Instant Replay

Instant Replay has benefited from a few enhancements this year which will likely have a lot more plays taking the time to pause the game and watching their finest moves over and over again. Better still, you can now record a 25 second video - complete with audio - and store it locally as well as uploading it to EA Sports World for others to check out. You'll also be able to take part in a little video editing.

By setting markers in the footage, you're able to edit different segments to change camera angles and even the speed of the video. In addition to some fixed camera angles, you're also able to use the free camera option to come up with whatever impossible angles you think would look cool. This means your replay can follow a player from behind at normal speed then switch to slow motion from the baseline camera then cut to behind the rim as he throws down a spectacular dunk, either in slo-mo or normal speed. It's up to you. As I mentioned the videos include audio (no commentary) which changes along with the speed of the video without any problems.

You've also got the usual instant replay features including the ability to target the ball, a player or a certain spot on the court which can now be put to good use when setting the markers and editing the camera angles. You can even take a screenshot by clicking the thumbstick on the Xbox 360; presumably you can do the same on the Playstation 3 using L3. There's no need to worry about indicators for the camera target or the players themselves as they don't show up in the videos or screenshots, allowing you to make a professional-looking production.

The feature isn't available online since it would hold up play but once you've saved a highlight reel, it's randomly played on the big screen that appears in the practice arena of the NBA Academy. Still, with the ability to upload videos to EA Sports World there'll be plenty of opportunities to claim bragging rights for the best highlight clips and marvel at what other users have been able to pull off. I can see that being quite popular.

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