking to drop a couple ducats on an amazing sim. I give this 8.5 out of 10 stars.