Madness dribbles onto PlayStation for March

NCAA March Madness '99

PlayStation

Could Chris Webber guard Lew Alcindor? Would David Thompson be able to throw one down over Tim Duncan? These are a few of the many questions that players can try to answer with "NCAA March Madness '99," a new college basketball game for PlayStation. This is possible because, along with the 107 Division I men's basketball teams, the game features 20 classic teams including 1967 UCLA, 1982 North Carolina, 1984 Georgetown and 1993 Michigan.

After choosing their favorite team, players have several options including exhibition, tournament and dynasty. By far the most intriguing choice is the tournament which provides the chance to cram three weeks of March Madness into an afternoon (but who would want to do that?).

The five on five contests play very smoothly and it shouldn't be difficult for first timers to learn the basic aspects of the game. The system automatically calls plays on both offense and defense for those still getting the hang of things, but also offers manual playcalling for the more advanced gamers. In addition, "March Madness" features four levels of difficulty: freshman, sophomore, junior and senior (sorry no fifth-year senior). Along with the five on five men's contests, players have the option of a 3-point shoot out or a Sweet 16 with women's teams.

The team lineups for the games are filled with current players who are identified only by their numbers and not their names. The rosters are very up to date, both freshmen and transfers of influence are included, and seem to include everyone except first year walk-ons.

Teams play in their own arenas, but the recreations come up very short. In Crisler Arena, the tunnel is out of position, the placement of the seats is wrong and the floor design is out of date.

Another weak point is the absence of the actual schedules that the teams are playing in 1999. When a player decides to play a full season, the slate is a random mix of conference and non-conference games rather than the traditional setup of non-conference first, conference second.

The feature of 20 classic teams is an interesting option, but some of the squads that were included are a little questionable (1997 Wake Forest?). And really, besides Chris Mullin who would want to play as 1985 St. John's?

Although the inaccurate arenas and lack of real schedules are annoying for big time players, "March Madness" is an enjoyable game that gives fans the chance to hoop it up as their favorite college players and teams. And with the way things are going, it's about the only place where the Wolverines will make the tournament.

- Matthew Barrett

02-03-99