One issue that was being seen with the launch of NCAA Basketball 10 was with the dynamic update not coming through. That meant a lack of authentic schedules and the inability to play online if experiencing a download error. EA has since fixed this by providing a working update to bypass the error however it does not include the authentic schedules.

After contacting EA for information on this I have been informed that the first real dynamic update will be released next Tuesday morning. This means that the authentic schedules for the game will not arrive until that time. Not only is it disappointing that the schedules weren’t in to begin with but now unfortunately consumers are forced to wait a week before they are implemented.

While NCAA Basketball 10 released today it has been difficult for many to find copies. Apparently some shipping issues have kept it from reaching stores and it will be arriving in most locations tomorrow.

One person who was able to get a copy is Chris Jacobs over at ncaaStrategies. He has been posting some impressions up and plans to get some more videos up soon (one after the break). Head over and check out this thread to read through and ask any questions about the game.

Unfortunately because of the lack of media (outside of having a demo) or community interaction with NCAA Basketball 1o the first indications of how it has turned out may come from reviews. Websites have been embargoed from releasing reviews until tomorrow though IGN’s leaked early. They have given it a 7.8 basically stating that it is a collegiate version of NBA Live 10 with the enhanced presentation. One other issue being discussed amongst those with the game right now include the lack of authentic schedules. That should be fixed by the dynamic updates but the first should have already taken care of this.

Based on the demo I wouldn’t necessarily agree completely with the IGN description. While the games sharing an engine means they share some of the same problems, NCAA felt more wide-open and wasn’t as half-court based as Live. The most disappointing thing about the game to me is the lack of features. Live had Adidas Live Run, Online Team Play, and Dynamic Season. NCAA does not have any variation in online modes and didn’t implement an Online Dynasty or a career mode in the mold of Road to Glory. The game really needed to have some kind of pull outside of just implementing TV style presentation.

As I discussed in my earlier article the game just seems like it is being sent out to die. There is very little promotion and absolutely no hype around it even in places where you would expect some to be. While the market for college basketball games is tiny I would still expect to see more support from EA especially if they have plans for it to continue in the future. Again it calls into question whether the NCAA Basketball series will go on past this year. I do think it is likely there will be another “March Madness edition” available for download come tournament time though.

We are now approximately 12% of the way into the NBA season at which point some trends can start to be analyzed. I thought it would be interesting to look at how the player ratings have changed based on the results from the start of the season. The easiest way to do this is look at those who are clearly outperforming expectations and those who are disappointing. How have their ratings changed in NBA Live 10 and NBA 2K10 since the start of the season?

Here are some of the players that have stood out to me or were suggested by others on Twitter. Their current and original overall ratings are listed.

Fast or surprising starts

Brandon Jennings 25.6 PPG, 5.1 APG
NBA Live 10: Current 70. Original 70. (No Change)
NBA 2K10: Current 74. Original 64. (+10)

Steve Nash 17.1 PPG, 11.8 APG
NBA Live 10: Current 88. Original 88. (No Change)
NBA 2K10: Current 80. Original 80. (No Change)

Tyreke Evans 16.8 PPG, 4.3 APG
NBA Live 10: Current 69. Original 69. (No Change)
NBA 2K10: Current 71. Original 71. (No Change)

Carmelo Anthony 29.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG
NBA Live 10: Current 90. Original 90. (No Change)
NBA 2K10: Current 91. Original 88. (+3)

Chris Kaman 22.0 PPG, 9.3 RPG
NBA Live 10: Current 74. Original 74. (No Change)
NBA 2K10: Current 72. Original 72. (No Change)

Slow or disappointing starts

Elton Brand 9.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG
NBA Live 10: Current 79. Original 79. (No Change)
NBA 2K10: Current 74. Original 77. (-3)

Shaquille O’Neal 11.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG
NBA Live 10: Current 83. Original 83. (No Change)
NBA 2K10: Current 81. Original 81. (No Change)

Hasheem Thabeet 0.6 PPG, 1.6 RPG
NBA Live 10: Current 72. Original 72. (No Change)
NBA 2K10: Current 57. Original 57. (No Change)

Stephen Curry 8.3 PPG, 4.4 APG
NBA Live 10: Current 73. Original 73. (No Change)
NBA 2K10: Current 69. Original 69. (No Change)

Kevin Garnett 13.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG
NBA Live 10: Current 90. Original 90. (No Change)
NBA 2K10: Current 87. Original 90. (-3)

Overall Analysis
Both the Synergy auto-updating for NBA Live 10 and the single person in charge of updating rosters for NBA 2K10 are somewhat unreliable. In Live’s case while Synergy is updating the rosters and tendencies after each game it has not resulted in any overall ratings changes which is very disappointing. Meanwhile NBA 2K10 is at least seeing adjustments to some players but others seem largely ignored and online play still uses the default roster as opposed to the most recent one. (Update) EA has stated that a full ratings update is coming this week.

The official sales numbers for October were released by NPD earlier today offering the first chance to gauge the success of the NBA games that were released early in the month. As fully expected NBA 2K10 dominated though with a larger year over year increase than would have been anticipated.

Last year NBA 2K9 released and pulled in 202K on the 360 while finishing in 17th on the PS3 with approximately 110K. NBA Live 09 did not make the top 20 with either version with estimates of about 90K on the 360 and 60K on the PS3 .

NBA 2K10 sold 311K on the 360 and 213K on the PS3 in October. That represents gains of 54% and 93% respectfully. Those are huge numbers especially after making a similar jump the previous year.

For comparisons sake 2K Sports’ other major title MLB 2K9 dropped this year by 14% on the 360 alone which is even more stunning because of the console exclusivity it holds. Arguably that series has taken the most criticism for its quality and has the best competition though only facing that from the PS3 side. It just goes to show how the NBA 2K series is literally carrying the label right now on its own.

With the myriad of problems that have plagued 2K10 and the reaction from consumers the sales could be greatly impacted next year. The numbers aren’t going to take much of a hit in the current year though. The real sense of what it all means won’t come until 2K11 faces Live 11 where consumers could decide to make the switch either because of Live’s improvements or frustration over 2K’s struggles. A big shift was seen in the same mold with MLB 2K9 dropping after a poor 2K8 effort and subsequently MLB 09 The Show rising by over 37%.

As to NBA Live 10 we’ll have to wait, probably until tomorrow, for the list that includes the Top 20. It is possible the 360 version snuck in. The news is certainly discouraging though, and with Electronic Arts chopping the bottom third of games based on potential profitability the NBA Live franchise could be in some danger. If not this year than it very well could be a make-or-break year upcoming.

FIFA 10 actually made the Top 10 which is a huge accomplishment for a soccer game in the US. The game may be the highest selling worldwide but has never made much of an impact domestically. Last year it settled in at 19th on the 360 and this year came in 10th selling 156K. That can put the state of NBA Live in even better perspective though as it is even getting outsold by FIFA by a large margin.

As discussed at length in the September Sales Analysis article Madden 10 has been doing relatively well. The opening month was down 3% but good word of mouth and the boost from new console sales have offered a lift. EA has stated it is now up 5% in sales compared to last year. While that is encouraging it doesn’t even factor in the money made from downloadable content or off used sales where features like Online Franchise have to be paid for separately. Madden could see another uptick based on holiday sales and by introducing a brand new mode (Madden Ultimate Team) in early January.

On Tuesday the first codes came out to add some of the new alternate road jerseys appearing this NBA season to NBA Live 10 and NBA 2K10. You can find all that information here. This first set included jerseys for the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets. Here are screens from the two games showing them off in action.

NBA Live 10

NBA 2K10

NBA Live 10

NBA 2K10

NBA Live 10

NBA 2K10

NBA Live 10

NBA 2K10

As noted when the official fact sheet from EA Sports for NCAA Basketball 10 was released it lacked mention of the “Dynamic Updates” that had been included on the features list. With less than a week until release they have finally come out and discussed this feature. You can check out the full blog here.

With these updates you will also get the latest top 25 and RPI for all teams featured in the game. These updates are showcased in-game on all relevant broadcast overlays as well as in the Dynamic Updates menu. There will be speech that supports win/loss streaks as well as the Top 25 itself.

It”ll be a while before it can be determined how much impact dynamic updates has on NCAA Basketball 10 but from its description it doesn’t sound like much and the blog is very thin on details. It could end up improving online play along with the Play Now games by better representing the teams throughout the year. What isn’t clear is how these updates will affect individual players. If it is going to update team ratings the only way to actually do that is by changing the players. The past two years have brought roster updates at tournament time but hopefully dynamic updates are about finding a way around not being able to do them regularly. If it does accomplish that it would be a great addition and it would explain why they have been hesitant to really discuss the feature.

It would be one thing if NBA Unrivaled was 400 MS points/$5 but it isn’t. The downloadable only game for XBLA and PSN is asking for 1200 MS points/$15. It appears that the sole reason for the is the use of the NBA license because there is nothing else about the game that could justify such a price. Luckily as with every downloadable game a free trial is offered. The trial includes the Lakers vs Magic with two minute quarters.

Yes, NBA Unrivaled does include the NBA license meaning it includes the real teams and players. That is of very little consequence though because it is quite possibly the worst game I’ve played this generation. Tecmo was going for a retro arcade feel which is fine and for people who grew up on games like Tecmo NBA Basketball and NBA Jam there is still some appeal to that. Unfortunately while those games were fun this one is not at all.

The NBA license really doesn’t mean much. The players have real names but they are hardly distinguishable due to the graphics and play on the court. The jerseys are recognizable due to the colors and the court has the team logo. Outside of those things the license doesn’t make the game any better than it would have been otherwise. It may have actually been better without it and would have certainly been cheaper.

Player movement does use the left analog but is basically comparable to using the D-Pad. There is no momentum at all so passing means stopping and jumping means going straight up. The animations (if they can even be called that) for aspects of the game such as the shots or rebounds are ridiculously bad.

On offense the best strategy seemed to be to run around until the player being controlled has the X button icon pop up over their head. When that happens hitting X takes the player into an unstoppable special dunk. On defense it is basically about running around wildly and swiping for the ball, though there is a risk of committing fouls. The game uses a momentum system which provides boosts to the team that is on a roll. I never really saw this take place.

Since it is difficult to actually see what player has the ball or proximity to an opposing player there are a lot of steals made. There is really no sense that a steal has actually taken place outside of a sound effect that indicates so.

After firing up the trial to give the game a chance it was one game and done. NBA Unrivaled has no redeeming value and it is unlikely that anyone will actually find it enjoyable to play. There is one accomplishment that NBA Unrivaled could lay claim to…it is so terrible that it can unite fans of NBA 2K10 and NBA Live 10 in criticism of it.

The XBLA and PSN downloadable only game NBA Unrivaled is now available for for the 360 and should be out for the PS3 tomorrow. Tecmo is going for the feel of a throwback arcade game in the mold of Tecmo NBA Basketball or NBA Jam with this offering. The game features the full NBA license including the teams, rosters, and statistics. NBA Unrivaled costs 1200 MS points or the equivalent $15 on PSN and comes in at a compact 177.25 MB.

As with all downloadable titles there is a free trial that can be played and it is (highly in this situation) recommended to do so before purchasing. Continue on for the official trailer. I will have a gameplay video and some quick impressions up later today.

Today brought about the arrival of some new jerseys for this season in NBA Live 10 and NBA 2K10. Entering the codes below will unlock them. The NBA has a scheduled roll-out plan for new jerseys. This set came out today and the next one will come on December 1st.

NBA Live 10
ndnba1rooaesdc0 – Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, Hawks secondary road jerseys
To enter the code: Main Menu – My NBA Live 10 – EA Sports Extras – NBA Codes

NBA 2K10
eydonscar – Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, Hawks secondary road jerseys
ycprtii – Blazers “Rip City” jersey
To enter the code: Main Menu – Options – Codes

It has been an eventful time for the upcoming EA Sports MMA. While the game isn’t slated to release until mid-2010 it has its unofficial coming out party over the course of the last week. Until this recent flurry began pretty much all that was known about the game was the budding roster of fighters. Now we’ve seen the first screenshots, the first trailer, witnessed heavy promotion during a Strikeforce event, and have even gotten a first look preview of the game.

Earlier today a handful of new screenshots were released. You can view all eight in the gallery. They feature the two competitors from the main event which saw Fedor Emelianenko knock out Brett Rogers in the second round of a very entertaining fight.

The ratings for the nationally televised Strikeforce event Saturday night are difficult to fully evaluate because the main event ran over and the spike seen for that is not calculated into the 3.8 million average of viewers over the first two hours. Still it was a fantastic showcase for EA Sports MMA which debuted the first trailer during the program, had EA Sports logos all over, and had EA Sports MMA advertised on the mat. In addition to the two main event competitors Jake Shields, Jason Miller, and Muhammed Lawal competed and are included in the game.

IGN has posted up their “first look” preview of the game. Topics discussed include the incorporation of the Fight Night Round 4 engine, organic combat feel, the use of Photo GameFace in career mode, the possibility of a women’s division, and some insight into the controls. You can check out the article in full here.

Standard striking will be handled by the analog stick by default, though all of the controls can be customized if you prefer something different. The developers want kicking and punching to be the same movement on the analog stick regardless of whether you’re on the ground or upright. How you’ll handle moving from mount to half-guard (as well as other transitions on the mat) is still a bit of a mystery.

The controls are obviously going to be a big part of how accessible the game turns out to be. UFC 2009 Undisputed had a very sharp learning curve but you could easily sense improvement over time. It’ll be interesting to see how close the two games come in terms of controls. EA will want to appeal to the huge gaming crowd that bought UFC this year and it would be difficult to do so if everything is wildly different.