Let’s be frank; living north of the border (in December) it is difficult to get overly excited about a game based entirely on the collegiate phenomena known as March Madness. However, the game is engaging enough that when the term ‘Final Four’ re-enters the public lexicon this springtime it should prompt gamers to pull the NCAA ’08 March Madness off the shelf as a secret weapon in filling out the office bracket.
The Electronic Arts NCAA franchise has prided itself on delivering a new feature to draw in the hoop-heads each year. In the 2008 version for PS3, low-post play on both offence and defence is the hook. By using the analog stick on offence your big man of choice can take defenders to class with a handful of post moves, including the up and under, drop step and jump hook. Somewhere, Lew Alcindor weeps.
On defence, the low post control allows players to take command of the post with defensive positioning. Fear not the inside game as a quick flick of the analog stick allows your big man to deny the entry pass or read the pass and make a quick move to steal and start the fast break.
The controls are slick; but the issue in the new low post control lies in the fact that many teams do not field a dominant big man. No big man means no post game, which quickly turns a classic college rivalry into three-point challenge.
Okay, technical innovation aside, the real allure of March Madness lies in the intensity a college-based sports game can bring. The Cameron Crazies are indeed crazy and if Coach K can get his Duke team in a scoring rhythm the interactive environment will prompt players to bump chests with a mascot or pump up the crowd.
Known as an ‘Impact Moment’, by simply positioning a player with a full intensity metre near a teammate, cheerleader or opposing team’s bench the reaction will unfold. Freshman may crack and show their lack of composure while seniors will make the buzzer-beater, or perhaps call a phantom timeout?
As for the broadcast crew in NCAA ’08, the introduction of sideline reporter Erin Andrews is all we have to say. If you are unfamiliar with Andrews’ work, put the game away and do some research!
Other notable features in ’08 include the classic teams and online leagues that are making their way into the gaggle of ’08 EA Sports games. The 74 classic teams do not add much in the way of substance, but come on, being able to use MJ’s Tar Heels or Jerry Tarkanian’s Runnin’ Rebels of UNLV will fire up any college hoops enthusiast or alumni.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
March Madness offers more enjoyment than its NBA Live counterpart and the low post control gives you the feeling of playing a game within a game. Add in the shiny new ESPN licensing, Erin Andrews (prrr!), classic schools and the improved dynasty mode and you have a package ready to accompany your bracket-watching this springtime.
