My last willful foray into the virtual sporting world was the 16-bit era with my old pal, NBA Jam. Since then, I have moved towards voyeurism versus playing, reveling in the crowds, energy, and statistics. My friends avoid me after week long bouts of Sportscenter. Confident in my knowledge of college hoops, I dove into NCAA Basketball with reckless abandonment. After learning the ropes, my views are mixed. NCAA Basketball ‘09 is a decent simulator that improves upon its predecessors, especially by utilizing the NBA live engine. However, it lacks accessibility for the average fan. After the wonderful EA sports logo, a phalanx of menus bombards you with options running 4 to 5 layers deep. You control the rules, foul consistency, and manage your rosters. While any sports nut may drool over the endless possibilities presented, I found it overbearing.
The game modes range from tournaments to the familiar dynasty mode. Dynasty mode plays out over a set amount of years during which you assume the role of coach. You can choose realism by signing with the first team to offer you a job, or you can pick your team. After picking your team, you go about training and recruiting the players. You play through each season manipulating your team as you see fit. Dynasty mode offers tons of replay ability. It’s a welcome return. EA always includes character creation and after their stellar attempts at a campaign style story mode, a la the Madden games, I was hoping NCAA Basketball would exhibit the same. To my dismay, your created character is just another player. Instead, you are subjected to all the nuances of being a coach. Sure, it has tons of variability from signing players and checking brackets, however, it feels like work.
There is an intangible, intimate “It” factor in shaping ourselves as players. Being the coach keeps you busy but feels like work. Accessibility is the game’s biggest downfall. After pushing paper and finally getting to the court, I was confronted with a rock wall and no handholds. Newcomers will experience a steep learning curve with the controls. Their plentiful nature and varying responsiveness tucked two stale defeats under my belt. After learning which button does what, knowledge takes precedence. If you don’t know anything but fundamentals, steer clear. Easier difficulties don’t require the use of plays to win; but, without using what the game has to offer, the game becomes a bland arcade experience. Games that exhibit prerequisites not readily apparent can make a gamer feel incompetent.
Understanding what each play does is only the beginning. The game makes no effort for anyone but sports gamers. Since it’s a simulator, its forgivable if its core gameplay didn’t exhibit problems. Activating plays makes efficient use of the bumper buttons but executing them is another story. Each play has key positions. Upon activation, these key positions will have an A button above their heads. Some plays have multiple key positions and instead of using different buttons: Everyone has an A over their head. It makes certain plays a gamble: Some of the A’s light up at the same time and you never know who is going to get the ball.
