NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

[Jason2112]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

Off-ball movement is what sets this game apart from any other I've played. In college basketball off-ball movement is critical, but no so much in the NBA because it's more spread out because of the influence of the deep 3 point arc and skillful guard play. This game really looks and feels like a true presentation of the college game and it gets the pace right. I do agree that the announcing is horrible and not because of my disregard for Neslar or Vitale, but the fact that ALL THEY WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS THE TEMPO! I've always felt like the commentators were ACTING when they recorded their lines on video games, and I just want them to BE THEMSELVES! I think they read the lines or something and it comes off as BAD ACTING. This game is definitely rocking right now though. I am having soooo much fun with my dynasty. I've been blogging about every game if anyone wants to check out my season. I've had crazy real results too.

[DrUrsus]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

Off-ball movement is what sets this game apart from any other I've played. In college basketball off-ball movement is critical, but no so much in the NBA because it's more spread out because of the influence of the deep 3 point arc and skillful guard play. This game really looks and feels like a true presentation of the college game and it gets the pace right. I do agree that the announcing is horrible and not because of my disregard for Neslar or Vitale, but the fact that ALL THEY WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS THE TEMPO! I've always felt like the commentators were ACTING when they recorded their lines on video games, and I just want them to BE THEMSELVES! I think they read the lines or something and it comes off as BAD ACTING. This game is definitely rocking right now though. I am having soooo much fun with my dynasty. I've been blogging about every game if anyone wants to check out my season. I've had crazy real results too.

Yea, I agree with all of your points, except I actually am one of those weirdos who LIKES Vitale, lol.

[crques]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

Yea, I agree with all of your points, except I actually am one of those weirdos who LIKES Vitale, lol.

Vitale gets on my nerves from time to time, especially when he's raving about the Dookies, but college basketball just isn't college basketball without him. I do hope they improve his commentary on next year's game though.

[ColProd]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

Vitale gets on my nerves from time to time, especially when he's raving about the Dookies, but college basketball just isn't college basketball without him. I do hope they improve his commentary on next year's game though.

It didn't improve from last years game...in fact, I would say it's worse than last years! At least as far as the variation in lines go. So yea, don't get your hopes up.

[kGinGreen]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

My account got banned for some reason when I was just posting my impression lol. But anyways, really nice game.. It's a bit too easy on default difficulties, but this game is really good with sliders and other adjustments. I just hope EA continues to build on what they are doing here. I really want to see EA work on the defensive aspects of this game and really force you to move the ball around and work for baskets. With sliders i get that feeling but it still could still use some work. This game as far as control and basic gameplay and atmosphere is excellent though. Highly underrated. Probably the most fun I've had with a basketball game. But it has a ways to go as far as tuning the gameplay. I like how you really have to look for the open man and it's fairly random, but sometimes this game seems too loose and like you are channeling some arcade pro game. The defense could use some tightening up which would really help the pacing and tempo and challenge even more.

[arichzona]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

Thanks for your help guys. As stated, I want to make this game work for me. It is tough to get rid of that 2k control scheme in my head but it is coming. It is definitely getting closer to a "buy" for me.

The whole "in air" charges bug the s*#t out of me but every game has it's faults.

Well, despite the positive comments in this thread - the rental is going back and I will not be stopping to purchase this thing. I tried, stayed up the past two nights allowing myself only 3hours of sleep per night and it just is not doing it for me.

I got to the point where it was pretty enjoyable..... enjoyable and I know that is what games are supposed to be but even after adjusting to the control scheme here I saw some stuff that made me say "wow....this is EA...and it is good." - there just was not enough of it.

I will say that the off-ball movement is truly amazing to watch. However, as amazing as it is.... things like ball physics on shots, the lack of urgency (zero) to get loose balls....are that poorly done. Guys are content to simply watch the ball roll out of bounds on a consistent basis. I cannot put exactly into words what I dislike about the ball physics on shots - but it does not look sim - it looks very adcade-like for lack of a better term. It is allmost as if the ball moves too quickly, so quickly that it should never really go in. Slow down the speed and then the players move too slow. Not to refer back to 2k but it is asking too much for a player speed slider, and a game speed slider?

I will say - nice stride forward for EA, I will take a look again next year and see what you have done.

[bonannogiovanni]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

A few years ago I was playing a game, and my pregnant wife claimed her water broke.
I proceeded to tell her she just had just peed herself because it happens to alot of pregnant women (and it was like 2 weeks before her due date).
I just wanted to get back to my sports video game. Needless to say, it didn't go over too well, I was threatened with bodily harm, and her water did indeed break , so off to the hospital I went . So I can relate to the pressure.

That's why every sports game should have an in game save feature....no more threats....

[windseer90]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

It seems to me that the CPU is able to hit inside shots easily to me. I have inside shooting at 0, and whenever the CPU bigman backs me down, I can never contest the shot. I have D and C rated teams backing me down and scoring in the paint all day. Is there something for this? I really want to enjoy the game, but this part has me frustrated.

[arichzona]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

It seems to me that the CPU is able to hit inside shots easily to me. I have inside shooting at 0, and whenever the CPU bigman backs me down, I can never contest the shot. I have D and C rated teams backing me down and scoring in the paint all day. Is there something for this? I really want to enjoy the game, but this part has me frustrated.

Have you tried switching guys for the weakside block or to alter the shot? I saw the same problem but the quick switch is really helping out.

[Omega Kid]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

I think, besides some issues, this is a fantastic game than deserves attention from ch lovers. Great atmosphere and a lot of fun.
Play vs cpu is a pleasure, something ive serious misses from 2k bball games. IA dsnt try everytime to crush defense for easy layups/dunks, here i can play defense. With OS roters and tweaked sliders is even more better. Like this game.

[Omega Kid]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

2 things i dnt like about IA is the vicious tendence to sink 3ps for keep close games, dnt think sliders change so much that behaviour. That dnt happen on every game, but when it does, is annoying, feels like cheat. Another thing is a total lack of players response during loose balls, they dnt seems to get the ball. That leads to some weird situations.

[countryboy]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

It seems to me that the CPU is able to hit inside shots easily to me. I have inside shooting at 0, and whenever the CPU bigman backs me down, I can never contest the shot. I have D and C rated teams backing me down and scoring in the paint all day. Is there something for this? I really want to enjoy the game, but this part has me frustrated.

when the cpu goes to make his move, press the L analog stick away from him and towards the basket only slightly to step back and not let him control you with his body. Then you should be able to contest the shot.

If he does make his move with his body on yours(ewww), then press the R analog stick either up or down to contest the shot. You won't jump, but will put a hand in the shooters face.

[RanRon]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

I've read through the impressions and i've played the demo on PS3 and 360 and I'm still undecided. The demo seems fun, totally different from cH2K but still fun. My biggest question is does it have long term value. Is offline dynasty fun and somewhat realistic?

[countryboy]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

I've read through the impressions and i've played the demo on PS3 and 360 and I'm still undecided. The demo seems fun, totally different from cH2K but still fun. My biggest question is does it have long term value. Is offline dynasty fun and somewhat realistic?

yes

[green94]

Re: NCAA Basketball 09 Impressions

I've read through the impressions and i've played the demo on PS3 and 360 and I'm still undecided. The demo seems fun, totally different from cH2K but still fun. My biggest question is does it have long term value. Is offline dynasty fun and somewhat realistic?

I'd say no. I was in the exact same situation as you, loved the demo, but after buying the game and playing it, it really didn't hold the same level of excitement for me. Playing zone against the computer is a joke, and basically ruined the game for me. To each is own though.