Dynamic Season a bit underwhelming - DJ's Blog

DJ's Blog

Dynamic Season a bit underwhelming

Posted on November 6, 2009 at 11:16 AM.

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One of the reasons I picked up NBA Live 10 this year was for Dynamic Season. The ability to go back and alter real-life games sounded intriguing, especially since each game contained accurate rosters (starting lineup, benches) and tracked everyone's DNA tendencies. So, let's say you took the Nuggets. No JR Smith to start but Carmelo was beastly the first week of the season, and that's reflected in his DNA.

That aspect of Dynamic Season I enjoy. A lot.

However, I can't help but feel that Dynamic Season is lacking something. And, that something, is dynamic commentary. Playing through Dynamic Season really just feels like you are playing a ton of "Play Now" games with updated DNA. There's no fresh commentary at all, which is really disappointing. You'd like for Marv and Steve to mention Melo's hot start and how he's dominating the league in scoring but instead, you get the same general comments about each player that they make in exhibition games.

The overall presentation is also lacking in these games. You get a few stat overlays that show season stats, but nothing really eye-popping that helps this mode stand out like it should. NCAA Basketball 10 has presentation nailed with its ESPN and CBS integration. I understand not being able to likely get TNT on board, but you'd think Live 10 could've at least been able to integrate more NBA on ESPN graphics and stat overlays and even use NBA TV logos and stat overlays for games. Those little touches, especially in a season or franchise mode, always make a difference.

I'm a big fan of the gameplay in NBA Live 10. The halfcourt game is great and I love the R-stick freestyle controls, coupled with the size-up and post-up moves. Defensively the game is better, post-patch, but could still benefit from having your CPU-controlled teammates play a little smarter.

I like the idea behind Dynamic Season; I just would like to see it expanded upon further.