NCAA March Madness 2004

 Xbox
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. GamePro
    90
    By a fair margin, NCAA March Madness 2004 comes out on top in the showdown against "ESPN College Basketball."
  2. Official Xbox Magazine
    89
    Despite the inexcusable omission of Xbox Live support, this is the best college basketball game on the Xbox. [Dec 2003, p.94]
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  3. TeamXbox
    88
    An almost perfect blend of great control and deep gameplay that will meet any college hoop fan’s criteria.
  5. GameZone
    85
    From the quick-step jumper to the slicing 3-point shooting, the game had a lot of replay value.
  6. Operation Sports
    85
    The failure to include many of the star freshmen in the game is inexcusable. With players leaving college for the NBA earlier than ever, freshmen play a more important role in college basketball than ever before.
  7. GameSpy
    85
    The game's Achilles' heel is its lack of any online play. But if you're more about the single-player game than about smacking some faraway Kansas or Duke fan, it's hard to find much not to like.
  8. IGN
    84
    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, and a little more distant on the Xbox due to EA not supporting Xbox Live.
  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.
  10. GameNow
    83
    Superior to other college games and a lot of fun to play. [Jan 2004, p.63]
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  11. Next Level Gaming
    82
    The controls in NCAA March Madness 2004 are tight and very responsive.
  12. Xbox Nation Magazine
    80
    A superb basketball game, with Grade-A action, intuitive controls, and more bells and whistles than an ice cream truck. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.85]
  13. 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. [Jan 2004, p.116]
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  14. 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.
  15. Play Magazine
    75
    As always, the dynasty mode is incredibly robust. [Dec 2003, p.98]
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  16. GMR Magazine
    70
    If you're gonna buy one college game this year, buy March Madness.
  17. 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.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best Xbox Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. DeathtoDick
    Jul 25, 2005
    7
    Dick Vitale is the main reason this game isn't a ten. I had the volume at zero halfway through my first game. I also wish that you were Dick Vitale is the main reason this game isn't a ten. I had the volume at zero halfway through my first game. I also wish that you were informed if your recruits liked the pitch you gave them.… Full Review »
  2. Steve
    Nov 15, 2003
    10
    This is a great game!! Can't put it down...it's got awesome graphics and intense gameplay.
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