NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

[ehh]

I don't think EA can patch that stuff. The export legacy team trick in 2K8 was huge for classic teams that wasn't even an intended purpose of it.

Not sure why they took out the all-time teams, those would be awesome if we could edit them this year.

[whittleboy615]

Quote: Originally Posted by ehh

I don't think EA can patch that stuff. The export legacy team trick in 2K8 was huge for classic teams that wasn't even an intended purpose of it. Not sure why they took out the all-time teams, those would be awesome if we could edit them this year.

I can't remember where it was, but I read some comment where a producer said that if they were going to have all-time teams, they wanted to do it right. I'm thinking they removed them because only 5-6 players on each team were somewhat modeled after a real athlete.

[Scoop 24]

Quote: Originally Posted by YankeeCpt

When they update rosters on Dec 4, is there a chance they coould/would add more classic teams and All-time teams? Also, the ability to create teams? I really want to like this game after sinking $60. All-time teams, more classic teams, and fixed ratings (and jersey numbers) could really change my mind. Jodie Meeks is way too low at 77. This kid is going to be the leading scorer for UK. Patrick Patterson is way low at 81. DeAndre Liggins is also higher than a 72. I know I am biased, but when 2K added the alltime Kentucky team I was through the roof happy. It provided tons of replay value. I love being able to play with Rex Chapman, Tayshaun Prince, Keith Bogans, Dan Issel, Sam Bowie, Louie Dampier, Mashburn, Kenny Walker, etc. is what I am really hoping for. Those players that did not exist in 2K (Chuck Hayes, Rondo, Randolph Morris, Melvin Turpin, etc), I could create using the previous versions of the game. I was able to disperse them on other classic UK teams. I have 4 all-time UK teams now! PLEASE EA HEAR ME!!! I can deal with the less than fluid gameplay, I can deal with the hunched over players... but I need some replay value! Being able to use classic teams on-line is a HUGE step in the right direction! You also need to add QUITE A FEW more names in the directory. I can't even spell Stevenson correctly. Liggins is MIA and many others. Give Patrick Patterson the ratings and afro he deserves and give me more of the Cats! PS: Thanks for making sure they had the updated uniforms, but 1996 Cats had a denim look.

just edit patterson to your liking.

[sparker]

I have played a number of games so far. A few negative things, none of which are that bad to me:

The Bad
1. You can get stuck in player animations from time to time. This happens of offense as you might imagine, but it also happens on defense in certain situations as well.
2. The handful of coaches that were mentioned not to be in the game at beta stage are still not in the game. This includes Coach K and Mark Few of Gonzaga. I can't remember who else -- there were only 4 or 5 at beta that weren't in, though Sean O'Brien stated they would all be there at final release. I would think this is something that the Dec 4th patch could easily address.
3. The coaches don't, for the most part at least, look like their real life counterparts. Hopefully the art department can get this in for 2010. Interestingly, Coach K, whose name is not in, looks reasonably similar to the actual one.
4. Though improved, Erin Andrews' comments still need tweaking so that they are more team-specific. Hopefully next year that can add somes lines where she says the coaches' names and team names more often.
5. Not sure I like the "take charge" control. Rather it be assigned to a button.
6. The directional passing with the controller stick is somewhat of a crap shoot at times.

Now for some good, and there is a lot of it:

The Good

1. The visuals in the game are simply fantastic. The crowd looks amazing.
2. The reviews that state that the game lacks atmosphere are off base. I took West Virginia into Cameron Indoor and got run out in the second half. The Duke students were doing all sorts of stuff, and the place was LOUD. I took Davidson into Oklahoma and the atmosphere there was outstanding. "Boomer . . . Sooner" chants, the colors etc. Fortunately for me Stephen Curry was bombing from all over and never let the crowd take control (Davidson won). Played Alabama at Auburn and got a nice rivalry feeling, and played the finals of an NCAA tourney at Ford Field (UNC vs. Texas) and the atmosphere was great. The crowd in the Kennel (Gonzaga vs. Pitt) was also great.
3. I actually like the Nessler-Vitale play-calling, commentary, etc. Sure there are some annoying repeats, but the timing of the comments is pretty spot on to me.
4. The court spacing with the Live 09 engine is a big improvement, though I hope the dev team continues to work on court spacing a bit more for 2010.
5. Gameplay is definitely headed in the right direction with use of the Live engine. Nice, smooth flow. By far the best ever for this series. I love the way NBA Live plays, but almost never buy it because I don't like pro sports like college. For me, using the Live engine as a foundation for this series is something I was hoping they'd do for some time.
6. Some of the ESPN cbb intro music is in the game now. Nice.

I would think that this game could be on its way to leaps and bounds improvement over the near future, even with a smaller development team, given its new relationship with Live. Now that gameplay is on the right track and should continue improving maybe EA can refine some of the other aspects (dynasty, presentation, etc.) more.

[YankeeCpt]

want to add a great option next season? I mean besides for campus legend mode...

How about a real Floor General? Play calling using a microphone!

[Walker8]

Quote: Originally Posted by sparker

I have played a number of games so far. A few negative things, none of which are that bad to me: The Bad 1. You can get stuck in player animations from time to time. This happens of offense as you might imagine, but it also happens on defense in certain situations as well. 2. The handful of coaches that were mentioned not to be in the game at beta stage are still not in the game. This includes Coach K and Mark Few of Gonzaga. I can't remember who else -- there were only 4 or 5 at beta that weren't in, though Sean O'Brien stated they would all be there at final release. I would think this is something that the Dec 4th patch could easily address. 3. The coaches don't, for the most part at least, look like their real life counterparts. Hopefully the art department can get this in for 2010. Interestingly, Coach K, whose name is not in, looks reasonably similar to the actual one. 4. Though improved, Erin Andrews' comments still need tweaking so that they are more team-specific. Hopefully next year that can add somes lines where she says the coaches' names and team names more often. 5. Not sure I like the "take charge" control. Rather it be assigned to a button. 6. The directional passing with the controller stick is somewhat of a crap shoot at times. Now for some good, and there is a lot of it: The Good 1. The visuals in the game are simply fantastic. The crowd looks amazing. 2. The reviews that state that the game lacks atmosphere are off base. I took West Virginia into Cameron Indoor and got run out in the second half. The Duke students were doing all sorts of stuff, and the place was LOUD. I took Davidson into Oklahoma and the atmosphere there was outstanding. "Boomer . . . Sooner" chants, the colors etc. Fortunately for me Stephen Curry was bombing from all over and never let the crowd take control (Davidson won). Played Alabama at Auburn and got a nice rivalry feeling, and played the finals of an NCAA tourney at Ford Field (UNC vs. Texas) and the atmosphere was great. The crowd in the Kennel (Gonzaga vs. Pitt) was also great. 3. I actually like the Nessler-Vitale play-calling, commentary, etc. Sure there are some annoying repeats, but the timing of the comments is pretty spot on to me. 4. The court spacing with the Live 09 engine is a big improvement, though I hope the dev team continues to work on court spacing a bit more for 2010. 5. Gameplay is definitely headed in the right direction with use of the Live engine. Nice, smooth flow. By far the best ever for this series. I love the way NBA Live plays, but almost never buy it because I don't like pro sports like college. For me, using the Live engine as a foundation for this series is something I was hoping they'd do for some time. 6. Some of the ESPN cbb intro music is in the game now. Nice. I would think that this game could be on its way to leaps and bounds improvement over the near future, even with a smaller development team, given its new relationship with Live. Now that gameplay is on the right track and should continue improving maybe EA can refine some of the other aspects (dynasty, presentation, etc.) more.

Nice breakdown. This is the type of stuff I was looking for. It sounds like a good game. Unfortunately I didnt get to a store today to pick it up but should sometime this week. I agree with you about the graphics and atmosphere. It seems like EA did a really nice job capturing the feel of college bball from a graphics and sound perspective. Yeah the player models are necessarily accurate but the overall look of the game looks really nice.

[sgtspit]

not hating but the crowd just doesnt do it for me like in 2k8.I was hoping it was just the demo.Looks like i`ll be playing the other game..

[MrMaddog]

This is the first College Basketball game that I have ever tried out. Have always gone for the pros, but decided to give it go based upon liking the demo.

I know it's been mentioned earlier, but why would EA not put in a Player Lock feature?? This to me is just inexcusable. I thought this was just a given now. I don't want to take every freakin' shot!! I like to call the plays as the PG and watch my team hopefully execute.

I'm too old to try and remember every set play and how each team member is suppose to run them.

You cannot be serious EA.. You cannot be serious!!

EA would you please answer this question? Why did you not include a player lock feature for this game? It's a very fair question, and I really would like you to post an answer to my question. Thank you.