While a staple on prior consoles, the March Madness series took a year off before debuting on next generation systems. While some unique and even innovative features were inserted given the extra time, the same tired, broken game play means this is a title that can't bring the full college basketball experience with it. It's a game more fun off the court than on.
With a full ESPN presentation in tow like its sister NBA Live series, the initial impression is a strong one. ESPN Radio, video, and text are available at request adding an authentic flavor when navigating menus. Game modes include the usual suspects, from online, tournament, and dynasty play.
Fans of dynasty modes will have quite a bit to do. The High School All American game makes itself known, along with NIT action. Depending on your performance, new equipment can be purchased to keep your players increasing their stats while in training. Full editing means the players can be named to your liking, an easy away around NCAA regulations that prevent licensing the athletes.
Onto the court, the experience fails to come together. New additions make every effort to hide the problems, the key being the "Lockdown Stick." This has potential to become the standard in defensive video game basketball, and it's a shame it debuted in a weaker title.
Using the right analog stick allows the player-controlled defender to prevent the ball handler from simply blowing by untouched. The tight defense eliminates the long criticized loose feel of EA Sports basketball for years, though still makes it too easy to push or be pushed out of bounds. When locked in, you can easily call for a double team, attempt a risky steal, and make it difficult to make a pass.
Offense remains unchanged from the previous years PS2 and Xbox editions. The right analog stick is still used for jukes and special moves. Getting around a defensive Lockdown stick move requires some adept play calling at times, finally injecting the series with some greatly needed realism.
While making plays and grabbing the crowd's attention, you'll increase your mental state. You can use this to taunt opposing players, fire up teammates, excite your own crowd, or give a small adrenaline boost to the player in your control. If you let the meter fill completely, you'll earn an "impact moment."
Article comments
1 - Just Wondering
Why doesn't NCAA March Madness 07 come out for xbox?
2 - Matt Paprocki
I could only assume low sales/lack of demand/poor reviews of the 06 edition, or any of the above combined.