NCAA March Madness 09 News Post

NCAA Basetball 09 Demo Available, Impressions Here

08:40 AM - November 6, 2008 by Murph

Some stuff you already knew:

Playable teams are Tennesse, Kentucky, 1979 North Carolina and 1982 Michigan State.

You play one half, which is locked at 8 minutes.

Pratice gym from Live is a half court blacktop on campus grounds.

Lots of half court traps and full court presses.

One dude I passed to was completely out of bounds. Only happened once though.

If you liked Live, you should like this as well.

NCAA Basketball 09 screenshot gallery - Click to view

Game: NCAA Basketball 09Reader Score: 7/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 29 - View All

NCAA Basketball 09 Videos

Member Comments

# 181 countryboy @ 11/08/08 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	I agree. In no way would I say they are acceptable for next year, however.

agreed. Imo they fixed what was more important and that was the gameplay. To me, they've served us the meat, hopefully next year, we'll get the potatoes as well.

# 182 Pared @ 11/08/08 11:29 AM

Yeah man, they certainly stepped up in the area they needed to FIRST.

# 183 poster @ 11/08/08 02:00 PM

I am starting to get used to the controls, but still am shaky in playing defense. Is holding down L2 (PS3) the best and only way to go as far as playing D? I like how you can put your arms straight up, but alot of times your guy will go into the charge taking animation. Maybe I am doing something wrong?

# 184 countryboy @ 11/08/08 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poster


	I am starting to get used to the controls, but still am shaky in playing defense. Is holding down L2 (PS3) the best and only way to go as far as playing D? I like how you can put your arms straight up, but alot of times your guy will go into the charge taking animation. Maybe I am doing something wrong?

I don't use the L2 button much on defense as everytime I do, I seem to give up the drive.

# 185 scdb12 @ 11/08/08 04:27 PM

I actually am probably one of the few people that purchase MM08 last yr. Not having bought live im having trouble with the new play calling ( what I feel are for the better) and the pick and roll. In MM08 you use to could call a play then click the right stick and it would show how to do the play. How does it work in NCAA 09?? And second, the pick and roll system how does that work.

After watching the dynasty videos from GHD I can say that it is the same as last year but more fined tuned. Recruiting looks better, more pre-season tourny's and alt unis.

Gameplay wise this game is a huge step up from MM08 with the inclusion of dominate the paint(carry-over from last year). The tempo feature feels excellent.Playing as Kentucky you can really see how the game slows down. When you play as Tenn the game speeds up drastically.

# 186 roadman @ 11/08/08 04:35 PM

Here is my two cents after playing 2 games.

I played on All-Conference, 2nd highest level.(I think that is what it's called)

Here is what I enjoyed:

Graphics- very nice. Courts, crowd, signs, practice area, presentation etc....
Tempo, Coaches Input- Nicely done.
Gameplay- This looks pretty good as well. I just need to learn the controls better.

What I didn't enjoy:

Collision Detection- Wow, 1st game, PG CPU came over the mid court line and the user PG lined up to start guarding the CPU PG. One little bump cause the CPU PG to go back over the mid court line and called for over and back. Almost a game stopper for me right there.

Also, second game, CPU SF dribbled out of bounds on the end line.

Every pass seemed like a perfect pass from CPU, user passes could be stolen by CPU.

It appeared that there were high shooting percentages on both teams.

I'm hoping some of these can be rectified with sliders with the game. I'll sit on the sidelines and wait for the reviews to come in before purchasing.

I might purchase if it seems favorable. Not a bad, effort at all.

# 187 Vince @ 11/08/08 05:17 PM

Atmosphere doesn't seem as good as the old MM games...My only gripe so far...

I know people have problems with animations and models, but me personally, I don't notice that stuff or even care for it that much. If those are the only gripes in a game, it will be very enjoyable for me...

# 188 duke776 @ 11/08/08 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince


	Atmosphere doesn't seem as good as the old MM games...My only gripe so far... I know people have problems with animations and models, but me personally, I don't notice that stuff or even care for it that much. If those are the only gripes in a game, it will be very enjoyable for me...

Thanks for posting this, I've yet to play the demo yet(silver membership), and I'm like you and don't really notice the animations and models really unless they are downright terrible. Looks like I'll probably enjoy this game.

# 189 TopDog @ 11/08/08 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomba


	From the last time I played the game they have fixed a lot of the graphical integrity of it by a bunch. the crowd etc all move more smooth. As far as gameplay? It's a demo and FEELS like a demo. I was surprised to not see sliders or camera adjustments?

I didn't see sliders, but you can adjust the camera. On the 360 version, on the team select screen, press "A" and the next screen is where you choose the difficulty and the camera angle.

# 190 poster @ 11/08/08 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by countryboy


	I don't use the L2 button much on defense as everytime I do, I seem to give up the drive.

I have mixed results when using it, will probably just take some practice. Thanks for the reply.

# 191 GetYaWeigtUp @ 11/08/08 09:52 PM

Are there any nice features like Online Dynasty in NCAA Football?

# 192 countryboy @ 11/08/08 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GetYaWeigtUp


	Are there any nice features like Online Dynasty in NCAA Football?

no online dynasty.

# 193 JohnDoe8865 @ 11/09/08 04:25 AM

After more time with the demo, I think I'm gonna play it cool and wait and see what the OS guys have to say about it for a couple weeks and then pick it up if the guys here don't find too many issues or any key gripes that would turn me off from the game. That $60 is coming harder and harder these days, so before I cash out for NCAA 09, I definetly want to hear some impressions from you guys that are day one buyers.

Call it "Madden syndrome", LOL.

# 194 crques @ 11/09/08 12:08 PM

Well after playing about 5 or 6 more games of the demo (PS3), I'm officially sold. I've enjoyed nearly all of the games that I've played so far, with my favorite being the 19-18 win over Michigan State with Jordan's 3-pointer at the buzzer. This demo is much better than I anticipated and I'm eager to pick up the retail version for my college basketball fix this season. I've seen some really nice features and animations that I wasn't expecting and it doesn't seem like anything has been overdone as with EA basketball games of the past (such as stupid player celebrations with mascots after made baskets, LOL). I was a little worried about the inclusion of the coach popups and also tempo wondering if they would have too much of an impact on gameplay but they seem to have been nicely done. I just hope the retail version doesn't have a bunch of glaring issues like NCAA Football. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for the next week in anticipation.

# 195 Garrett67 @ 11/09/08 12:34 PM

Wow, Dick Vitale sounds like an impersonator and not a good one.

I know its supposed to be him, but he doesn't sound good at all.

# 196 ehh @ 11/09/08 12:36 PM

I moved up to All-American for three games this morning and it plays even better than All-Conference. My first game on AA I got smoked by Michigan State, 17-4, using UNC.

I came back with Tenn and won at UK 16-13. Won the last game with Tenn at home over UK 17-15. I love that I can play on the hardest level and there is absolutely no cheesy feeling or unfair/unrealistic advantage for the CPU. The CPU was more aggressive and made more open shots but nothing too crazy.

I am having a ton of fun with the game and really looking forward to the retail.

I've probably played 20-25 games so far, three issues that are bothering me a bit are...

1) There seem to be some very suspect player control fouls. Both players will go up in the air together in a situation that should probably be a no-call or at worst a defensive foul, yet it is an offensive foul.

2) There is a whistle, dead ball and we cut to one team is taking out of bounds - cept I have no clue what the whistle was for. Traveling? Three in the key? Offensive foul? 5-seconds closely guarded? No graphic overlay on the screen and nothing from the commentary crew. I hope this is fixed for the retail. This is what's irking me the most so far.

3) There are very few offensive rebounds from what I've seen so far.

# 197 Skyboxer @ 11/09/08 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by countryboy


	no online dynasty.

It would be a must own if it did.... I just hope it comes through. Also is there multi player dynasty?

EDIT: Wow.. a reason why too many games at once destroys the brain. I had already replied in a different thread about this. There is no multiplayer dynasty = Cancel my reservation.

# 198 Rasco11 @ 11/09/08 12:49 PM

Minor annoying gripe for UK fans..****pp Arena court logo is wrong (it is an older one from 5 years or so ago). 2k6-2k8 had it wrong too. I guess that UK is sending out old court photos?

# 199 countryboy @ 11/09/08 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehh


	I moved up to All-American for three games this morning and it plays even better than All-Conference. My first game on AA I got smoked by Michigan State, 17-4, using UNC. I came back with Tenn and won at UK 16-13. Won the last game with Tenn at home over UK 17-15. I love that I can play on the hardest level and there is absolutely no cheesy feeling or unfair/unrealistic advantage for the CPU. The CPU was more aggressive and made more open shots but nothing too crazy. I am having a ton of fun with the game and really looking forward to the retail. I've probably played 20-25 games so far, three issues that are bothering me a bit are... 1) There seem to be some very suspect player control fouls. Both players will go up in the air together in a situation that should probably be a no-call or at worst a defensive foul, yet it is an offensive foul. 2) There is a whistle, dead ball and we cut to one team is taking out of bounds - cept I have no clue what the whistle was for. Traveling? Three in the key? Offensive foul? 5-seconds closely guarded? No graphic overlay on the screen and nothing from the commentary crew. I hope this is fixed for the retail. This is what's irking me the most so far. 3) There are very few offensive rebounds from what I've seen so far.

Yeah, I am loving the All-American difficulty and it seems that the scoring is on a realistic pace for 20 minute halves. The highest total one team has had is 26 and that was the cpu when I was getting the hang of the controls.

As for your 3 concerns I agree. In regards to #1, I just pass it off as the offensive player pushing off or something along those lines. I know it doesn't make sense, but in my little world, it keeps me content.

#2, I hate this as well. I have no idea whats going on. I just wait to see who's clapping and who is getting the ball out of bounds.

#3 Agreed again, although as much as I hate sliders, I am hoping that sliders will cure this ailment.

# 200 countryboy @ 11/09/08 03:18 PM

I love knowing that I can have an inside/out attack with this game. I am looking forward to pounding the ball inside to Samuels and having him kick it out for the open trey to one of my shooters like Smith, McGee, Sosa, Delk, Scott. Oh man, hurry up November 18th, I anxiously await your arrival.

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