'NBA 2K9' still king of the court, but 'NBA Live' closes gap

The virtual personas of the Suns' Shaquille O'Neal, far left, and Steve Nash, far right, attempt a pick-and-roll in NBA Live 09. The Celtics take on the Lakers in 'NBA 09: The Inside.' It's time to separate the All-Stars from the bench warmers as gaming's trio of National Basketball Association franchises return. Here's how each game stacks up: NBA 2K9 (2K Sports) Their competitors boast innovative features, but NBA 2K9 once again excels where it counts most: On the court. Veterans will discover a very familiar game. Controls dating as far back as 2K7 remain intact. The biggest difference is the ability to change your shot in mid-air with the Shot Stick. That means players use the right analog stick instead of a button to shoot. Overall, the game feels smooth and balanced. You can just as easily slow the tempo and run a... [read full story]