NCAA March Madness 2002

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 8 out of 17
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  1. GameShark
    77
    The realistic gameplay and sound makes NCAA March Madness 2002 not just a playable basketball game but a fun basketball game as well.
  2. GamePro
    70
    Where March Madness really falters, however, is in its startling lack of gameplay modes.
  3. GameSpot
    70
    Improves in gameplay terms upon its NBA counterpart, but even as a first-year effort, the options and features available in the game are rather paltry.
  5. Hot Games
    70
    Where March Madness doesn't compete is in the game play respect afforded to the big timers - "NBA Live 2002" and "NBA 2K2." The game has a slower pace and a less hurried feel than real basketball.
  6. GameZone
    68
    May leave gamers feeling a bit unfulfilled because of the lack of features and game modes.
  7. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    Make no mistake, it’s heads and shoulders above 989 Sports’ college hoops game, but that’s like saying a hamburger is more edible than rancid, worm-covered meat. [Feb 2002, p.110]
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  8. Gamezilla!
    60
    The only saving grace that can be found is the actual gameplay because without it, it falls into the "Don’t touch with a stick" category.
  9. IGN
    50
    It doesn't even have a single Season mode...Personally, I wouldn't go near this game with a ten-foot pole.
  10. Gaming Age
    50
    The out-of-control sliding physics are present and accounted for, causing more turnovers and frustration than is healthy for anyone to experience.
  11. Game Informer
    48
    One of the crappier basketball games on the planet. [Mar 2002, p.79]
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  12. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    43
    Where’s the freaking Dynasty mode? [Mar 2002, p.138]
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  13. Sports Gaming Network
    40
    The game is easy to beat and short in replay value. This is one disappointing effort.
  14. PSX Nation
    40
    There is some mindless fun to be had playing along with friends, but not enough to compensate for the absence the Season, Franchise or Dynasty modes we've come to expect from EA Sports.
  15. PSM Magazine
    40
    You can't even play through this or any season as your favorite college team, which makes us wonder why on earth they called it March Madness 2002. [Mar 2002, p.30]
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  16. GamePen
    30
    A.I. can range from tolerable to unbearable.
  17. XenGamers
    25
    The game's shining glory, the custom team builder, falls flat because there is no mode to play a regular college season.
  18. Maxim Online
    20
    After delivering the best beer-guzzling entertainment to dorm rooms last year, this half-assed sequel plays worse than Dick Vitale’s toupee.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.6

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 4 out of 7
  1. Johnny
    Jul 16, 2002
    3
    Bad.
  2. AndrewC.
    Apr 15, 2002
    5
    The Create-a-School mode is fantastic, which is the only reason the rating is this high. There is NO DYNASTY, which is a huge mistake. Rent The Create-a-School mode is fantastic, which is the only reason the rating is this high. There is NO DYNASTY, which is a huge mistake. Rent March Madness 2001 instead, unless you're incredibly easily satisfied.… Full Review »
  3. SeanB.
    Mar 4, 2002
    10
    Good.
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