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I bought this title for my new PS3 to replace 2K6 and 2K7 for the Xbox. This review will largely focus on the differences and improvements between the PS3 version and the older lesser versions. Reviewed at 1080i on a 53" CRT RPTV.
1) The graphics and engine are substantially improved over prior incantations. Player appearance is far sharper, as is general presentation. A substantial amount of detail has been paid to little graphical items for example the cameramen on the sidelines are perfectly rendered and move appropriately, players move from the bench to the scorers table after you order substitutions to wait for the dead ball, after timeouts your players move back onto the court as the mascot/cheerleaders leave it, finally arenas are well rendered with accurate center logos (e.g. UCLA first to 100 championships). Also the animations are far smoother and more creative. Overall much improved.
2) Audio is generally comparable to prior versions of the game, and this is very good as the prior games had good sound design. The biggest difference is this game actually supports DTS (even though the box only says Dolby Digital), this produces sound that is generally richer and fuller. All sound options are individually adjustable (Commentary, PA, FX, band, crowd noise, chants, player chatter, etc.) thus allowing you to create the blend that you find most enjoyable. Teams fight songs are included and played back at appropriate times. The commentary is also generally solid and features the same guys as 2K7.
3) Gameplay is much more realistic than 2K7. In 2k7 on Xbox it would not be uncommon for me to amass 40+ steals in a game as the AI was reckless with the ball, in 2K8 for the PS3 the AI is much smarter with passes, and steals are closer to 10 per game. Offensive AI is much improved the AI cycles the ball well and takes good shots with open shooters. The improved animations are also huge with gameplay, they allow a wide variety of layups, dunks, fadeaways, and post shots that can be utilized to good effect. The control scheme is complex, but once learned is extremely effective. As other reviewers have mentioned the game stresses shot release for the accuracy of all shots, this causes some people trouble with layups, but once practiced layups do go down with regularity. Overall gameplay has maintained all the good of 2K7 and fixed most of the bad.
4) Game modes: Quick game can choose any 2 teams (includes all D1 schools, plus dozens of historic teams) and play a quick game against the computer or another person. Legacy not yet tried but was great in 2K7 and I have read it is even better in 2K8 with improved scouting and an AAU league. Practice this allows you to run various drills (Freestyle, Fastbreak, Freethrow, etc.) that will help you master the control scheme and pick up the subtleties of shot release, ball placement, and picking the right shot at the right time. All-American Training similar to practice but helps teach certain skills such as isomotion and post play. Online not yet played. Overall great variety and replayability.
5) Other thoughts: 2KShare is a network service that allows users to post and share files with each other. You can share legacies, playbooks, and settings to help others and show your achievements. The biggest and best feature of this is ROSTER DOWNLOADS. 2K cannot officially include player names (default SG4, C45, etc.) but they have made it extraordinarily easy to download them and add them later. The roster loads automatically and allow you to actually use real players in games (e.g. Chris Douglas Roberts, Kevin Love, OJ Mayo, etc.). Most names are already recored for the in game commentary and will be used appropriately. This is a tremendous improvement over the XBox 2k7 game, and makes the game far more enjoyable.
In conclusion this is an exceptional game and a substantial improvement over the 2k7 variant. The learning curve is fairly high, but you are rewarded with exceptional control over the game when you do master it. I highly recommend this game to any college basketball fan.
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This is still the best college basketball game out there. The best sports games have been ruined in this "next generation."EA is AWESOME at MLB baseball games, and now they can't make them.
2K is AWESOME at NFL football games, and they aren't allowed to make any.
It's a real shame. If you want the best college b-ball game, you need to get this one. Hopefully 2K will be allowed to make another one of these games, b/c it's a real gem. It's a complete game -whether you are looking for a good, shallow pickup game, or a full-featured simulation.
The same goes for the NBA 2K series. I would purchase NBA 2K10, but there's no NCAA Basketball 2K10. NBA 2K10 is awesome, but I just don't get as much enjoyment out of it, without a coinciding NCAA 2K10. ....so I bought NBA 2K8:)
-EricI thought this game was official. The graphics are great, the game play is better. The controls are a bit difficult to get used to but they have the best free throw controls I've ever used on a game, and once you get the hang of the controls you'll be on the edge of your seat. A con is It is very difficult to make out the menus if you don't have a HDTV but believe me it's worth the purchase. I was pissed to find out that they are no longer making this series of games. I was an avid EA sports game player until I stumbled upon ESPN College Hoops 2K5 and I never looked back. This game will be a classic game to have, if you don't have it should be on your list of items to purchase. Get it before it's gone.
Read Best Reviews of College Hoops 2K8 Here
I've been a College Hoops fan since 2k6 and have been playing them ever since. It's been a great series of games that really haven't changed much over the years. That's why I was a little confused that the controls on 2k8 were so different. Some things are the same but there was just enough difference that it made it hard for me to just pick it up and start my career mode going. I also don't know why they don't make the view default to the 2k mode because that's what I prefer but that's just my preference. Still, it's a great game and I can't wait for the college basketball season to start. Go N.C. State!Want College Hoops 2K8 Discount?
This game rocks. I trade in march maddness and I have never look back.March Madness has been WACK for the last couple of years and 2K has token over in the basketball world.
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