The new TV style presentation stands out, but game play and long lasting features still has a few years to graduate.
While 2 development teams have the say so in who's best of the best of the NBA in terms of game play, features, and overall realism, only EA controls the court dominance of the NCAA basketball world. While many fans of the 2K series will find this distressful, it would be fair to at least mention. The series is in good hands as EA has improved it year after year, and while NCAA Basketball 10 is far from perfection, and it does hold its own on the court and is a very solid game despite lacking competition.
Visually NCAA Basketball 10 is the best looking in the series thanks mainly in part to the new TV style presentation that incorporates both the ESPN License and the newly signed CBS Final Four license. The game brings a greater feeling of authenticity as CBS has handled the Final Four Tournaments since 1982, so the acquisition of this license will allow gamers to really have the sense of experiencing a TV Broadcast they have control of. I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I would even like to see small 30 sec commercials integrated when teams take a time out, so when the play by play guys say we'll be right back and the screen fades to black, you are treated to an advertisement. Of course if this is going to happen, I would hope the developers have the foresight to allow a skip option for those who don't wanna watch them. As is, the game looks fantastic from opening tip to final buzzer. Since the NCAA won't allow player likenesses, it isn't uncommon to have multiple players looking similar, but all gamer aspects from looks to name and attributes are completely customizable for those who want their favorite school represented properly. The players look very detailed and move with realistic animations whether you are blocking a shot, or diving out of bounds to swat a ball back into play, the game has tons of animations for the players and backgrounds that really bring the arenas to life complete with reactions to calls, after baskets, etc.
Another strong representation of the game's presentation is the audio quality. Whether you are listening to the crowd's reaction that will be electric or hush filled during big home games, or the various CBS and ESPN voiceovers, gamers will be treated with new audio features throughout their entire dynasty play through. It's not just the specific TV station music that is varied, but Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery call the games for CBS and Dick Vitale, Brad Nessler, and Erin Andrews make the games come to life for the ESPN games. While you can expect the play by play to repeat from time to time, the developer's intuitive nature to allow for two completely commentary teams to take place will keep the game from losing its freshness over time.
While using some of the game play elements that the NBA Live engine brought forth, there are some distinct differences that will be noticeable from the get go. First noticeable change is the decreased chance of the stutter step that happened when sprinting in Live. Posting up for long range shots on a fast break was hard in Live as there was an awkward stutter step in transition; in NCAA it has all but been eliminated with it only rearing its ugly head slightly from time to time. Another addition is the all important motion movement control which allows gamers to initiate the option to have primary and secondary options in the passing lane, setting picks, cutting to the basket, and much more. This allows the man at the top of the key to control the flow of action, or allow the offense to change more frequently on the fly when the coach demands it. Toss in that the AI is vastly improved and will help with decision making, setting up double teams, and even better end game logic that will have the CPU either stall to run out the clock, or foul and/or take time outs that will help them position to make that last minute comeback. Both sides of the ball offensively and defensively are noticeably better which will make each matchup just as exhilarating all the way through to the game's finish.
All this is fine and dandy, but where EA really allowed the ball to fall out of bounds is in the options department, as the features have virtually been untouched. You have basically the same dynasty mode, and while expansive, isn't greatly changed from last season. This also holds true for the online game, where there still lacks a great system for online tourneys, seasons, or generally much beyond a friendly game of pick up. If online matters not to you, then there is still enough single player March Madness to endure, just don't expect a vast amount of changes from last year.
All in all, despite the lack of new features, NCAA Basketball 10 still feels fresh and new like a new pair of sneakers. Online players may wish odor eaters were included as the multiplayer features stink, but the game still provides a great game of one on one ball for those who just want to feel the magic that comes around each March. Even with no alternative, EA's College experience will still feed the need of any diehard fan hoping to wet their appetite thanks to the authenticity the game provides with both the CBS and ESPN integrations. Toss in the option to update player stats and you will find a satisfying and compelling game that will last you all season long. Game on!
