By Skylar Smith
Daily Titan Staff Writer

Electronic Arts’ NBA video game series has received harsh criticism from reviewers and NBA fans alike over the past few years. However this year’s installment, NBA Live 10, finally fixed several of its many issues, while still missing a few important beats.

As far as the basic game play is concerned this game is a huge improvement. You can no longer sprint up sides and dunk, and if you stay still for too long in the paint, even more than three seconds, you will get the ball swiped from you.

The game is very challenging but because of its pick-up and play approach anyone can get into it and will want to improve.

The shooting game is simpler this time around as all shots are linked to the same button, making for a much more fluid and natural game experience.

The graphics are also much improved. The player models still seem to look like Barbie dolls, but the crowd graphics and reactions, the courts/venues and even the frame rate are better than before.

However, the games features are where the game seems lacking compared to series such as NBA 2k10. In games such as NHL 10 or MLB 09: The Show there is some form of a be-a-pro mode where you create a character and play him up through the rankings, get traded, and eventually play for some of the top teams in the sport.

It really makes no sense to me why they would not include something like this in NBA Live 10 especially when EA has done so well with this concept in other franchises. There is no excuse.

What NBA Live 10 did well is the “Dynamic DNA” system that allows the game to interact with real life games and stats.

NBA players and teams will have their stats updated, including injuries, with every game, every day, throughout the season which could drastically change people’s game plans online.

“Dynamic DNA” also introduces a new feature called Dynamic Season which allows players to play all the games happening in the season at home on NBA Live 10. Excited about Lakers versus Magic match? Start up NBA Live 10 and play it before it happens and possibly predict the outcome.

Although much has been improved for NBA Live 10 including game play and graphics, EA still has a while to go before it can claim the throne of best NBA game franchise. If they create a cleaner and more realistic presentation, an interesting menu system and, for the love of God, include some kind of be a pro mode, then maybe they can become the go-to NBA game series.