GameCube

NCAA College Basketball 2K3

NCAA 2k3's gameplay is extremely smooth. The passing is much smoother and easier than NBA 2k3, as you can either have the game choose who you pass to, or you can use the C stick to manually pass. Players used to playing pro-ball games will quickly notice the differences between pro-ball and college ball. In pro-ball, you can run a high-scoring game with one player scoring most of the baskets. However, in NCAA 2k3, the defense is much more astute, making it harder to score loads of dunks and buckets as you would in a professional basketball game like NBA Live 2003 or NBA 2k3. NCAA 2k3 requires much more of a team effort than most basketball games, so you won't get very far unless you know how to pass.

The GameCube gets in on Sega’s NCAA College Basketball 2K3 but not on the online features. Sega is leveraging its dominance in the NBA basketball category into a successful college offshoot. NCAA College Basketball 2K3 is an entry worthy of its big brother, complete with its own set of smooth controls, elaborate play modes, and sharp A.I.

The college game has never been a focus of attention in the game industry. But things are slowly changing. First EA's NCAA Football 2003 arrived offering a better experience than the latest Madden. Now, NCAA College Basketball 2K3 has hit GameCube, providing more fun and a stronger atmosphere than NBA 2K3. The collegiate game is for real and while perhaps not gaining financial dominance in the market, both these college games make a strong statement with superior gameplay and presentation styles over their pro counterparts. NCAA College Basketball 2K3 has its flaws, but is also one of the best sports titles this year.

College basketball, particularly the NCAA tournament, is permeated with excitement, nostalgia, and a fair bit of flashy entertainment. Not surprisingly, Sega Sports delivers a reasonable facsimile of the college game complete with real arenas, school-specific chants, and (dare I say it) an excellent use of the ESPN license. The game features the standard array of options ranging from quick exhibitions to lengthier seasonal and tournament play. The depth of the legacy option is particularly noteworthy. Here players coach through the ranks starting with little-known programs, like the LIU Blackbirds, and work their way up to powerhouse, tradition-rich schools like Duke University.

NCAA College Basketball 2K3 is a solid game with plenty of modes to choose from, but it ultimately falls short of being an accurate simulation of college basketball. The passing system is far too slow and imprecise to break down the zone defenses effectively, even when running plays. This also affects the post-up game, which is almost rendered useless for anything but a pull-up jumper. Casual fans probably won't notice such problems, but the hard-core college basketball fan will more than likely be frustrated with them.