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.
Additional jerseys are featured in the 2010 NBA Live, the franchise's first. 1990 and 1980 throwback jerseys were added as well as several teams' alternate jerseys. Even more shoes and uniforms can be unlocked when using special codes. Though it is unsure if every NBA team will receive new jerseys, only two codes have so far been announced but more are likely. The animations in this version received a major overhaul too. The video game boasts faster and more fluid graphics that allow for ultimate play. Details like the in game graphics and basketball courts were made to appear extremely real. It is a little grainy when zoomed in on some screens but overall looks very well.
Other less important things like the crowd and the athletes are more detailed too. Unlike the other game editions, this latest NBA Live console game has a much better background. The audience in the stands were programmed to appear more realistic and believable. Even the athletes in general were give more detailed and personal touches like their arm tattoos, various hairstyles, and other personal accessories. The different stars in this game were designed to be more simply recognized than past editions.
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 play is simple enough so that even people who have never played a basketball game can quickly get the hang of it. Actions like shooting and passing are both single button functions. And both the Xbox and PlayStation controllers use the right joy stick to move the basketball players. Playing defense is simple as well, simply position your player near one from the other team and he will do the rest automatically.
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.
