2GOLD 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2004 Ok, I remember at one time that a thread existed in here about the pros and cons of certain College basketball games. Well, the thread isn't on one of the two pages so I figured I'd ask again. Here's what I'm looking for: -Extensive dynasty mode with very real to life recruiting -Solid gameplay, I don't need to be blown away by it but it's gotta at least be realistic. -Ability to leave a team I'm coaching and coach another WITHOUT having to start a new career, which I remember March Madness used to suffer from -Good graphics, doesn't have to wow me but I'd also like it to be good enough so I don't laugh at them Alright, I've already figured out it was down to ESPN College Hoops and March Madness 2004. So, which of these games fits my needs or do they both fit them? And does ESPN COLLEGE HOOPS suffer from that god awful using the analog buttons to shoot free throws? And if it does, can you at least turn that crap off this time around? So, what can you guys and gals tell me? Sorry to toss it all on everyone but I'm torn since I'd hate to buy a game like last year and feel burned. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KingPK 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2004 Actually, I was the one who started the original thread around Christmas, and I rented both games. My conclusion was that I'd be happy with either. I wound up with March Madness, and I've been enjoying myself. I'll hit each of your points: -Extensive dynasty mode with very real to life recruiting.: I'd probably go with ESPN here. You can keep in contact with high schoolers during the season and your team's performance, along with how much attention you give them, can either warm the player up to your school, or pass you up for a better program. -Solid gameplay, I don't need to be blown away by it but it's gotta at least be realistic.: ESPN plays a little too much like a pro game, where you don't really have to pass much to find a good shot. In MM, you have pressure on your guy almost all the time, and passing is key to get an open shot. The computer is also pretty unforgiving with bad passes; they steal or tip it quite a bit, but not enough to be frustrating (and there are gameplay sliders that you can adjust to your preference) -Ability to leave a team I'm coaching and coach another WITHOUT having to start a new career, which I remember March Madness used to suffer from: You can resign from your job at any time and go to another program in both games. -Good graphics, doesn't have to wow me but I'd also like it to be good enough so I don't laugh at them: The crowds don't look too hot in either game, but the graphics are pretty nice, and the animations are pretty smooth. Another tie here. Do what I did: rent them both, if you can, and see which one you prefer. But I don't think you will be disappointed with either game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2004 I would rent but me and Blockbuster aren't exactly on good terms right now. I'm learning towards March right now but it seems I'll be happy with either. I know Dickie V is part of March Madness so that's why I'm learning towards it. I need to know about the foul shooting though cause I HATE that damn "use the analog to line up two bars" bull. I'd rather go on push a button reaction time than that crap. So, since you know it well enough. What's the story there? And I did hear ESPN is amazingly detailed in recruiting, but does that mean March is completely lacking or solid enough where I won't really notice? I won't blame you if I don't like what I buy since it's ultimately my decision, I'm just curious for the info as both as in a dead heat. Basically if the recruiting mode is solid and those god awful analog buttons aren't involved in foul shooting, I'll take March this time although ESPN isn't that high right now either so I could realistically get both. But that foul shooting nearly drove me INSANE last time with NCAA 2K3 and I don't need a repeat of that crap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KingPK 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2004 The recruiting in MM is just too simplistic: you get an allotment of "recruitment points" that you spend to woo players. A visit by the head coach costs the most, followed by a visit by an assistant coach, a call from the head, and a call from the assistant. You can also select something to emphasize to the recruit to try and convince him (location, coaching philosophy, playing time, prestige), but it doesn't really tell you which is effective. Recruiting boils down to using a bunch of points on your recruit and praying that he accepts. As far as ESPN's foul shooting, I think it remains the same. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Black Lushus 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2004 Dickie V is the WORST feature on MM...anyway, I haven't tried ESPN, but I was torn like you and had pretty much everyone tell me to get MM, which I did...i do not regeret it...it DOES have lots of flaws though, but it is still a very addicitive game...they definetly could have left out the macot games and the coach videos if it meant more memory space towards improving other aspects of the game such as crowd/sideline/arena graphics...I've only had it since Christmas and I am already on my 3rd season without skipping a single game. basically just trying to build my school prestige and trying to get the best recruits are what makes it addictive... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jimbo Report post Posted January 31, 2004 The recruiting in MM is just too simplistic: you get an allotment of "recruitment points" that you spend to woo players. A visit by the head coach costs the most, followed by a visit by an assistant coach, a call from the head, and a call from the assistant. You can also select something to emphasize to the recruit to try and convince him (location, coaching philosophy, playing time, prestige), but it doesn't really tell you which is effective. Recruiting boils down to using a bunch of points on your recruit and praying that he accepts. As far as ESPN's foul shooting, I think it remains the same. Yeah, that's how the recruiting is in EA's college bootball one as well, but I like it that way. The processe is easy, and despite your best efforts, not everyone will go. You have all the different way sot approach them, so it does take a bit of strategy and luck. I think it's perfect to be honest. I'd suggest MM, but much like it's NBA counterpart, the gameplay can be a mess. It is too easy to make 3's and block shots. Playing a friend can make it either fun, or really fucking annoying. I enjoy Dickie V, but I've always enjyoed Dickie V, so that's no matter to me... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2004 I decided to order MM after learning about the foul shooting system involved with ESPN. And Dickie V is an idol of mine so I'm fine with having a game with Dickie V going insane. Thanks for the help everyone, you made the choice a little bit simpler. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted February 2, 2004 The load times on this MM game is pathetic. I've never seen loading this poorly on a PS2 game...hell, I haven't seen load speed this bad on PS1 games. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
