NBA2K10 one of the best sports video games ever made

The NBA playoffs are going on, and that gave me a reminder to dust off a game that I had not reviewed when it came out several months ago, 2K Sports' "NBA 2K10."

This is the best basketball video game ever made.

Graphically, this looks as nice as any game I've ever tried (I have the Xbox 360 version). The players look and move like you're watching them on TNT or ESPN. I love how the crowd is more interactive, too.

Some of my favorite features:

The game keeps up-to-date with trades and injuries and player ratings. So if the real-life Kobe Bryant hurts his finger, your digital Kobe will, too.

There's now an energy guide below your players, which shows you how well they can sprint to the ball or to play defense. You will have to rest guys more, and depending on how you use them, they will or will not have enough stamina to finish the game strong.

2K Sports has tripled the play-calling options. You now have 24 plays to use and have multiple ways to get a three-point shot or to push the ball into the paint.

If you're connected to the internet, the game streams real-life matchups, news and stats. You can create a player and take him to summer camp, training camps or the NBA's developmental league.

This is a basketball game you'll enjoy for a long, long time. Grade: A.