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NBA 09: The Inside Review
Written by Robert Falcon on Thursday, October 23, 2008
The mini-games are insanely fun, the Quest and Franchise modes will satisfy b-ball fans, gameplay is actually good, presentation holds up.
Occasional AI and camera errors get in the way, could use more replays.
For whatever reason, Sony's PS2 and PS3 basketball games are inferior to the PSP editions. That's once again the case with NBA 09: The Inside, a deep sports game with plenty of options.
The key difference between those versions and the PSP one are the mini-games in Block Party. Seven pinball tables and five carnival games are available, each with specific basketball themes and items. While some may find these out of place in a basketball game, they add a nice and fun atmosphere to an otherwise straightforward simulation. The games play wonderfully, especially the pinball ones. The Alley-Oop bowling game is a pleasant surprise too, one worth playing with friends.
There are also a pair of Quest modes available. Elimiquest and Conquest both allow you to dominate cities across the U.S. with your basketball skills. The difference between the two is how they're played. In Conquest, you play in full games, while Elimiquest tests your techniques through a series of smaller contests. Conquest has more rewards, particularly talent upgrades and amenities for when you're in your home city, but Elimiquest is just as fun. No matter which route you take, you'll have a good time shooting hoops and taking over the country.
For the most part, the on court action is good. There are questionable calls, such as when you've got a defender that runs right through you for a slam-dunk and isn't called for an offensive foul. The camera also gets in the way, making you miss the ball every once in a while on a full-court pass. Aside from that, though, the game plays great. The artificial intelligence is less intense, and the color-coded shooting system easily tells you if a shot's going to go in (green) or clang off the rim (red).
Hardcore fans will also enjoy the Franchise mode. For the first time ever in the series, you can run a team and keep an eye on its morale and performance. There are several things to balance in this mode, including playtime, trading unhappy players and even something as complex as balancing the team's salary. You'll need to invest a lot of time, but it's surprisingly rewarding as you work to become the next great manager. If you're not up for that, Pick-Up and exhibition games are a fun way to pass the time. Like always, you can also hop online and take on others through Infrastructure and AdHoc play.
NBA 09's presentation holds up well on the PSP. Players animate well and the courts look marvelous. It's also cool how the crowd gets into the action. The sound is spot on as well, with cheering crowds, arena music and the likable commentary team of Ian Eagle and newcomer Kenny Smith.
NBA 09 The Inside is a slam-dunk in almost every way. The mini-games are a cornucopia of crazy fun and the basketball action itself isn't bad either. Take it to the hole, or at the very least, the couch.
