GAME STUDIO DESCRIPTION: ESPN College Hoops 2K5 brings all the intense, hard-court action, delivering the ultimate virtual college basketball experience for the collegiate sports fan. ESPN College Hoops 2K5 introduces a bevy of new enhancements and features, offering the most complete, and feature rich college basketball video game on the market.
All New Graphics Engine – Raising the bar on visual realism, the graphics and animations have been given a complete face-lift using an enhanced basketball engine. New detailed and animated uniforms, and all-new 3D crowds help create the true college basketball experience that can only be found in ESPN College Hoops 2K5.
Pass-N-Go System – The fast-paced excitement of the college game is realized with the unique Pass-N-Go system. Two pass buttons allow a multitude of dramatic team plays as gamers can perform lead passes to direct teammates to the hoop. Players can execute advanced give-n-go and alley-oop plays with high risk but even higher reward.
Revamped Legacy Mode – Additions to Legacy Mode include new coach settings for both head coaches and assistant coaches that allow players to adjust training time, scouting and recruiting. Balancing budget and time play key roles as gamers are given the opportunity to recruit top talent. Players can also keep track of off-season coaching changes and improve their reputation in hopes of getting bigger and better coaching opportunities.
Coach Mode – Gamers will experience the heart-pumping action firsthand as the head coach of their own team. Coaches must watch and call all the important plays from the sidelines as they direct players and make key OT decisions.
ESPN Presentation – Jay Bilas and Mike Patrick return to the booth with insightful commentary, bringing all the presentation of a real ESPN telecast. Enhanced audio delivers rousing fight songs and school chants.
PLAY: ESPN College Hoops 2K5 plays much like the ESPN NBA version. The dribble moves are alive and well so if you want to do a quick crossover or spin to the dunk its here—just make sure your guy has the ability or he might be watching the other guy going for an uncontested dunk at the other end.
When you are in the paint and posting up a player the moves are similar to those in the NBA version are utilized here as is passing. If it sounds like we are merely regurgitating everything from NBA 2K5—we aren’t. There are some obvious differences.
The biggest differences are how diverse the opposing teams can be. In the NBA you always have stiff competition, but in college if you are Kansas and face Toledo you are sure to bust out a quick 30 point lead. Also, each team has a style of defense and offense that is either good for them—or very bad which opens up your chance to drop a beat down.
Also, you most do what your players are best adapted to do. If you are point guards has a good three point percentage than take your shots just don’t do it with your forward who has no skills except taking it to the hoop. The college game isn’t as forgiving as the NBA version where the players are better rounded.
The free-throws are different as well. Instead of shooting with a meter you must time the shot and go with the wrist and time your button release. It’s a rather odd way to shoot in a video game.
There is a great mode called “Legacy Mode.” You can play both career and open mode. One is taking a small school and trying to take them to the big time. You can hire your coaches, recruit, and the whole thing. It’s fantastic. It’s extremely extensive. You have to practice and work around the schedules of recruiting and different conferences.
GRAPHICS: The graphics are well done and as good as the NBA version of 2K5. The players look fantastic and the animations work very well and never jitter. Even the inclusion of the mascots and cheerleaders look good and add that collegiate atmosphere.
SOUND: You get the school fight songs during the game which is a big plus. The announcers Mike Patrick and Jay Bilas are fantastic and honestly one of the best commentaries in any of the sports releases this year.
FRANKLY: ESPN College Hoops 2K5 is a great game for those who love the collegiate game. It might even be better than its predecessor NBA 2K5 because of the vastness of teams and modes.
+ Richie Wright
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