NCAA March Madness 2004

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. GamePro
    100
    The gameplay in March Madness is nearly identical to that of its big brother "NBA Live 2004," which is a big plus. The frantic pace, the tighter defense, and the importance of set plays is actually a much better fit for the college game than it is for Live.
  2. PSM Magazine
    90
    EA's hoops engine fits well, and is complemented by an immersive NCAA atmosphere and a fine-tuned array of gameplay modes. [Holiday 2003, p.36]
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  3. Worth Playing
    90
    It has very advanced controls that you must try to understand and learn by heart.
  5. GameSpy
    85
    An incredibly deep game whether your playing alone or online.
  6. IGN
    85
    While I applaud March Madness' marked improvements, it still doesn't equal "ESPN College Hoops" in terms of depth, so the game comes in a close second this year on the PS2.
  7. GameZone
    84
    The game seems to be a little slow paced, and does not sport the pulse-pounding, floor-racing frenetic pace often associated with NCAA hoops. However the game is seamless in other regards.
  8. Next Level Gaming
    83
    My biggest gripe about the player models is that their heads are too big.
  9. Game Informer
    83
    It doesn't have the variety of modes as Sega's "College Hoops," but when it comes to play, I give the nod to March Madness. [Jan 2004, p.135]
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  10. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    80
    In terms of atmosphere, no other college basketball game captures the sights and sounds of a university arena quite like this.
  11. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    Captures the chaotic nature of college basketball. And it punishes you for being careless—as often as possible, defenders will stick their hands out to knock the ball down.
  12. GameSpot
    77
    While March Madness 2004 does a good job at capturing the feel of college basketball, a general lack of polish keeps it just a little short of greatness.
  13. Play Magazine
    75
    As always, the dynasty mode is incredibly robust. [Dec 2003, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. GMR Magazine
    70
    If you're gonna buy one college game this year, buy March Madness.
  15. PSX Nation
    70
    Those of us that want our sports games lengthy, deep and polished to near perfection, however, will be dunking balls over at Sega Sports’ courtyard with "College Hoops 2004" while EA Canada gets its act together.
  16. Game Revolution
    67
    More attention to the graphics and gameplay issues would secure its place as the preeminent college basketball game. Right now, though, it’s still on the bubble.
  17. G4 TV
    60
    The huge leap in quality and playability from last year's version qualifies it for one of the most improved sports games available.

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best PS2 Game of 2003
62
#62 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. TylerS.
    Mar 16, 2005
    10
    Its the best college basketball game ever!!!!
  2. JakeL.
    Dec 16, 2003
    10
    This is the best game ever and i can take anyone in it im so good! i love this game!
  3. MikeyS.
    Dec 10, 2003
    10
    It's awesome baby.
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