EA Sports already delivered a great basketball game with NBA Live 10, but don't ignore 2K Sports' latest b-ball effort, NBA 2K10. Despite some minor flaws, it's one of the most impressive sports games we've played, blurring the line between simulation and actual broadcast.

We never grow tired of chanting, "Beat LA! Beat LA!"Click to see more images from the game...

Let's start with the gameplay, an area where NBA 2K10 rules the court. Pick and rolls feel natural, three pointers are still a matter of skill (release at the right time to avoid shooting a brick) and the dunks look excellent, especially from a big man like Shaquille O'Neal.

That said, the computer players get incredibly lucky. We ran a fast break a couple of times, only to have a defender run in and force the ball from our hands, letting it roll out of bounds. Granted, that can happen in a real game, but it feels like the artificial intelligence possesses Superman abilities.

Then we have fatigue. 2K Sports made balancing tweaks so you don't wear out your speed burst like you did in the past. Hold it down too often and your player will show wear and tear on the court, via an energy meter highlighted next to their name. You can turn off the option or play around with the in-game sliders (3-point shooting, hustle, etc.), but these guys aren't invincible. Even Kobe Bryant runs out of gas.

Those small things aside, you'll easily get into NBA 2K10. Setting up defensive formations, calling time-outs/making substitutions and executing killer dunks and alley-oops are all second nature. You'll have no problem adapting to and embracing 2K's style of play, whether you prefer using the right analog stick or good old-fashioned buttons.

In addition to the smooth gameplay, NBA 2K10 also has a great mix of old and new features. The Living Rosters return, with up-to-date changes on each team so you can keep up with trades and acquisitions. There's also a new NBA Today mode, letting you play the games on the schedule in real time; obviously, this will kick into high gear once the season starts, allowing you to send the Clippers to the Finals.

Derek Rose sizes up his opponent, Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo.Click to see more images of the game.

My Player mode lets you create a baller from scratch or port one from the Xbox Live/PlayStation Network, NBA 2K10 Draft Combine. You'll participate in drills, work on your skills (speed, shooting, etc.) and enjoy an NBA career.

There is an upside and downside to this, however. On one hand, you may play alongside NBA superstars. On the other, you may also quality for the lower level D-league. Don't let that deter you. My Player is tough to master, but if you stay the course, you'll eventually live the NBA life.

NBA 2K10 also gives you the option to form crews. You can choose pre-existing NBA players or your own My Players creations, team up with others and take on other crews online through Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. Working with others is an excellent option, as you'll need to control the paint, among other objectives. Of course, if you prefer quick pick-up games, slam-dunks or other less complicated NBA online features, they're open to you as well.

Where NBA 2K has an edge over the competition is the audio department. Sure, NBA Live 10 has enthusiastic crowds, but this game makes some noise. Crowds get into the action, chanting "MVP" when your key player is on fire (shooting 30+ points and/or scoring key rebounds) and going bonkers after scoring unexpectedly. The background music is just above average, with dance beats and other songs, but you have the option to customize it using your own pre-loaded tunes. There's nothing like watching Boston Celtic Kevin Garnett take it home while the actual band Boston plays in the background. (It's cheesy, but whatever.)

Then there's the commentary. Kevin Harlan and Clark Kellogg continue to deliver some of the best dialogue around, highlighting individual player stories, criticizing mistakes and bestowing accolades on key performers. They'll occasionally repeat comments, but it doesn't ruin the experience. Better still, it'll evolve over the season, depending on the specific teams and players.

We also love NBA 2K10's visuals, a package that includes realistic players, animated crowds and spot on arenas/courts/mascots/cheerleaders. Players even have individual personalities. Kobe shows off when he's on a hot streak, while Chris Andersen (the Birdman) flaps his arms in traditional fashion after scoring for the Nuggets. Even LeBron James' opening chalk clap and Dwight Howard's introductory shuffle are here.

NBA 2K10 is a phenomenal hoops game that's worth your money, thanks to furious online competition, the realistic presentation and fast-paced (yet user-friendly) gameplay. There are minor glitches, but nothing that'll stop you having a rim-rattling good time.