NBA 09: The Inside

Sony's in-house NBA series continues with another season of basketball action and behind-the-scenes theatrics in NBA 09: The Inside. "The Life" mode returns to the PS3 after a one-year hiatus, this time letting gamers guide three different characters through a series of both on-the-court and off-the-court challenges, earning rewards and endorsements along the way. The brand new Franchise mode lets gamers run every aspect of their team, from salaries, playing time, and trades, to drafting and player development, while the player progression system from NBA 08 returns with a new round of challenges, rewards, and customization options. Also returning from the "08" version of the series is the Replay mode that allows players to alter the course of history by re-enacting key moments from the real '07-'08 NBA season. The Games of the Week feature returns as well, offering players the chance to relive five real scenarios from the previous week of NBA action. Other features include online leagues and leaderboards, commentary from announcers Kevin Calabro and Kenny Smith, two new mini-games, livelier arenas, and enhanced character modeling and movement.

GAME CONTROLS

MENU CONTROLS

Left Analog Stick or D-Pad Up or Down = navigate menu, highlight menu item
Left Analog Stick or D-Pad Left or Right = adjust menu item
X Button = select highlighted menu item
Circle Button = previous screen, return to main menu
Start Button = open progression hub

OFFENSIVE CONTROLS

Start Button = pause game, open pause menu
Select Button = time out (during core games)
Left Analog Stick = navigate player
Right Analog Stick = special moves
D-Pad = call mini-plays
X or Triangle Button = pass
Square Button = dunk, lay-up
Circle Button (Hold Then Release) = shoot
R1 Button = speed burst
R2 Button + X Button = alley oop
R2 Button + Triangle Button = no look alley oop
L1 Button + X, Circle, Triangle, Square or R2 Button = set focus player
L2 Button + X, Circle, Triangle, Square or R2 Button = icon passing

DEFENSIVE CONTROLS

Start Button = pause game, open pause menu
Select Button = time out
Left Analog Stick = navigate player
Right Analog Stick = hands up, hands down
D-Pad = call mini-plays
X Button = switch player
Square Button = steal
Triangle Button = jump (block, rebound)
Circle Button = take charge
R1 Button = speed burst
L1 Button = contact
L2 Button = icon switch

ICON SWITCHING

L2 Button (Hold) + X Button = switch to point guard
L2 Button (Hold) + Square Button = switch to shooting guard
L2 Button (Hold) + Circle Button = switch to small forward
L2 Button (Hold) + Triangle Button = switch to power forward
L2 Button (Hold) + R2 Button = switch to center