ESPN College Hoops

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2003
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. GamePro
    80
    It’s not the dominant game that its NBA brother is, but it’s still very worthy of a look.
  2. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    But it all starts to falter with the gameplay, which generically mimics the sport and ultimately falls short of feeling like an actual college basketball game.
  3. Play Magazine
    100
    The best overall college basketball game on the market. [Jan 2004, p.80]
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  5. Next Level Gaming
    89
    Computer AI is the big problem, it's sometimes frustratingly hard, and unrealistic. But that's it. Everything else about ESPN College Hoops is gravy.
  6. Game Informer
    83
    From the commentary to the cutscenes to the chants, this game breathes the college football experience. [Dec 2003, p.150]
  7. IGN
    87
    Sure, the game has its flaws, but Legacy mode and Slam Session provide so many thrills and so many hours of good times demanding a wave of everyone in the room, that it's definitely worth the time and money invested.
  8. PSM Magazine
    80
    Though not quite as polished or playable as "March Madness 2004," ESPN College Hoops is still an enjoyable basketball game, especially for hardcore basketball fans. [Holiday 2003, p.30]
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  9. Sports Gaming Network
    85
    The strongest college basketball game on the market this season by a good margin.
  10. GameSpot
    80
    With solid gameplay feel, exceptional customizability, and a deep legacy mode, ESPN College Hoops is easily recommendable to any college basketball fan.
  11. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    68
    Although the title looks amazing, the gameplay feels a little stiff. In attempting to create the most realistic college experience, Sega took some of the fun out of the game. [Jan 2004, p.116]
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  12. Game Revolution
    75
    It isn’t a perfect game by any stretch due to some glaring issues with the rebounding and control, but ESPN College Hoops is still the best NCAA game out there right now. It looks better than "March Madness" and the great Legacy mode is unrivaled.
  13. Gaming Age
    91
    The best basketball game on the market today. The depth of the Legacy mode will keep you busy for months, and it provides the gameplay to match.
  14. GameZone
    85
    Some of the animations in places are a little repetitive and awkward. But overall this title does a great job of bringing the excitement of the college game to life.
  15. PSX Nation
    90
    The intuitive IsoMotion controls, top-notch visuals and dead-on college basketball atmosphere are just better at capturing the spirit of March Madness than the EA Sports game that utilizes that name.

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. RobertW.
    Mar 22, 2004
    5
    This game is not very good and i think i paid too much for it. The players arent the same, ive never heard of them, the coaches are alsoThis game is not very good and i think i paid too much for it. The players arent the same, ive never heard of them, the coaches are also different what in the world. march madness which i havent played has the real names and coaches, i think ill sell mine and get that..... … Full Review »
  2. S.M.
    Jan 22, 2004
    10
    Great game. Legacy mode is well worth it. The in season recruiting really adds a lot to the challenge of building a star team.
  3. P.Cobia
    Dec 1, 2003
    9
    This is a great game and stands out over any college basketball. The new in-depth legacy mode and slam session really bring the game to life! This is a great game and stands out over any college basketball. The new in-depth legacy mode and slam session really bring the game to life! This is by far the best college basketball game this season.… Full Review »
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