Great NCAA Game, Disappointing Producer
580584
This is possibly the best of the NCAA series and my teenage son and I have logged many hours playing and having fun.  There are many options and this one feels more like its Madden cohort than previous duos have.  The game is fun, challenging, progressive, and has all you would expect from an NCAA title.  The graphics are nice and gameplay is close to identical to Madden 25, though of course the overall feel is different, which is typical.  The options are the best feature in my opinion.  If you want, you can move Notre Dame, Penn State, USC, and Ohio State into the SEC and see how that shakes up the best conference in college football.  You can also control which teams can take a shot at each of the different bowl games.  If you choose the Road to Glory mode, you must earn your coach's trust before being able to call audible and hot routes as a QB.

Unfortunately, EA Sports just hasn't been producing at its best levels recently and this game (though suffering from fewer issues than Madden 25) will need a couple of updates and/or patches to fix what are minor glitches.  The glitches impact the experience, but they don't really make the game unplayable from what I've found thus far.

Overall, I'd say the game is worth every penny you spend on it.  Personally, I'm cheap, so I'd wait for it to go on sale or wait until later editions are released and this one is cheaper, but I have heard rumors that EA will not continue this series, so the latter option may not happen.  In any event, if you enjoy football video games, you will not be disappointed by this one.  The only reason it isn't a 5 star is because of EA's minor glitches.
1096466
This game is great!  Lots of fun, awesome graphics, very realistic sound and commentary, etc.  The only problems with this game are the minorly sloppy instant replay transitions, and they don't show the names of the opponents on other teams.  I would, maybe, give this game a 4, but the good things rule out the bad, for the most part.  Still, highly recommended.
3229823
What I like:
The action of the game is bar none the best football game I've ever played. It's extremely difficult to even beat a cream puff team at times. You have to execute every play to supreme perfection on both sides of the ball.
What I don't like:
The commentators keep saying the same [darn] thing over and over. Program some more dialog or just leave it out...it gets real annoying after a while.
Fight Songs? I know LSU's wasn't correct. Everything they played in Tiger Stadium was off. It seemed to me like the bands were all playing the same exact songs. I'd suggest doing this right or not at all...it makes you look like a [jerk] otherwise.
Bands? Where the hell is the band anyway. I don't see them anywhere in the stands...would make sense to draw them there...don'tcha thing?
Student sections? I didn't notice any part of the stadiums being more unruly than others. In fact, it was all the same....
Overall...they need a consultant....like me....to check these little details that can prevent things from seeming phony.
If you pay the NCAA for a license...go all out...don't half [rear] it. Put in the actual crowd chants from each school....actual band songs (for first downs, touchdowns, extra points, fourth quarter, pregame, kickoffs, etc.)...and whatever else you can think of to make it look like you're watching TV...not some artificial game....that should be the goal...I think.
1940082
I'm not sure the authors proved their case, but North Carolina sports takes a well deserved beating.  The NCAA is a farce.
4418942
I vividly remember where I was when I watched this game.  After 25+ years of basketball watching, I still find the Duke-UK to be the most dramatic game I've ever watched (or attended).  So, picking up this book was a no-brainer.

It was disappointing then that I ended up skimming bits here and there and drumming my fingers.  Unless you're really dying to read little snippets of dialog between the players, there really isn't a book's worth of material here.  Gene W has definitely done his homework and interviewed numerous participants, but just doesn't have anything super new to add.  And his fixed structure (Duke chapter, UK chapter, Duke chapter, UK chapter, ...) leads to silliness like his narrating the game itself twice back-to-back, which really didn't work for me.

All that said, the basic material is amazing: the two teams were extraordinary and the game was truly one for the ages.  Hard to muff that up, so I'll still give it 3 stars.  Definitely worth a beach read, and won't take you long to rip through it.

One last thing: the portion of the title "... that changed basketball" got my hopes up that this would position the game/teams in the context of basketball history (e.g. there was a great article in SI a couple months ago about the history of basketball offenses, etc).  If the title sucked you in also, please be disabused.  I didn't walk away with any sense in which the game changed basketball whatsoever.  Except maybe that people will guard the inbound passer in such situations, which I already knew (and is pretty shallow).

So yeah, great game, okay book.
2022017
I haven't bought an NCAA game in years because they've started becoming bland.  The off-season/recruiting moments could be a whole game in themselves, scouting is easier and more fun.  Road to glory mode is a lot of fun and challenging.  Love the aspect of playing a high school season first.  One downside is I feel they should add a NFL draft combine for when your road to glory character finishes his senior season or have some sort of similar closure at the end versus just being done with that character.
4568287
Has anyone actually played this game from the posted review??  Doesn't look like it.
Ok, let's get to the negative stuff first.  '01 and '02 version was downright disappointing and I was actually going to bail for NBA 2K3.  The Live franchise graphics have always been first rate but the play and feel of the actual game was horrible.  I never understood how EAS could have a killer game like their NHL franchise and not duplicate it with the NBA version.
Well, I think EAS has finally woken up.  Just about everything in Live '03 is jaw dropping!  From the game speed to realistic player movements to block shots to fast breaks...everything is a huge improvement and there are many new additions.
Here are the awesome new features -
1) Freestyle play - this new AI play let's you experience actual players movements.  Forget the old cross-over, backing down defenders from the prior versions.  Freestyle adds new movements that are mind-boggling...killer crossover from both sides, stutter steps, ball cradle, etc.  And when you back down the defender - you actually feel them pushing you and hear the grunts from the players.
2) Game speed - Actual game speed of the NBA.  No more prodding down the court.  There's a new fast break mode and you can run the ball down your opponents' throat.  Word of caution - watch out for NJ - J Kidd will run you ragged.
3) Blocks - very cool.  You can block balls all over the court and out of bounds....cool graphics.
4) Rebounding - This was always the most annoying part of the prior versions.  Now, you won't have to put up with the opposing teams grabbing every rebound until they make a 3 pt shot at the end of the game.  Offensive and defensive rebounds are more realistic.
5) New action cut sequences - new shots of coaches, bench players' reaction to the game, and very cool reaction of coaches and players during the game final seconds.
Overall, an incredible improvement over '02 version.  You will play this game and realize that EAS didn't just improve some functions but actually revamp the entire franchise.  If you have any doubts, rent the game first but believe me, you will be blown away!
1018043
The game was awesome. The statute though. It would be rated a five but the main reason it is not is because the statute does not look like it does in the picture provide by Amazon. I was like "what the heck. I just got bamboozle." If I would have know that the statute meant paint it yourself I would have spent the money on something else. I often refrain from posting reviews but this one hit me right on the spot
3264698
NHL 2003 is a good game, but it is not enough of an improvement or even difference over 2002 to justify buying it if you have 2002.  I actually prefer 2002's graphics, but 2003's are good too.  The differences in gameplay and look are very minor.  The biggest differences are simply the updated rosters and ratings.  As I say, they are both good games, but 2002 had room for improvement in gameplay, and 2003 simply didn't come through in the wanting areas.  The powerplay gameplay is the most glaring weakness in the games.  The offensive players all constantly and quickly cycle around, even if the puck is being held still, and no matter what PP system you're running.  As a result, the defensmen can never get off a good one-timer - they're never square to the net.  As another result, you can't execute any tic-tac-toe passing, or much passing at all, for that matter.  On the whole, not just on the powerplay, the game is not very conducive to set offense, behind the net play - the players are constantly out of position.  The game is still fun to play on offense, it's just not totally true to real life.  Perhaps I'm asking too much, though.  The fighting, of course has room for improvement, too.  One thing that the fighting does do well, though, is have the players' toughness ratings play out in their fighing performances.  For instance, you would have to be damn crafty to beat Sandy McCarthy with Michael Peca.  Since this has basically become a review of both NHL 2002 and 2003, I'll say something specifically about 2002 alone: I love Don Taylor's commentary.  A lot of people are complaining about Taylor dumming down the game and just not being funny.  If you don't know the game and you need guidance, watch ESPN's NHL Rules.  I thought Taylor was stupid for the first few games that I played, but then he started to get funny.  Some of his humor is too intellectual for a lot of the people playing the game.  Some of it is funny because of how stupid it is - but that's intentional by Taylor.  In 2003 they've scaled way back on Taylor's commentary, and this is disappointing for me.  All things considered, if you don't have a hockey game and want one, then NHL 2003 is a great choice.  If you have NHL 2002, don't waste your money.
3912669
Overall, the game plays well. It's not perfect, but what game is? My big issue is with the graphic flaws that I am running into:
At times, the movement in the game becomes very choppy.
During game play, the player's feet will disappear into the court, making them look like they are standing in quicksand.
The arenas stink. EA should have done a much better job in capturing the individuality of each home court. EA NCAA Football set the bar for this.
The game is good, but compared to NCAA Football, it is lacking. I know the graphics thing might be small potatoes to some, but when I spend $.. on a game, the video needs to be quality.
Also, for all the people crying about the name thing. The NCAA prohibits the use of any student athlete's image to sell a product. If EA used the players names, they would be in violation of this policy, so get use to it.
3499415
As a frame of reference, I am an avid fan of: 1. College Basketball; 2. Sports Video Games.  Having bought every college basketball game for the Playstation console(as for back as Coach K basketball), I bought this game just on a whim when I was walking by an Electronics Boutique.
Unfortunately, this game is a tremendous disappointment.  Although the graphics are good(player faces and uniforms are impressive), the controls are far too sluggish.  It's way too easy to score on offense, and it's next to impossible to defend on defense.  The various dribble and dunk moves are less than creative.  The arenas are accurate as far as the hardwood floor extends, but all of the seating is exactly the same.  I have played this game for a combined time of about 90 minutes.
I spend far more time on EA Sports' March Madness 2001-- and frankly, it's more realistic in terms of strategy and has better gameplay feel.
3866794
This is a fun game when it comes to things like exhibition matches, online, myGM, myLeague, and things like that. But the thing that really prohibits me from giving this game a 5 star rating is mycareer. the mycareer was supposed to be the big seller this year, but its irritating. First off i don't want to sound weird but it is not very immersive like a movie or story should be. The games announcers talk about you like you walk on water even as you're missing mid-range jumpers off the rim and throwing passes into the stands. It takes a LONG time to get good at this game, because the game has a bunch of new mechanics which throw you off. I have upgraded my shooting ability multiple times, and on a good shooting night i go 3/8. But overall this is a good game, but don't expect an incredible career mode.
3199111
The fact that EA added a Franchise Mode, cleaned up some of the graphix and added new animations is awesome.  On the bad side of things the transition game is pretty lame.  Another problem is that the computer likes to shoot every shot as close to the basket as possible.  Shooting from outside yourself doesn't usually pay off either so it becomes a pound it into the post or dribble to the hoop contest too often.  By far the biggest problem though is the poor programming for rebounding.  Not only does the ball hit the floor 90% of the time but defensive rebounders make no attempt at all and walk toward the ball while offensive rebounders run for the ball.  You end up with more offensive rebounds than defensive rebounds almost every game and that is just plain stupid.  Playing with the ability points for rebounding does not change anything either since they seem to have no effect except for simulated games.  There is still some fun to be had with this game but cut out the bugs before you add more features next year.
Matt The Pirate
4279987
If you enjoy the likes of Project Gotham Racing, Dirt, Grid, or any other title in the the Need for Speed franchise, you will likely enjoy the sometimes overwhelming amount of audio/visual eye candy presented in NFS: Shift.  However, if searching for a "close-as-it-gets" simulation-style racer, such as Race Pro, Gran Turismo, and the Forza, I recommend avoiding.

Graphically, the game is beautiful.  Audio is decent also - although not as accurate as Race Pro or Forza.  Electronic Arts certainly did revamp their physics engine in this title, giving it a slightly more controlled version of the one found in GRID.  Yet, body roll is dramatically over-done, creating vehicles that feel more like drift-racing air-ride suspension Cadillac sedans.  Initially, I was convinced this was a direct result of a tuning setup/car type, yet was disappointed to find even the high-end sports cars - those tuned with suspensions stiff as a board - flopped and skidded from one side of the track to the other at even the slowest "highway" speeds.

On a positive side, though, it is certainly nice to see the Need for Speed line-up change things up a little by taking the racing off the street and on the track.  Especially with the number of famous tracks (Mazda Laguna Seca, Brands Hatch, Silverstone, etc.) recreated brilliantly in the game.

Bottom line:  moderately, sometimes majorly unrealistic vehicle physics and typical Need for Speed flash mar the potential of a great Forza sim racer competition.  Simulation buffs should steer towards Race Pro, or wait for Forza 3.
2656546
First and foremost: This game trends toward an arcade style of tennis. While it's much more realistic than VT1 released in 1999, it's still not an accurate tennis game. If you're looking for a deep, no frills tennis title, look toward Top Spin. Top Spin 3 currently doesn't support Wii-Motion Plus; until TS4 is released, you're probably better served looking at EA's Grand Slam offering.

If you're familiar with VT3, this title will not shock and awe. Many of the mini games make a return alongside a number of fun new ones (pirate wars comes to mind); there are a quite few new venues, and many of the players return alongside some new editions. For the purposes of this particular review I'll assume you've played VT3 and only point out the differences.

First, the bad: VT3 never made an appearance on the Wii (though the VT3 engine powered Sega Superstars Tennis) so those familiar with VT3's models will find the Wii's 2009 models significantly worse. It's an unfair comparison to be sure, but I can't help but notice straight off. Some of the models look worse than their Dreamcast counterparts; for instance, Tommy Haas' 'crazy eyes'.

There are no language specific voices to venues. In VT3, if you played in Paris, the announcer would speak in French; in Spain, Spanish and so on. Here, 2K9 users get the same announcer for each venue. It's one of those features that I had grown to love, and was sad that it disappeared.

Controls: The motion plus control requires re-calibration before each and every single time the ball is put into play. Also, there's no gamecube controller support.

Second, on which I cannot comment (yet): Online gaming is something of a novelty for the Wii, and there were no players online when I logged on. Hopefully, this will change as this title gains critical mass.

Finally, the good: The controls. The game offers four types of controls. You can play with or without motion plus, and with or without the nunchuck. When playing with the nunchuck, the players move without any aid from the CPU. When playing without, the CPU moves your player WiiSports Tennis style; however, you can still use the D-pad to fine tune placement, as the CPU doesn't always start running immediately. Incredibly, you can connect and disconnect the nunchuck during a match and the game will seamlessly transition from one control style to another.

Controls, continued. Even without the motion plus control, Sega did a good job with utilizing the wiimote in such a way that you have more than superficial control over the ball. Every time you're about the hit the ball a meter pops up making the whole process something of a quick time event. Depending on where you stop the meter determines in which direction you hit the ball. I can't fathom playing the career path with this option, but it definitely makes the game much more accessible for first time players.

Conclusion: Personally, having played close to 100 hours in the first three Virtua Tennis titles combined, I was looking forward to a new Virtua Tennis experience. Virtua Tennis 2k9 does not disappoint. It offers much more flexibility than VT3 for first time players; for veterans of the VT franchise, motion plus offers a great deal more depth and immersion. This is a solid buy.
1346627
This may be the greatest national championship game played. Until a few years ago, this was definitely true. With Florida State/Auburn and Clemson/Alabama x2, it still may be but it is no longer a stand alone thing.
Offered without commercial interruption, this is ABC's complete telecast of the 2006 ROSE BOWL with condensed pregame and postgame but no halftime. An occasional edited huddle also is part of the production.
Reading other reviews, picture quality comes up quite a bit. Personally, the quality seemed very good. I didn't go into it expecting a high definition experience(it isn't) because this isn't a Blu-ray(which is offered) so there was no disappointment for me. Some of the poor quality referred to in other reviews only occurred from a certain camera angle which means it was part of the telecast and not a dvd issue.
Classic game. Good quality. Worth having.
2452418
First the good:

The graphics and presentation on this game are truly awesome.  My wife walked in and initially thought it was an actual NBA telecast.  The next step in my opinion is finding a way to control live video in video games.  (I'm sure it's just around the corner).  Even the mannerisms of players are duplicated:  The way Kobe kinda tugs at his jersey during free throws.  The way Magic Johnson used to "shot put" his lil jumper from three point land.  It's ALL there.  And if you have wireless internet, then the constant updates and downloads where the announcers discuss current NBA events and scores during the game are awesome as well.

HOWEVER:

I have one big complaint.  I've played about 30 games at the highest play level now and have only won twice.  I don't mind teams being more competitive.  But The AI is set so that on the highest level your team will play significantly worst than the AI controlled team. They'll just stand there and let the AI team get a loose ball or rebound.  I have no problem jumping out to a ten point lead in the first half of a game.  But it never fails...in the second half, even simple shots under the basket won't go in.

If I'm playing with the Lakers, it seems like no one can shoot other than Kobe.  But even he goes through these spurts where simple wide open shots don't go in.  And Derrick Fisher hitting open threes or Ron Artest hitting them like he sometimes does in real life??  Forget it on this game.  I refuse to let Artest shoot those unless he's wide open..and STILL he's only hit maybe once or twice in 30 games.  Actually Matt Barnes does better on open threes for me.

Meanwhile, the AI controlled team can't miss..no matter how covered they are.  No matter how bad the team is.  I think I read another reviewer comment how the AI controlled defender seems to always catch you on breakaways no matter how far you're in front of him.  That's VERY true.  And no matter HOW careful I am protecting the ball, I just can't seem to get through a game without +20 turnovers.  After a while it just gets comical.

Overall though...a good game.  As far as presentation, a nice improvement over NBA Live.