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 2010 featured additional jerseys, a first for the franchise. Throwback jerseys from the 1980s and 1990s were added in as well as several alternate ones for a number of teams. Using special codes, even more uniforms and shoes can be unlocked. It is unsure if every team will receive new game jerseys but two codes have been announced so far and more are likely to come.
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.
Game play on this year's NBA Live was made simple enough so that even someone who has never played any basketball video games will still be able to get the hang of it. Actions like passing and shooting are single button functions. Both of the PlayStation and Xbox use the main joy stick on the controllers to move the players around. It is simple to play defense as well, just position one of the basketball players in front of one from the opposing team will result in the sim automatically doing the rest.
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 games's soundtrack was improved and changed to include more modern singers and groups. This year's game has a lot more tracks, which significantly cuts back on the repetition of songs during the dynasty mode and games. The tracks were even programmed to react to the tempo of the games to get the user more involved.
