I have to say … being from Illinois, I was pretty pumped to get an opportunity to play my first video basketball game since the days when Double Dribble ruled the planet. Illinois college basketball was off to a second-place finish in last year's NCAA tournament, and the phrase March Madness was born in this flat, but beautiful state. I dabbled in a few basketball games over the years, but nothing has really caught my attention and devotion to play on a regular basis. Unfortunately, everything that I find frustrating with basketball games continues with NCAA March Madness '06.
The feel of the game is similar to many of the other EA Sport Games that bear the NCAA title. Feelings and emotions continue to thrive in these types of games. Crowd noises play a factor in game control, and all the nuances of the experience are brought to life with cheerleaders and trash talking. Though the graphics are good, they will not knock your Converse All Stars off. The fans do move, but are the frequent board people. Since it is a basketball game and faces and body types are not covered by much, the players have the look of computer game players. The arenas are done well, but though they try to match the home team's hardcourt, it is not always matched to a tee. Sounds of the games from EA Sports continue to improve and impress as they help you become absorbed in the game. This plays out well, but I think there is room for improvement; maybe the Xbox 360 will be able to do that.
Controls in the game took a bit of time to become used to. To become the best at the game, the gamer has to be flawless with learning the controls. Hitting an X to shoot when you are not in dunk range can just leave you floating up a low percentage shot. Try to pass into the post without using the black button to specify who you will pass to can lead to a fast-break poster dunk the other way. The new feature which I did enjoy was the lockdown feature. This enabled you to play in-your-face defense on the opposing player. This let me play a tenacious style of defense that led to some key turnovers in key situations. Free throws were done well, but did seem rather easy, no matter what type of shooter was at the line. It was nice that players who were not long range bombers could not continually hit shots from the ozone layer. This helped keep offenses honest, and made me really think how I was going to set up plays to get that open shot. It took awhile to really become comfortable with the controllers, so have patience when you decide to take on this challenge - it will pay off.
As I stated before, March Madness '06 is set up like many of the college EA sports games. You have the multiple game modes to play: Play Now, Season, Dynasty and the Mascot Game if you are feeling a little goofy for basketball. The recruiting and managing of teams in the Dynasty Mode is as good as it gets, including scouting players and keeping student athletes eligible. I just had trouble with the gameplay. Like the sport itself, if just seemed subjective in what was going to happen. Maybe playing the game over a period of time will help in hitting many of the shots, just as in real life, but I just didn't have the patience for the gameplay. As the real game seems to be getting away from set offenses that involve the whole team, I believe that this game is doing the same. I saw picks being set on occasion, but couldn't find the flow of the offense. EA Sports produced a solid game, but I think you would find it better to rent the game before buying it.
I played my first video game in 1976 which was a pong game plugged into our black and white TV to keep me busy while my mom took my brothers and sisters to school. I was 4. I played games growing up in the arcade and at friend’s consistently after school, many times missing dinner. I became completely addicted during a long night stretch of Kung Fu on Nintendo. I had to get one and get one I did. I love the old school games, never forgetting my roots. Many a memory I have growing up and conquering games with friends, sacrificing sleep for the thrill of victory. I can play with anyone in Nintendo or Sega games, and yes, I was one of those Sega Hockey freaks who did very well. When game systems changed to the types you see now, I did not immediately jump on the gaming scene. The internet was more important and computer gaming was large. Now, home gaming systems have caught up and you can do all the online gaming you want. I am a big sports game fanatic, love baseball, hockey and now enjoy playing the football games. Though I played different types of shooter/strategy games, the FPS games are now of interest to me (even though my skills are no where near the typical high school gamer). It is fun to get together and play with people who are out having a good time. Though time is a bit tight these days, sacrificing sleep for playing is all part of the game. I enjoy the outdoors, but competition keeps bringing me back to games, and now that they are smarter, makes it even more challenging
