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.
[8] 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 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.
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.
Player animations are outstanding, Association mode is deep, online options are plentiful, and the gameplay is terrific.
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.
"[14][16] 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.
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.