X-BOX 360 It’s been a long time coming, but the chance to relive the greatest March Madness matchups in NCAA history has arrived. Gamers can even create the type of matchups that college fanatics could previously only dream of.
The producers of EA Sports’ “NCAA 08: March Madness” have wisely added classic teams to the game play of this popular franchise. Gamers have long grown accustomed to the feature in other EA sports games and it was high time to add it to this quality title. Of course, the major teams are all included, but gamers will be pleased to play as some of the more obscure teams in NCAA history. The 1998 Valparaiso University Crusader squad is included, complete with sharp-shooting tourney legend Bryce Drew.
EA didn’t stop there with the new team additions. There are also all-time teams added to the mix. The teams added are somewhat limited, yet complete. Imagine playing with the best the UCLA Bruins have ever put on the floor. Bill Walton, Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Reggie Miller are all included. Their facial features aren’t as well defined as some of the other games in EA’s arsenal, but they’ll do.
These features alone have vastly improved the game play of this college basketball series, but EA didn’t limit its innovations to the expanded roster of teams to choose from. Post play has been significantly upgraded for this year’s edition. Dubbed “Dynamic Post Control,” this feature allows gamers to hold the ball deep in the post and fake in any direction in an attempt to get the defender off his feet or out of position. Once the defender is out of the picture, the selected player can finish off the play with some flair.
“March Madness” also includes a wide array of game play options. Gamers can simply play a quick game, which is kind of like an exhibition game. Serious gamers are more likely to play in dynasty mode, which allows you to coach a team through season after season, complete with recruiting and roster management. Coaching positions at other schools are made available following a completed season to spice things up.
One of the more interesting improvements to the game came in the form of mini games available while the console loads. A lone player appears on an outdoor basketball court where gamers can practice their stroke. The game also offers a slight variation on this theme by challenging gamers to score 16 or more points on the court to be used in the next game. It’s a nice touch that most EA titles include this year. It is also featured in “FIFA 08.”
All in all, this title improves on previous editions and gives gamers a real taste of the madness that is college hoops.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 29, 2007. Read the original PDF.