NBA 2K10

NBA 2K10 is this year's version of the best-selling basketball game. Every year, the game undergoes changes.

Sometimes those are simply cosmetic and small, and sometimes the game changes quite considerably. This year, the game has changed graphically, but the game and physics engine adds a lot more functionality than last year.

As far as graphics go, if your computer is powerful enough, you will notice that player models look similar to those in NBA 2K9. Animations, on the other hand, look and feel way smoother. Dunk and layup packages have been worked on to make the game look as realistic as possible. There are tons of crazy dunks and finesse moves that players can pull off. The game courts and the crowds look awesome. There are reflections on the floor and fans move independently. There are literally hundreds of fan animations, so you won't see the whole crowd do the same. Replays and highlights look great, but when you move up close, some players don't look very good. They actually look a bit creepy, if you ask me.

The game engine is what makes NBA 2K10 the best basketball game, though. Most of the time, players move realistically, and their moves and shooting are done smoothly. There are some glitches here and there, but nothing major. This year, post play has been completely changed. The controls have been changed and certain plays are only available at certain distances. For example, when posting someone down at mid range and shooting to the left, you will start a fadeaway. If you do the same in the low post, you will probably go for a hook shot.

Player ratings have also taken a 180-degree turn. Last year, we had several 99 players and a bunch of 90 and 80 players. This year, ratings have gone down considerably. The live-roster feature also makes sure that players in the game play like their real-life counterparts. So, if a player performs poorly on the court, chances are, you won't be scoring 50+ with him.

All in all, this game is very complete, with leagues, pick-up games, quick games, practice modes for shooting, free-throws and play books. The in-game music is simply amazing and the value that you get by playing on-line is tremendous. The game has its disadvantages, like people abusing certain exploits and a few glitches here and there. But until NBA Elite 11 hits the shelves, this is probably the best basketball experience out there.