Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. In spite of its flaws, though, NCAA Basketball 09 is still a very enjoyable game that will sit very well with fans of the sport. The new tempo-driven gameplay is quite ingenious, and I can't think of a game that does a better job of getting the feel of college basketball just right.
  2. NCAA Basketball 09 captures the essence of collegiate basketball and will give college hoops fan something to smile about. Although the game misses on some points, it’s rather nice to see the franchise improve for the past two years instead of taking a few steps back like its big brother.
  3. Better than previous outings, NCAA Basketball 09 is a decent game that should challenge and entertain. Add in more game modes, and this game will nail that three-pointer from beyond the arc.
  4. NCAA Basketball 09 may not offer the wealth of options or polished gameplay of its former competition, but it’s still a decent baller worthy of a look from hardcore college hoops fans.
  5. 72
    Overall, while the game is a significant improvement over last years version, it's disappointing that many of the problems with the game weren't ironed out.
  6. 71
    There’s plenty missing from NCAA Basketball 09 and the dynasty mode is need of a revamp, but the core basketball is progressing nicely and effectively borrows some of what worked in "NBA Live 09". NCAA 09 needs more to warrant a purchase from basketball diehards, but newbies should be satisfied with what the game has to offer.
  7. Thanks to a new game engine coupled with improvements to atmosphere and online play, NCAA Basketball 09 is a good game.
  8. NCAA Basketball 09 has the underlying element of what could be a huge step in the right direction, but the lack of depth ends up being the games great fault.
  9. The glorious presentation includes realistic animations, arenas that resemble their real-life counterparts and impressive audio commentary from Dick Vitale ("It's awesome, bay-bee!"), Brad Nessler and Erin Andrews.
  10. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    70
    Gameplay-wise, shooting has been simplified with a Circle button hold-and-release, which feels gimped compared to the now almost-standard analog-flipstick of most ballers. [Jan 2009, p.85]
  11. As it stands, outside of its presentation, there isn’t much to write home about. For the newly enrolled, it’s a solid entry in a familiar and seldom changing formula, for veterans, you may as well skip this class.
  12. It’s not too different from last year’s installment, a bit of a step down in my opinion, but still good.
  13. It's significantly more playable than previous efforts, and the developers have created a more enjoyable game as a result. It's far from perfect, however. The new play modes are nice but hardly groundbreaking, and the tempo meter doesn't make any sense.
  14. It is true that NCAA Basketball 09 isn't a perfect basketball sim, but what it brings to the table is pure enjoyment for any fan that enjoys watching these kids bust their butts every week and not get paid for it.
  15. As the only game in town this year, NCAA Basketball 09 pulls its own weight but shouldn’t demand your full attention. Only hardcore hoops fanatics need drop down their hard earned cash; the rest of us can shuffle along just fine without it.
  16. 58
    While there's gobs of visual polish, including a vast array of impressive generic player heads, 09's gameplay double dribbles in too many key spots, making this little more than a palatable No. 6 seed -- it's worth supporting if you're a rabid fan of the sport, but it's far from Final Four material.
  17. While I can’t recommend the game at $60 simply because it’s superior than previous EA attempts, I can say that it might lead to a better series down the road. You have to start somewhere, right?