Game Focus: NBA 09: The Inside PS3 Review

Game Focus writes: "As every basketball gamer aficionado will tell you: if you want the real thing, it will be either NBA Live or NBA 2K. But with the progress the development team has done with their 2008 version of the game and notably their baseball franchise The Show, I was very eager to see if NBA 09: The Inside would finally take on the two juggernauts, put some dazzling moves all the way to the rim and finish with a thunderous dunk! With less than 48 hours before the NBA season opener, we present you our review of Sony’s third next-generation instalment of their basketball franchise called NBA 09: The Inside. "

Pros

+ Progression/Reward system

+ Trophy support

+ Easy controls

+ Franchise and "Life" modes added

+ Improved player models, arena lighting and dynamic crowds

+ Broadcast-style camera view

Cons

– Flawed, frustrating and unrealistic AI

– Many graphical issues from past versions still present

– Play-by-Play commentary could be better

– Shooting/Rebounding system is flawed

– Barebones franchise mode