I was watching the new Halo ODST commercial on TV tonight and, while I really love playing ODST, there was something about the ad that really bugged me. They use real actors going through very intense basic training. It looks great. But, it looks nothing like the game.
Then, I turned on my Xbox 360 and fired up NBA 2K10. My girlfriend came into the room and wanted to know who was playing. Not who I was playing with, but what teams were on TV playing basketball. It looked that real to her.
Now, not every animated character in NBA 2K10 matches up to reality, but the game does look spectacular. To watch NBA 2K10 is to be dazzled not just by the players, the realistic stadiums, and the amazing verisimilitude of the TV broadcast experience: just pull back from the game for a moment and contemplate how much is happening simultaneously with such detail and polish and you can’t help but be filled with admiration for the programmers who got these incredible results from a game platform with graphics hardware and processors that are now several years old. This is ninja level programming
NBA 2K10 is so feature packed that you could make a career of mastering its many modes. There are pickup games, skill builders, and it even integrates real stats with the action in the game. What really impresses me is the simultaneous breadth and depth of game play. Want to play a fast pickup game. Check. You don’t have to be a pro-gamer to have a good time. On the other hand, if you want to go deep, very deep, this game has it all. Control, nuance, and knowledge of the game is rewarded – this isn’t merely a button masher. If you’ve got time to spare, this year’s new My Player mode lets you create a character and bring him up through the ranks. Be warned, it takes time and effort to get your guy to NBA proficiency.
Although I’m nearly as bad playing sports games on the Xbox as I am in the gym, I truly enjoyed the NBA 2K10 experience. It felt like I was in control; every detail layers on a sense of urgency and reality that builds an emotional tie to the game. Some gamers have reported problems with frame rate. I didn't notice any issues in my time with the game.
On the short list for best sports game of the year, NBA 2K10 should not be missed.
