The visuals in NCAA March Madness 2005 are very similar to EA’s pro sports B-Ball title, NBA Live 2005. It would not be far from the truth to say that the college title uses the core engine of the pro game, which is not necessarily a bad thing. True or not, the differences start and stop at the basics, and are extended with a genuine college atmosphere. Each home court is represented and replicated exactly like their real life home stands. From the poor seat locations in lower budgeted schools, to the packed houses of schools like Duke, each venue is a unique experience and gives each game played a different feel. You even have subtle additions such as cheerleaders and mascots on the sidelines cheering your team on. Player models have a good amount of variety and detail to them, but for obvious reasons, no college players mimic the real players. The player animations are also very slick with many new moves for crossovers, passes, and slams. MM2005 has a better presentation then it’s pro counterpart, as the overlays, menus, and cut scenes bring the games to life more so than the Live series. If something must be addressed, it is that players still have that “skating on ice” look when doing quick moves and transitions, otherwise the game looks brilliant.

Audio actually outshines the visuals in many ways. First and foremost, the commentary is spot on, and random and fresh from game to game. Brad Nessler and the ever-present Dick Vitale call the action with wit and wisdom. The music supplied is a mixture of new hits and old favorites, but done by many different collegiate marching bands. What stands out the most is the crowd audio, which may be one of the best sounding basketball crowds I have heard in a video game. Your team will chant, cheer, jeer, and even shout out phrases like “three” and “air ball”. What’s more, if you use the pump up the crowd option, you can really get your home team into the action even more.

NCAA March Madness 2005 plays near identical to the Live series. The controls feel a bit light, but never feel totally out of your hands. The plus side comes from just about every button activating a move or shot. You have two shot buttons, one for lobs, and one for post up shots. There are buttons that call for picks, alley oops, cross overs, and many more using EA’s patented Freestyle Control system. Something that has also plagued the EA hoops series is the simplicity found in their games. Once you have the controls mastered, you will find it hard to get a real challenge from the CPU. The A.I. to put it bluntly is a push over, even on the highest setting; you will be able to run over your opponents with ease after a few games. Thankfully, the game does play a great multiplayer mode. Whether you choose one on one at home, or you jump online against players all over the globe, multiplayer is the only real way to find the ultimate challenge.

It always takes a couple of tries for EA to really deliver in the options department. This year, I think finally EA has it down pat. You want modes, you got modes. The basics come in the form of Season, Tournament, Rivalry, Mascot, Practice, and Online Play. As a note, there is voice communication on both consoles, an EA Sports Ticker, and tournament play. New to this season is the Pontiac College Classics that allows you to play with historic players and teams. In this mode, you also can play out classic NCAA moments such as the 1979 battle between Michigan Stage and Indiana State, Duke’s run over UNLV in 1991, and UCLA’s miraculous comeback in 1995. These moments are played out in a series of 10 game scenarios and you can actually change history if you feel Froggy. Lastly, EA’s Dynasty Mode has been increased in dynamics and size with new features such as in season recruiting and player violations. This is in addition to the already helpful PDA system, coach selections and player moves and attitudes. I do wish there was a simple way to randomly name all your college kids so they have personality instead of a number. Overall, there is plenty to do all season long in NCAA March Madness 2005.

Fans of the college scene will find plenty to enjoy from EA’s latest offering. Even in the wake of ESPN’s fierce competition and 20-dollar price tag, like Madden, March Madness is just a hint better than Sega’s College Hoops title. Is it 20 dollars better, well that my friends, is a decision you must determine on your own. In the end, March Madness 2005 does plenty right and very little wrong and worth every bit of the money spent on this year’s title.