NCAA March Madness 07

January 31,2007 - With the college basketball season already well under way, and the chaos of March Madness itself in just over a month, EA Sports releases NCAA 07 March Madness for the PlayStation 2. Covered by former Gonzaga star Adam Morrison, and guided behind the voices of ESPN’s Brad Nessler and Dick Vitale, EA attempts to grind out a vastly different game than its predecessors, but delivers only a slightly improved game.

In the past years, EA has generally put March Madness on the backburner, focusing on the more successful NBA Live. This year they’ve paid more attention to it, and graphics are the biggest sign of this. Shying away from the comic-like representation of players, PG# 5 now looks a lot more like an actual human, although due to NCAA rules, he’s still be required to be unnamed. However, player models still don’t look as good as they could, and the same five or six faces get old fast. The environments are by far the best graphical improvement.

EA has put a lot more effort into recreating an authentic college feel this time around. As previously stated, the environments look better. The hardwood is shinier, and the overall detail has been increased. There are more signs around to better identify with the schools, but everything falls pales in comparason to the Xbox 360 version.

Gameplay is noticeably similar to last year’s version, but handling has become slightly better. The EA SPORTS Lockdown Stick returns revamped, and defense-oriented gamers will rejoice. The feature gives a better sense of control, but stripping opponents of the ball and similar actions aren’t necessarily easier. Under default settings, fouls tend to be called significantly more when using the Lockdown Stick, which could cause as much frustration as a foul in real life. How can your center be called for a foul when he clearly has his hands up, right? The ball also seems to have a mind of its own unless you use the Right Button to tell it where to go. If you don’t, expect bad things to happen. Aside from that, the tempo of the game varies depending on the intensity factors. Building on last year’s game, the Senior Leader has been moved to the Go-To-Guy. Using the given player’s temporary boost, you’ll be able step up your game to insure any possible victory.

The Sideline General is one of the features new to this year’s version. In it, you become the head coach of your selected team. You make decisions on play running, subbing players in and out, and so on. It flows well enough, and is a treat for those who love total control over their teams.

Similar to the Lockdown Stick, Dynasty Mode has been revamped as well. You’ll be able to take it “online” to look at a variety of stats and set up a solid game plan to be ready for your next opponent. Also, you’ll be able to recruit high school and junior college players during the season. There are more playing options than the Xbox 360 version; you can play rivalry games, classic games of the past, or a frat party game. The most interesting would be the mascot game. Ever wonder what it would be like to have the Florida Gator take on North Carolina’s Tar Heel? Now’s your chance.

EA has made sure to make the PS2 version on par with the Xbox 360 version with ESPN coverage. Starting up the game gives you the options to link up to the EA servers, and from that point on you’ll be able to listen to ESPN radio while navigating. These aren’t just all pre-recorded clips—although On Demand content is available—and you’ll be updated with the latest scores and news. When SportsCenter isn’t playing, customizable ticker feed will give more immediate results. Delving deeper into the online menus will uncover the EA Locker where you can upload a saved roster for an easy achievement. Gameplay wise, it’s similar to any other sports game: the more you win, the more points you earn to level up. There are different areas of gameplay to enter: beginner, advanced, and elite. You’ll need to build up your rank, however, as there are restrictions to the rooms: beginners range from rank 1-10, 11-35 for advanced, and 36-99 for elites.


Overall, NCAA 07 March Madness provides gamers with a very enjoyable college basketball game. EA has added more depth to Dynasty Mode to make it more worthwhile, and the change from “the go-to guy” to intensity meters works well. Still, it doesn’t make enough of an improvement to make it a great game. It’s quick to pick up and play, and All-American difficulty will make you strain for a win, but with a $60 price tag, this is only for the most die hard of fans. If you don't fall into this category, rent it.

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