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NBA 2K10

(2009, Video Games - Sports, Rated E, Play it on: PlayStation 2, PSP, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Robust basketball sim meant for experienced players.

In this game kids can:   improve hand-eye coordination, live vicariously

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Ease of play:

    Players use the left thumbstick to move athletes as well as perform dribbling moves. Players take shots by using the right thumbstick. The direction players move determines the shot type.  If too complicated, they can use a single button to score. The game's practice mode has a lengthy tutorial to help novices learn the controls.
  • Educational value:

    This is a great way to learn the rules and strategies of the sport of basketball.
  • Messages:

    This is a straightforward simulation of professional basketball.
  • Role models:

    The game showcases real athletes playing pro basketball.
 

What to watch out for

  • Online interaction:

    Online chat is available and open to all other players which can create an unpredictable situation. 
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    The game features a few advertisers that sponsor specific segments during a game, such as Sprite. There are also billboards scattered throughout arenas.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of NBA 2K10 was written by Brett Molina

Parents need to know that NBA 2K10 is a straightforward simulation of professional basketball. Players guide one of 30 NBA teams through a season, playoffs, and even an NBA championship. The game is playable online, a feature Common Sense Media does not recommend to children under the age of 12.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • What's the most enjoyable pro sport to play in a video game? What makes basketball better or worse than other sports?
  • What's it like playing as one of the league's superstars, such as Kobe Bryant?
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More on NBA 2K10

What’s the Story?

NBA 2K10 is a video game simulation of professional basketball. Players can guide one of 30 teams to an NBA championship in Dynasty or Season modes, or create and control your own player and guide them to a hall of fame career. In the create-a-player mode, you can create an athlete and guide him through a series of drills and summer games en route to making an NBA team. The game also features Living Rosters, where team lineups are updated regularly throughout the season.  Close

Is It Any Good?

While the game does boast some complicated controls for the novice, this remains the premier NBA simulation. The game is great at creating levels of tempo, so players can easily choose to slow down and play a half-court game or run fast breaks frequently. Computer-controller characters are smart on both sides of the ball, moving often on offense while playing tight defense. Speaking of defense, improvements have been made to the controls to better guard opponents, especially without the ball. The create-a-player mode adds another layer of depth, allowing players to earn experience points through drills and using them to bolster skills such as outside shooting, speed, and hustle. The Living Rosters updates are solid, although they don't seem to pack the depth of Electronic Arts NBA Live 10. Despite this shortcoming, NBA 2K10 is still an impressive, robust basketball sim. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 10/6/2009, price $59.99, online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for (No Descriptors))

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

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