NBA 2K10 offers the same solid gameplay that made its predecessor a hit one year ago, while adding a couple of brand new exciting elements to preserve the gamers' interest intact. Arguably the most important of them is the My Player feature, which allows you to create an athlete and then gradually improve his attributes on road to NBA stardom. A juicy little nugget about this mode is that full customization is accessible, with the exception of number 23 for the Chicago Bulls, which is not allowed.
Basically you take on an unskilled player and try to build up a superstar starting from scrap, with long training sessions that are meant to improve his abilities and deliver a competitive NBA player. It is only fair to say that for those unfamiliar with basketball and inexperienced with 2K's previous installments, this mode is not the best way to start. Frankly the system designed to award points for the rookie is complex and very demanding, with each failed attempt bringing the player closer to frustration.
Leveling up your athlete requires good team play, as most points are awarded for accurate passes, good placement and effective blocking. Despite the visceral desire of being always in the spotlights and score points, basketball is first and foremost a game where the better team wins and the My Player mode states it crystal clear. On the bad side, this endeavor takes a lot of time to accomplish and even when you make it to the majors, your player will be terrible underrated and will struggle in his first games.
A different way to experience the NBA 2K10 in the early stages would be the practice games, or if competition is what drives you, maybe try an 82 matches season, plus the play-offs with the NBA Today mode. The best thing about this feature is that it stays true to the actual schedule of NBA this year, which gives you a glimpse about how the developers expect the regular season to progress. Games not involving your team will be simulated and so can be yours, with the better team usually winning, so its not a very good idea to use it too often especially when you play the Clippers.
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Perhaps most people will choose the mighty Celtics or the reigning champions L.A Lakers for the season simulation, but the best thing is definitely to take the championship with your favorite club. Grizzlies or Clippers fans have a unique opportunity to achieve what their team will never gain in the foreseeable future and win the title, which makes 2K10 even more exciting. NBA Today is going to be even more appealing once the regular season kicks in, as it will be updated with the latest news and stats from the real thing.
In terms of gameplay little has changed since NBA 2K9 which is not necessarily a bad thing, given that it was fast flowing and not crippled by any major bugs or flaws. Nonetheless, the new release includes a new feature that is bound to make the game even more alert in the offensive and somehow acts as a countermeasure to the deadlock defense. I am talking about the turbo button which will quickly deplete the energy but provide that spark needed to squeeze through the tight defense. If you get greedy though and use it extensively, it will drain stamina, making it hard for the player to recover, and longer stops on the bench are required.
Strategy plays a major part in NBA 2K10 and regardless of the chosen team, victory can only be achieved by making the right decision on and off the court. Setting up defensive formations, developing a fluent offensive pattern and dictating the appropriate substitutions are just as important as knowing when to release for a perfect throw from the penalty line. Speaking of this and novelty in NBA 2K10, it is just as difficult to make these throws a it was in the previous title, so forget the free throws because nothing comes for free in basketball.
It's not very difficult to score from action but compared to NBA 2K9, the number of errors committed by players below the rim with the layups is considerably higher. Scoring a three pointer is of course, a hit or miss business and it's only natural to be like that, but knowing how to find the right player for the job plays a major role. As in real life, some athletes can take advantage of their stature and dominate the paint while others are sharp shooters that can make the crowd stand up with an outstanding hit from downtown. Make the most of their skills, but don't try to overpower the entire defensive system with a single player, because no matter of his class he's got a snowflake's chance in hell.
Anytime you make an impressive shot or even a turnover, the crowds will have a loud reaction depending if you play at home or away. They'll either encourage you by shouting "MVP" when you best player is red hot or express their disappointment, but they'll never cease to support the favorites regardless of the score. The commentators are yet again outstanding and deliver interesting remarks about the way the match is unfolding, accurately pointing out the mistakes committed by both sides and suggesting solutions. In NBA Today mode and My Player alike they'll even comment about previous games and remember important moments in the rookie's short but intense career.
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Conclusion:
Watching this franchise evolve can only lead me to the belief that the years to come will bring even better titles, making 2K Sports' basketball adventure a roller coaster not to be missed. NBA 2K10 brilliantly succeeds in preserving the praised qualities of 2K9, while enriching the gameplay with stirring features that make it a proud heir of the NBA series.
Gameplay: 89
Overall NBA 2K10 shines and impress newcomers and veterans alike with the solid gameplay and worthy additions that insure it's long lasting appeal. The multiple challenges and the exciting turbo action make up for the minor flaws regarding AI behavior and somehow weird misses from clear scoring positions. Sometimes computer controlled players get out of bounds, perform backcourt violations or pass the ball to the line umpire indefinitely, but these unfortunate events seldom occur and their impact on the gameplay is limited.
Graphics: 88
I was delighted by the way NBA 2K9 looked like and I am thrilled to acknowledged that the latest addition to the franchise further enhances the visuals. Players resemble their real life counterparts, their actions, moves in and off the court are remarkable and the crowds are also impressive, creating an astonishing atmosphere. After scoring a three pointer or a match winning shot, players rejoice just like they do on and NBA arena, while unfair decisions will cause them to argue with the referee or brawling with the opponents.
Sounds: 87
Few games manage to capture the mood on a sports arena as NBA 2K10 does and that's the result of a very vocal and relentless crowd and some astute observations by the commentators. You can only shut down the crowd with an impressive shot from downtown when you're playing on the road, while the same achievement will cause them to explode with enthusiasm. Kevin Harlan and Clark Kellogg are priceless with their witty dialogues, even though sometimes they repeat some lines a bit too often.
Multiplayer: 85
A nice addition to the NBA 2K10 that involves multiplayer is the option to enlist your designated athlete from My Player mode in an online crew with other players, without affecting your schedule. It is a very demanding experience but equally entertaining, and a great way to level up your character without falling victim to routine and monotony.