ESPN College Hoops 2k5

[CleBrownsfan]

Anybody looking forward to this? I think it comes out tomorrow!!

I'm loving the 2K5 series so I'm really looking forward to this "gem".

[CraigSca]

I've always been disappointed with college basketball on the console, because it's always been treated like the NBA's little sister (unlike the NCAA Football series from EASports). Here's hoping that changes this year, but I'll believe it when I see it.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm very excited about this game, and I also think it is coming out tomorrow from several stories that I've seen. I really enjoyed last year's version, and would have played it much more if there wasn't several bugs that really annoyed me. Hopefully, it will be bug free this year or at least without any major bugs. In any case, for 20 dollars I'll definitely be buying.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I was under the impression that it won't be out for yet another week, but I could be wrong. Here's hoping it's out tomorrow.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've seen different dates on different sites, but the site I trust the most (Gamespot) states that it went gold last week (or maybe I saw that story a little bit over a week ago) and would be released on the 17th.

[Butter]

It was in the Best Buy flyer this week, so it's gonna be out this week I'm sure.

[CraigSca]

FWIW, the latest Gamespot article (dated Nov. 9th) says it will be released on the 22nd.

[CraigSca]

dola - and then the same site says it's slated for release on the 17th. Hmmm...

[henry296]

Originally Posted by Butter_of_69

It was in the Best Buy flyer this week, so it's gonna be out this week I'm sure.

Those flyers are printed well in advance so if it go delayed it might not be out this week.

Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

On Gamespot at the bottom of the ESPN College Basketball 2k5 page, there is a press release from the 12th. That is the "article" I was thinking of. The press release states that it went gold and would ship on the 17th. I think that is when Gamespot updated their available date. However, I'm confused how it could go gold on the 12th and arrive by the 17th as that seems like a very short period.

[Butter]

Well the actual ESPN Videogames website says it will ship on the 17th. So there.

[CleBrownsfan]

Just called EB and they said they should be getting it on the 18th - it's shipping on the 17th.

Who you all going to start with?? I'm going with either Temple, 'Nova, or a MAC team...

Also, what system are you guys getting it on? PS2 here - All PS2 users we need to start a league

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm going to play the Legacy mode which only gave a few options last time. I'll probably be UC-Riverside again, but I might play a team in Louisiana if they give me a choice.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

How many arenas does it have?

[dunkem]

For the simmers out there, I'm looking forward to playing with the new coach mode. I'm not sure why more games don't implement coach modes like football (although slider tweaking is always a pain). Sometimes I either suck at playing or the sliders don't give accurate stats so it'd be nice to watch the game, call the plays, make the subs, etc. instead of tweaking sliders based on my abilities. From the reviews, it sounds like coach movement and recruiting are more refined so should be interesting.

[MizzouRah]

I'll be waiting for FOFC reviews on this one.

I would love to see a *cough* FBCB2 or TDCB2 text sim out soon...



Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

I stopped by my local EB games on the way home, and they confirmed my copy will arrive on Thursday at it is shipping tomorrow.

[Eaglesfan27]

Gamespot put up a review. An 8.3 with some very nice things in the text of the article. It is rather long to post, but here is the link. I'm very excited if the review is correct, as I'm a big fan of ESPN NBA 2k5's gameplay, and I really enjoyed the recruiting last year which it sounds like they expanded this year. I'll post my impressions in the games forum after I've had a few days to play it.

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/sports/...05/review.html

[kingfc22]

Didn't see it anywhere so I'll ask it here. Is there any way to import draft classes from College 2k5 to NBA 2k5?

[Eaglesfan27]

I didn't see that mentioned in the review, but since it was the same team that did both I would guess there is. I will let you know once I know for sure.

[rjolley]

Yes. When you start an Association (career) in NBA2K5, it asks if you want to import draft classes.

Also, in the developer chat on espnvideogames.com, they talked about importing players and how they've improved it. We'll see how that works out.

[MizzouRah]

Went to a software, etc. in Sioux City today, they said the game will be in stores tomorrow, the 18th.

I forgot ESPN games are only $20, I'm getting this one.


Todd

[DeToxRox]

i may pick this up (as i loved last years, even with the problems) when i pick up metal gear 3 tomorrow. MGS 3 looks unreal. IGN gave it a 9.6. I am pumped for it.

[Celeval]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

I forgot ESPN games are only $20, I'm getting this one.

w00t, forgot about that. New game for me. :-D

(Is there a more persuasive example as to why this works for ESPN than mine and Mizzou's posts?)

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Celeval

w00t, forgot about that. New game for me. :-D

(Is there a more persuasive example as to why this works for ESPN than mine and Mizzou's posts?)

Considering most of ESPN's (if not all by some accounts) games this year are better than EA's, nope.

I have ESPN Football, Hockey, and soon College BBball... grand total? $60.



Todd

[JeeberD]

I'll have to check the game out. Omar Thomas had better own in this year's version...

[CraigSca]

I forget - was this the series last year that if you went 1 for 15 from the foul line you would consider taking off work the next dayto celebrate with friends and family?

If so - did they fix it?

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

I forget - was this the series last year that if you went 1 for 15 from the foul line you would consider taking off work the next dayto celebrate with friends and family?

If so - did they fix it?

Yeah, but this year it's totally revamped.

Read:

The free-throw mechanic in College Hoops 2K5 is also completely different from any other game. There are no meters at all. Instead, you press and hold any button as the player at the stripe goes into his shooting stroke. Just before the player snaps his wrist to release his shot, you must release the button. If you time it correctly, the shot should go in. This new free-throw mechanic takes some time to get used to, because there are a number of different free-throw strokes in the game, each of which has a different timing associated with it. The game will also attempt to throw off your timing by presenting you with a different camera angle for every free throw attempt. Those who hated the free-throw mechanic of the recent ESPN basketball games will probably find this a welcome change, but we tend to prefer meter-based systems, because at least you have some visual feedback on why you missed your shot (when you miss your shot).

Not sure if this will be better or worse. Who am I kidding, it has to be better than that lining up the arrows, thingy...


Todd

[markprior22]

I'm curious to see how this is this year. Last year, everytime I got to the line, I paused the game and set the controller to CPU vs CPU so the computer would shoot the free throws for me. I don't like to "cheat" but I just couldn't get the hang of free throws and was really cheating myself big time.

[Eaglesfan27]

From reading a few previews, it sounds like the free throw mechanic will be much easier. I just hope it isn't too easy and that players who have poor free throw rating skills miss a fair amount of them.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Am I the only one who didn't have any major problems with the old "line up the arrows" meter?

[Eaglesfan27]

Almost certainly yes.

[ice4277]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

Am I the only one who didn't have any major problems with the old "line up the arrows" meter?

When the 2k series first came out on the Dreamcast, it was relatively easy to get the hang of it after a little while, and you hit a pretty realistic number of free throws. However, I could never get the hang of it on the PS2, and that was the main reason I stopped playing the NBA/NCAA 2k4 games after a short period of time. Frustrating little things like that kill a game quicker for me than anything else.

[CleBrownsfan]

Originally Posted by markprior22

I'm curious to see how this is this year. Last year, everytime I got to the line, I paused the game and set the controller to CPU vs CPU so the computer would shoot the free throws for me. I don't like to "cheat" but I just couldn't get the hang of free throws and was really cheating myself big time.

I have ESPN's NBA 2K5 and there is an option to let the computer shoot the free throw for you. I'm guessing it would go on the person free throw shot rating becasue playing with Shaq on my team he would miss very often and players with good ratings would make 80% +. I'm hoping that option is in NCAA 2k5.

[CleBrownsfan]

For you PS2 players - I joined a 12 man online league and I think we're looking for 3-4 more owners.

e-mail [email protected] if you are interested!!

[Balldog]

My biggest problem with the CH series is the fact that the offensive play designs just flat out suck. You can tell the guys designing the plays are the same guys programming the game. Their play system needs to be rebuilt in my opinion.

FYI, Team XBOX reports that CH shipped yesterday, so it should be in stores today or tomorrow.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I've been informed that I can pick up my copy from EB today. Time to bring the UNO Privateers to glory!

(even though the real ones got stomped by NC State last night)

edit: grammar

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

I've been informed that I can pick up my copy from EB today. Time to bring the UNO Privateers to glory!

(even though the real ones got stomped by NC State last night)

edit: grammar

If they are one of the teams I can start with in the legacy career mode, I'll take on the same task.

[Eaglesfan27]

Woo hoo! The clinic where I work on Thursday's afternoon is closed today (I just found out about 15 minutes ago) so I don't have to go to work (but still get paid per my contract.) Why am I announcing that in this thread? I just got the call and am going to get ESPN college hoops now. I should be playing it within 10 minutes.

[CleBrownsfan]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Woo hoo! The clinic where I work on Thursday's afternoon is closed today (I just found out about 15 minutes ago) so I don't have to go to work (but still get paid per my contract.) Why am I announcing that in this thread? I just got the call and am going to get ESPN college hoops now. I should be playing it within 10 minutes.

Must be nice.. I got crap do do and probably wont be getting the game until 8:00... oh well, I have a 1/2 day tomorrow so can't complain!!

Give me a quick review when you get your hands dirty with the game

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by CleBrownsfan

Must be nice.. I got crap do do and probably wont be getting the game until 8:00... oh well, I have a 1/2 day tomorrow so can't complain!!

Give me a quick review when you get your hands dirty with the game

Very early impressions. I tried practicing free throws, and I like the new system. It is very natural. Release the shot button as the player is snapping his wrist, and you have a good chance of making the shot (it seems to depend upon the player's rating.) Release it early or late, and you will likely miss the shot.

As far as the gameplay.. it reminds me quite a bit of NBA 2k5 as far as the engine which is a very good thing in my opinion. I really like the rebounding circle. I like the way players move. I think the momentum of players was just slightly overdone in NBA 2k5, but here it seems better. Your guy will slide if you are running and try to change directions abruptly, but not if you are walking relatively slowly. The post play is also similar to NBA 2k5, but they have the buttons mapped differently and it will take me time to get used to pressing the black (or is it the white?) button to go into "post mode."

The feature I love the most is the double team/trap button. I don't remember this being in last year's version, but maybe it was and I just didn't use it. However, now with a quick press of a button you can double team/trap a guy. When used at the right time, I can see this being very effective. I just played a gym mode game (I don't remember this being in last year either) of 5 on 5 to 21 with USC against Hartford. Obviously an unfair matching, but I just wanted to get a taste of how to play the game. They stole the ball right away surprising me and broke away for a field goal. But after that, I made sure my PG held the ball away from the defender and I pass quickly if I saw a double team coming. I ended up winning 21-3, thanks in large part to the trap which was very effective (and should be against a significantly inferior opponent with smaller players.) I had 8 or 9 steals and 3 or 4 fast break baskets thanks to the trap. Also, I like being able to adjust the pressure and the plays on the fly. I think it is nicely implemented in this version.

Anyway, very early impressions are very good from my viewpoint. One final thought before I dive into one more gym game and then a dynasty. I really like being able to assign fake names to all the players as you first turn on the game. It just adds something for me. I don't care if I have real names, but I can't just have numbers. You can keep it so the game uses real numbers if you want (but no names.) I really wish College football would add this feature so I don't have to sim through 4 seasons before starting to "play" my dynasty.

[sooner333]

Anyone know anything about the EA March Madness game?

I've kind of enjoyed their play in the past few editions, despite buying ESPN the past two installments. ESPN seemed too "unfluid". Any input?

[CleBrownsfan]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Very early impressions. I tried practicing free throws, and I like the new system. It is very natural. Release the shot button as the player is snapping his wrist, and you have a good chance of making the shot (it seems to depend upon the player's rating.) Release it early or late, and you will likely miss the shot.

As far as the gameplay.. it reminds me quite a bit of NBA 2k5 as far as the engine which is a very good thing in my opinion. I really like the rebounding circle. I like the way players move. I think the momentum of players was just slightly overdone in NBA 2k5, but here it seems better. Your guy will slide if you are running and try to change directions abruptly, but not if you are walking relatively slowly. The post play is also similar to NBA 2k5, but they have the buttons mapped differently and it will take me time to get used to pressing the black (or is it the white?) button to go into "post mode."

The feature I love the most is the double team/trap button. I don't remember this being in last year's version, but maybe it was and I just didn't use it. However, now with a quick press of a button you can double team/trap a guy. When used at the right time, I can see this being very effective. I just played a gym mode game (I don't remember this being in last year either) of 5 on 5 to 21 with USC against Hartford. Obviously an unfair matching, but I just wanted to get a taste of how to play the game. They stole the ball right away surprising me and broke away for a field goal. But after that, I made sure my PG held the ball away from the defender and I pass quickly if I saw a double team coming. I ended up winning 21-3, thanks in large part to the trap which was very effective (and should be against a significantly inferior opponent with smaller players.) I had 8 or 9 steals and 3 or 4 fast break baskets thanks to the trap. Also, I like being able to adjust the pressure and the plays on the fly. I think it is nicely implemented in this version.

Anyway, very early impressions are very good from my viewpoint. One final thought before I dive into one more gym game and then a dynasty. I really like being able to assign fake names to all the players as you first turn on the game. It just adds something for me. I don't care if I have real names, but I can't just have numbers. You can keep it so the game uses real numbers if you want (but no names.) I really wish College football would add this feature so I don't have to sim through 4 seasons before starting to "play" my dynasty.

Very Nice!! Thank you for that 1st impression. only 6 more hours until I can play

I enjoy play ESPN's NBA 2K5 so if the gameplay is pretty much the same then I am a happy camper.

I also like the option of using names and not numbers... I feel the same way you do about players having names tied to them insted of numbers!!

Thanks again... can't wait to get a Kent State dynasty going

[Eaglesfan27]

The gameplay is very similar. However, College basketball has different camera angles. The default is more of a baseline camera. I didn't think I would like it, but after a game of it, I'm changing my mind. Of course, you can change it to several different options.

[Eaglesfan27]

One last short post. I was playing on the default difficulty. There are 3 higher levels of difficulty. On the default difficulty which is likely supposed to be easy, I beat Clemson (a similarly rated team) 21-15 in gym mode.

I just bumped up the difficulty level 1 slot (now in the middle of 5 levels) and am starting my dynasty. Since I'm doing career mode, I have about 20 choices to start with. I want a team in Louisiana, and Nicholls State and Grambling are the only two schools which meet that criteria on the list. I'm starting with Nicholls state since they have an RPI that is 30 positions lower, and they had the most horrible record last year. The team selection screen is very handy as you can right click and get a very nice card which brings up quite a bit of info about the team including who the best players are, the location, conference, conference prestige rating, last year's record, etc.

Also, the creation process for the coach was fun with several body types, skin tones, 20 hair styles (or lack of hair styles) and other features. Also, your coach starts out with C- in 5 different areas: Scouting, Teaching, Recruiting, Offensive gameplanning, and defensive gameplanning (these last two each affect court awareness for the guys you aren't controlling). You get 5 points to allocate between these five areas. I thought about specializing in one thing to a significant degree but am going to generally improve 3 or 4 areas (a small amount.) I'm sure these areas will improve more as I gain experience as a coach.

[CleBrownsfan]

Is career mode the only dynasty option? I would like to start a dynasty but I want to start with my Golden Flashes... and you say there are only 20 teams to choose from - I don't see Kent State neing one of them.

[ScottVib]

Did they get rid of the "fake" teams in this years? One thing that annoyed me last year was schools like Quinnipiac or Fairfield being given the "fake" names...

[Celeval]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I thought about specializing in one thing to a significant degree but am going to generally improve 3 or 4 areas (a small amount.) I'm sure these areas will improve more as I gain experience as a coach.

From what I read in one of the previews, there are approx 100 "goals" for a coach, including finishing with a winning record, making a postseason tournament, getting signed to a lifetime contract at a school, etc. Each goal you reach gives you one point bump. If you make all the goals, you have enough bumps to reach A+ across the board.

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by CleBrownsfan

Is career mode the only dynasty option? I would like to start a dynasty but I want to start with my Golden Flashes... and you say there are only 20 teams to choose from - I don't see Kent State neing one of them.

I've read that you can start in "dynasty" career mode--where you have to start small and work up. Or you can start in "open" career mode, where you can pick any team.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

What about the crowd noise? Does it get louder as a team rallies and gets hot and quiet when the team is down. That really is a big factor in getting a college game for me is the atmosphere.