Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K Sports
Rating Guide: How I Review Games

Guest writer: Dave ‘DJSteel’

Review:

I’ve been a huge fan of sports games ever since the Super Nintendo and Madden NFL Football. Every year I am one of those suckers that go out and plots money down on the yearly releases of sports games hoping that I see something new and great. Most of the time, I like the game.  Every once in a while a stinker in the group comes along and ruins the game for me. I was always a fan of the 2K Sports College Basketball series and I usually buy it every year.  Since upgrading to a 360 in 2006, I have not gotten around to getting back into the series until this year.  How is it?

Gameplay, Graphics and Sound

NCAA College Hoops 2K8 plays pretty much exactly like any of the 2K Sports basketball titles from the previous years with a few minor differences.  The two types of legacy modes differ from selecting your own team versus selecting a team with a coaching vacancy. These teams with vacanies are pretty horrible; they would kind of have to be since they are looking for a new coach. You would then select your assistant coaches. Once all of the preseason items are complete, you then begin the season with a CBS type preview where Greg Gumble breaks down the pre-season top 25 along with the top players in college. After that is complete, you then can start playing the games.  During the course of the season can perform tasks such as player scouting.

The gameplay offers nothing new on the court really.  The players still blow easy layups, the artificial intelligence makes mental errors on defensive formations, and it seems the computer-controlled teams know when to shoot the ball all too well.  The computer, even though I will double team a particular player, will still shoot and make three pointers even when I am in his face. They do not pass up on shots for easier ones if the computer knows they will make it. There was even a moment where a center hit three three-pointers in a row. The Lock on D feature is a good idea theoretically but the execution is flawed because the functionality allows centers to run with point guards. Other than that, the controls are pretty easy to pick up and you can even change the controller setup if you prefer.

During timeouts, you can address issues on the court by setting emphasis like defense or ball control and it does have an effect on your game until that emphasis time limit runs out. You can also complete training mini-games which show off the mediocre on-court control unwittingly. The last major mode inserted into this year’s rendition of College Hoops 2k8 is the ability to create plays and test them out on the court. Another feature you will notice while playing a game is the Sixth Man which allows the crowd to positively and negatively affect the outcome of the game by either motivating or hindering your team during the game. The problem I have with this feature is that the computer- controlled teams already have an edge. This just gives them a bigger edge.

Graphically, the game is extremely weak. The court looks good but the player models look like Xbox models. College Hoops 2K8 is a great example of a game that would grade higher with many critics if they just improved the game graphically by updating the player models and animations. I do have to say though that one of the coolest visuals is when you are taking foul shots in an away game and the camera shakes because of the fans screaming. It has an effect on the foul shooting.

The sounds of the game are amazing. You feel like you are there in the stands watching the game. You hear the squeaking of the sneakers and the fans roaring. Even though Greg Gumble might not look like he is saying what he actually is, it sounds like you are watching an actual CBS broadcast.

Xbox Live Extras

Much like previous versions, you can play other people online and you can download their VIP profile to practice against. You can also play in online leagues which can be set up or joinable through the 2K website or through the game interface.

Conclusion

After playing a few games, I will say that the game is frustrating.  The gameplay marginally improved this year and still suffers from flaws.  The graphics reminded me of the original Xbox.  My favorite mode is back in the full blown Legacy mode where you have to start out with a bad team and move your way up.  I would wait for a price drop on this title before dropping any cash on it especially if you are not a huge college basketball fan.

It is not worth $60 but when it gets down to the $30 to $40 range, then it will be worth the price.  It’s no wonder 2K Sports is losing licensing and no longer publishing the NCAA College Hoops series.