- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release Date: Nov 17, 2008
- Also On: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3
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The revamped NCAA Basketball 09 does a nice job of giving bracketheads what they want, despite some freshman jitters with its new engine. Even though NCAA Basketball 09 may not be a Final Four lock, it’s clear that the franchise has a winning road ahead of it.
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Luckily, this year, that’s not such a bad thing, as EA’s game has taken a huge leap forward from last year. 2K has some catching up to do once it decides to re-enter the college b-ball arena again.
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EA's NCAA Basketball 09 is certainly the best looking college basketball game ever made.
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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.
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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.
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The dedication to simulating college hoops will entice veterans and push away newcomers.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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A nice attempt to reboot the franchise, NCAA Basketball 09 adds some new features and revamps the on-court play, but ultimately feels like a flawed and barebones college basketball experience.
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Thanks to a new game engine coupled with improvements to atmosphere and online play, NCAA Basketball 09 is a good game.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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It’s not too different from last year’s installment, a bit of a step down in my opinion, but still good.
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Throw in some iffy control elements, a lack of in-depth online play and real players, and game-play modes that lack variety, and this game fails to excite. And now, with a cheaper downloadable version available that should satisfy fans of the big-name teams who make the Big Dance each year, this game's value is a bit lower yet.
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A polished game overall that falls victim to crimes of the past.
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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.
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Official Xbox MagazineNCAA Basketball 09 is a serviceable showcase for basic hoops traits, but without a flagship feature to lead it, it fels more like a pro-flavored tilt without a few of the raw ingredients that make the collegiate sport special. [Jan 2009, p.76]
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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.
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But if you are expecting vast improvements and additions after EA monopolized the marked, you might have to wait until next season.
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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.
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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?
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 5 out of 8
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Mixed: 0 out of 8
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Negative: 3 out of 8
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JobAJan 4, 2010
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CordiaLDec 23, 2008
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MattHNov 4, 2008