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NBA Live 10

(2009, Video Games - Sports, Rated E, Play it on: PSP, Xbox 360, 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

    Exciting sim of pro hoops with challenging shooting.

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:

    When players fire up the game, they pop up on a practice court they can use to learn the game's moves.  The left stick moves players, while the right stick executes Freestyle moves such as fancy dribbling and passing. While there's only one button to shoot the basketball, a player's momentum dictates what type of shot they'll take. For example, if they're moving backward, they'll shoot a fadeaway. It can be tricky to judge what kind of shot players will take, but it gets easier as you practice. The controls can turn pretty advanced for players seeking more on-court options.

  • Educational value:

    The game provides a great way to learn the rules, strategies, and terminology associated with pro basketball.

  • Messages:

    The game is a straightforward take on professional basketball.

  • Role models:

    The game showcases real athletes playing the game. Some are great role models for kids, while others just aren't.
 

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:

    The game includes cheerleaders wearing tight clothes that dance during timeouts, but nothing racy.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    ESPN plays a big role in the game, including providing sports updates and other news. There are also some ads that appear in arenas.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of NBA Live 10 was written by Brett Molina

Parents need to know that NBA Live 10 is a straightforward simulation of the National Basketball Association. As in real life, the arenas feature advertisements and ESPN is prominent in the game. The game is playable online, a feature Common Sense Media does not recommend to children under the age of 12, and it offers open chat so that the conversations can be unpredictable.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • How do the video games compare to the real-world counterparts?
  • Which sport makes the best transition to the video game medium?
  • What's it like to play as one of the league's superstars, like Kobe Bryant or Lebron James?
Did this review help you decide?
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More on NBA Live 10

What’s the Story?

NBA Live 10 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 control an international team and lead them to victory in the FIBA World Championships. The signature feature of the franchise is Dynamic DNA, where athletes' skills are presented in a DNA style grid. The feature closely follows the real-life NBA season, and will update as the season progresses. So, for example, if a player is injured or changes their style of play, it will be reflected in the game. Players can also participate in a Dynamic Season that changes along with the real NBA. Close

Is It Any Good?

NBA Live 10 definitely looks and sounds like the real thing. Developers did a great job of making the pro players look exactly like their real-world selves. Arenas are filled with chanting, lively fans.The announcing team, led by Marv Albert, packs strong levels of energy.

Overall, gameplay is solid but the shooting controls aren't very friendly. Taking shots is based on a momentum system where player movement dictates what type of shot they will take. If a player moves off a screen to shoot, they may take a running jumper, or they'll attempt a lay-up when driving the lane. It simplifies the shooting mechanics, but experienced players might find the lack of control frustrating. Dribbling and other ballhandling techniques are pretty easy to pick up and execute. The intelligence of computer-controlled teammates is questionable at best. They don't contest shots enough, attempt steals, or move effectively without the ball. Opponents, however, play quite well, particularly once you try the tougher difficulty settings. While the game does pack some solid additions, it could use some on-court practice. Close

Publisher’s Details

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

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