This is a quick NBA Live game review for PlayStation and Xbox. NBA Live is one of Electronic Art's most well known console games. Every year, several sports games are released however NBA Live's annual edition always ends up being among the most popular. The latest version is no different, with its high tech graphics, new jerseys, and resolution, this final edition of NBA Live has garnered very 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.
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 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.
The soundtrack was updated and revamped for this version to include more current bands and artists. There are more songs this year and that cuts down drastically on the music's redundancy during the game and training mode. They were programmed to change and react to the beat of the games.
