This is an NBA Live game review for PlayStation and Xbox. NBA Live is one of EA's most popular video games. Each year, numerous basketball games are released but NBA Live's yearly version always seems to be among the front runners. 2010's edition is no different, with its quality graphics, user input, and animations, this very last version of NBA Live has received extremely positive reviews.
NBA Live 10 has bonus jerseys, a very first for these games. Vintage jerseys from the 80s and 90s were included as well as numerous alternate uniforms for many of NBA teams. Using bonus codes, even more jerseys and throwback shoes can be used. It is questionable if every NBA team will get new game uniforms but two bonus codes have been unlocked so far and more are probably coming.
The graphics in this game received a massive overhaul. The game features quicker and smoother animations that allow for maximum play. Items like the lights and courts were designed to look very realistic. It's a bit grainy when enhanced on plasma screens but generally looks extremely well.
The players, the background, and other smaller graphics are also more detailed. This year's game has a more realistic background, unlike the previous installments. Crowd members were designed to look and sound more lifelike and real. The players themselves were made with more personal and exact details such as personal accessories, hairstyles, and tattoos. The stars in this year's edition were made to be easily recognizable than previous ones.
The controls of the game were slightly altered so that controlling the individual players 100 percent of the time isn't necessary. This auto mode can sometimes result in more turnovers during game play though. It is possible for the control over the players to be expanded if you want to though. The game is easy enough so that even users who have not played experienced a sports game can easily understand it. Things like shooting the ball and passing it to fellow players are both one button actions. And nearly all of the console controllers employ the right pad to control the basketball athletes. Playing on the defense is easy too, just position your athlete by one from the opposite team and it will take care of the rest on its own.
The update of the player DNA system from past games has significantly improved as well. The 2010 edition's DNA updates individual player's tendencies and attributes almost instantly. This year's game will also allow users to play real games almost as they happen in the real world. And with the NBA team's rosters and line ups updating instantly in the game, it makes for a much improved Dynasty Mode as well. This version's soundtrack was revamped and updated to more current artists and bands. This year, there are a lot more songs, which drastically cuts down on the redundancy of music during the training mode and games. The tracks were even programmed to react to the tempo of the games to get the user more involved.
