NBA Live 10

$60, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PSP

Teaches: sports, basketball, cooperative play

CTR Rating: 94%

CTR Review

Looking for a state-of-the-art professional basketball simulation, with online features? You simply can't get any better than NBA Live 10. Easy to learn, realistic and full of features, about the only drawback to this outstanding basketball simulation is the price ($60). While the overall experience is very similar to past versions, NBA Live players from past years will notice smoother passing and moving. It is an ideal weekend game for two players locally, or up to ten online (each person controls one player). After you choose your NBA team, you can tweak the roster, or just jump into the tip off. The teams are based on the current rosters, which are checked online. We tried the PS3 version and found the 720 pixel graphics to be a step up from previous versions of the game. While there are thousands of details, it is still possible to pick up and play the game, and a novice player can have fun with basic passing and shooting. The small details are covered -- the squeak of the shoes, the restless crowd, and the dismay of a player after a silly shot. A Dynasty Mode lets you control your favorite team throughout the season. There are 24 teams who can compete in an international tournament. There's no shortage of sponsored content, including ads for Sprite (the soft drink). Prices are $60 for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, and $40 for the PSP. Note that the purchase includes a password good for one year of a service called "Dynamic DNA" and "Dynamic Season." Both download the latest stats for your players and teams. There is no worrisome content.