Video game review: Play hoops as your favorite Division 1 college team

Title: NCAA Basketball 09

Platform: PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 (reviewed)

Studio: EA Sports

Rated: E for Everyone

Score: 7.5/10

GAMEPLAY

The review: EA has ported its NBA gameplay to the '09 NCAA basketball release and claims to have 1,000 new animation sequences. EA says that this allows for a better defensive play and allows players to perform quicker in all aspects of the game. The game certainly is more responsive than last year's release, although it's still not perfect.

One of the best aspects of the new release is the ability to tailor your team's style of play with your own or with the real school's style. You can set the tempo and decide just how hard you push your team and the defense up and down the court. It requires a quick decisionmaking on the run if you are pushing it constantly. Also, running an up-tempo style doesn't lend itself to a lot of set plays nor does it always allow you to make quick reactions. There are many occasions when a player is in an animated move and cannot react quickly enough to pass or shoot.

If you are interested in setting up plays you'll be happy to know the playbook has had an overhaul. You aren't stuck with the standard plays and it's nice to be able to customize plays. You get on-court visualization that helps you to understand the play. One play that I used over and over was the pick-and-roll. It's highly effective and not difficult to utilize.

Dynasty mode is still a favorite. You won't be surprised to find out that it hasn't changed much from previous years. One thing you want to make sure to pay attention to is tempo. And that may change depending upon the team you are playing against.

Graphics:

NCAA 09 covers a massive range of colleges with all Division I teams. They've managed to replicate the school arenas, mascots and more. The graphics are rock solid because it's built upon the NBA Live release.

Audio:

The commentary by Erin Andrews, Brad Nessler and Dick Vitale are great. Even better is the college atmosphere that comes through at every arena. The crowds sound alive with chants from all schools.

WRAP-UP

Final word

NCAA Basketball 09 is far from perfect. It's not nearly as good as NBA Live 09. What saves this release is the fact that many of us have our favorite college teams and we want to play as them. If you had to choose one basketball game it would be NBA Live; however, college fanatics like me can't pass up playing as their alma mater.