DESCRIPTION

Sony's in-house NBA series continues with an expanded roster of simulation modes and a broader selection of quick-action mini-games. NBA 09: The Inside features a brand new Franchise mode that lets gamers run every aspect of their team, from salaries, playing time, and trades, to drafting and player development. Also new is the Elimiquest mode, which combines the territory acquisition and management of Conquest mode with an Elimination mini-game that requires that every player on the team accrue a certain number of statistics. The traditional Conquest returns as well, where gamers can once again cash in awards to upgrade their players and home court.

An assortment of mini-games from the "08" version of the series return, mixing in basketball-related games such as HORSE, Own the Court, and FastBreak, with more carnival-themed mini-games such as the whack-a-mole clone Block a Shot, the skee-ball-esque Big Shooter, and the Breakout-style game Shootin' Bricks. Several new mini-games join the fold too, with Give and Go rewarding players for passing, Bang the Boards emphasizing rebounding skills, and Alley Oop functioning as something of a bowling mini-game. Play-by-play announcing is handled by Ian Eagle, with color commentary provided by series newcomer Kenny Smith, and players looking for competition can go head-to-head with a friend in both local and nationwide online matches. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide