College basketball didn’t
need a LeBron James to bring a measure of excitement to the sport. That is
already inherent in the game. As the year 2003 draws to a close, the most
dynamic part of the collegiate basketball season looms a couple of months away.

Players of all ages can
experience that particular thrill of the sport with the release of ESPN College
Hoops for the PlayStation2. ESPN Videogames, Kush Games and Visual Concepts are
behind this title, which is the new brand name for the original 2K4 Sega series
of sports titles.

But the power of the ESPN
name brings certain expectations to the hardwood, and this title lives up to
those expectations in many ways. The title is a solid performer in terms of
graphics and control elements. Some of the peripheral animation is a little
redundant but the essence of the game, all the action between the opening tip
and final buzzer, is very well done.

Forget the cutscenes – they
may well be the weakest part of the game. This is a game that has simple control
elements and is option rich. You can create your own school, your own players
and nestle it into a conference with the 310 other schools represented here.

Mike Patrick is the tour
guide for the title and teams up with Jay Bilas to do the play-by-play. The
sound of the game is well extremely well done, not only in the announcing but
also in the use of fight songs and crowd noise. Graphically, the crowds are not
that good

But don’t let that serve as
a detractor. The game is played on the hardwood, and when it comes to the
gameplay, this title serves up a terrific game experience – once you get past
all the options and into the game.

Game features include a Slam
Session in which players can play from a bevy of games – Beat the Clock, Style,
Horse, Championship and you can unlock the Dunk-O-War game as well. Regular game
modes include Exhibition play, Legacy (akin to franchise), Season, Tournament,
Rivalry, Gym Rat and Practice.

During the course of the
game, you can set matchups for your players, pressure in certain areas of the
game or open it up, and even define the roles of your players.

Of course you will have the
things to worry about that most coaches have to deal with – like recruiting, and
players leaving early for the NBA. And injuries can play a factor if you turn
that option on.

The animation of the game is
smooth. There are some dribbling moves and you can set up plays relatively
easily. Clock management, especially against the powerhouse schools, is
important, so charging up and down the court, swiping at every offensive player
is not always wise. If you take a smaller school, don’t expect great depth.

As to the problem of rosters
and names, you can have the game randomly select names for players, or numbers.
If you play online, you can download the latest roster changes for each school
prior to tipping it off.

The online aspect of this
title is very strong and players will find rated games as well as tournaments in
which they can take part.

Mike Patrick
enthusiastically intones during the cutscene intro: “Holy cow, what a game! What
an incredible game!” In many ways this holds true for this title. It is not the
definitive college hoops experience – that title has not yet come along. But it
is very good.

The game sports the sound,
and the game graphics for a rich and entertaining experience.

This title is rated for
Everyone.

Gameplay: 8.7

From the opening tip to the
final buzzer, this game offers an enjoyable and exciting hoops experience. The
game does occasionally back away from the normal pacing to give players a
slow-motion look at a key play, whether someone cleaning the glass, or a power
dunk.

Graphics: 8.2

The cutscenes are one of the
weaker aspects of this game. Player animation is great, but the crowds are not
all that well done. Shadows are a little on the harsh side, and the camera
angles – while adjustable – can take some getting used to.

Sound: 9

The ESPN crew does a great
job, and the rest of the sound associated with college basketball comes to life
in a big way.

Difficulty: Medium

The game sports three
difficulty settings, and will provide a challenge to any player

Concept: 8.5

The game has a solid options
package and the interface is designed for ease of play. You can get right into
the thick of the action with this title.

Multiplayer: 8.9

The game has the same type
of online support as other ESPN titles. You can find leagues a lobby full of
players ready to challenge you on the court, and a lot of these players are very
adept at setting match-ups against their opposition; in essence, you will face a
coach as well as a player.

Overall: 8.5

Some of the animations in
places are a little repetitive and awkward. But overall this title does a great
job of bringing the excitement of the college game to life. If you are looking
for a game that is hard driving, and looks good, then this is the game for you.