NCAA March Madness series

Infobox VG| title = NCAA Basketball 09


developer = EA Canada
publisher = EA Sports
designer =
engine =
released = December 2, 2008 [ [http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/142/14280098.html NCAA Basketball 09 Release Date] ]
genre = Sports
modes = Single player
ratings = ESRB: Everyone (E)
platforms = PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360
media =
requirements =
input =

The "NCAA Basketball" series was the main NCAA basketball series published by EA Sports, only on the two next-gen consoles (PS3 and Xbox 360) as of 2004. The previous name March Madness was dropped from the title, reasons for the name change have not been confirmed.

Like other games based on NCAA sports, it cannot feature the players' names (as that is against NCAA policy/rules). Therefore, only the players' numbers are used (although many of their last names are featured within the in game commentary, like the "NBA Live" series) but the player can give them names. NCAA March Madness 07 was released on January 16, 2007. As with 2006, the commentators are Brad Nessler at play-by-play, and Dick Vitale as color commentator.

2009

On July 8, 2008 pastapadre.com revealed that the March Madness series will now be known as NCAA Basketball. That change was first noticed in a quick trailer that is one of the previews in NCAA Football 09. NCAA Basketball 09 is set to be released in November 2008 [ [http://www.pastapadre.com/2725/march-madness-gets-a-new-name March Madness Gets a New Name | pastapadre.com ] ] On September 10, 2008, Kevin Love was named the cover athlete for NCAA Basketball 09. [ [http://www.pastapadre.com/3524/kevin-love-is-the-ncaa-basketball-09-cover-athlete Kevin Love named cover athlete] ]

Infobox VG| title = NCAA March Madness 08


developer = EA Canada
publisher = EA Sports
designer =
engine =
released = December 11, 2007
genre = Sports
modes = Single player, multiplayer, multiplayer online
ratings = ESRB: Everyone (E)
platforms = PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360
media =
requirements =
input =

2008

EA Sports has announced that NCAA 08 March Madness features former University of Texas at Austin small forward Kevin Durant on the cover. Durant was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics with the second pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Durant also appeared in commercials with NBA Live cover athlete Gilbert Arenas.

Features:

Dynamic Post Play- Dominate the inside game on both offense and defense with all-new Dynamic Post Control. Pass the ball to your big man down on the block and utilize his arsenal of moves like never before. Whether it be using a quick up-fake and drive to the basket for an easy two or beating your defender with a fadeaway jumper from 12-feet out, you've never had more options for a big man in any other game. When on defense, you can counter your opponents with new on-ball controls. Stop drives and pwer moves by shuffling your feet, stand your ground and take a charge or go for the more conventional steal or block to keep your rivals off of the scoreboard.

Recruiting-New recruiting system modeled after NCAA Football 08. Complete campus challenges put out by staff and team alumni to unlock new facilities and upgrade player performance. Go to the recruiting database to see all scouted recruits. And use search to find the position, type, and size of the player that you want quickly and easily.

Infobox VG| title = NCAA March Madness 07


developer = EA Canada
publisher = EA Sports
designer =
engine =
released = January 16, 2007
genre = Sports
modes = Single player, multiplayer, multiplayer online
ratings = ESRB: Everyone (E)
platforms = PlayStation 2, Xbox 360
media =
requirements =
input =

2007

Features include:
*Using a new dynamic crowd environment, the game features a noticeable difference between high-energy schools such as Indiana, Duke, or North Carolina as opposed to smaller, more subdued crowds for less schools with less popular basketball programs. Having a winning program will unlock a pep band, a student section, and a cheerleading squad to help motivate the players on the floor. The team behind March Madness 2007 has worked to make sure that the location of all 325 school bands and student sections are as authentic as possible.
*The ability to upgrade facilities makes it possible to upgrade the player's program's success throughout the game. By completing challenges throughout the season, such as winning the home-opener or signing high-profile recruits lets players upgrade the facilities of your program, including a practice gym, a weight room, a study hall, and an injury clinic. With better facilities, players are more likely to land that prized recruit.
*The ability to interact with the crowd, opponents and teammates allows the player to raise the intensity of the arena by performing well. Inversely, performing poorly will lower the intensity making it difficult to make a comeback. Intensity points earned can be used to interact with the mascot, the cheerleaders, the pep band, or the crowd.
Former Gonzaga player Adam Morrison is featured on the cover. Morrison is now playing for the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.

Past Games

*NCAA Basketball 09 will be released on December 2, 2008. It features former UCLA star Kevin Love on the cover. Love currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
*NCAA March Madness 08 was released on December 11, 2007. It featured former University of Texas star Kevin Durant on the cover. Durant currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
*NCAA March Madness 07 was released on January 16, 2007. It featured former Gonzaga star Adam Morrison on the cover. Morrison currently plays for the Charlotte Bobcats.
*NCAA March Madness 06 was released on October 11, 2005. Former UNC point guard Raymond Felton is featured on the cover. Felton currently plays for the Charlotte Bobcats.
*NCAA March Madness 2005 featured former UConn player Emeka Okafor on the cover. Okafor currently plays for the Charlotte Bobcats.
*NCAA March Madness 2004 featured former Syracuse player Carmelo Anthony on the cover. Anthony now plays for the Denver Nuggets.
*NCAA March Madness 2003 featured former Kansas player Drew Gooden on the cover. Gooden now plays for the Chicago Bulls.
*NCAA March Madness 2002 featured former Duke player Shane Battier on the cover. Battier currently plays for the Houston Rockets.
*NCAA March Madness 2001 featured former Cincinnati player Kenyon Martin on the cover. Martin currently plays for the Denver Nuggets.
*NCAA March Madness 2000 featured former Maryland player Steve Francis on the cover. Francis currently plays for the Houston Rockets.
*NCAA March Madness 99 featured former UNC player Antawn Jamison on the cover. He currently plays for the Washington Wizards.
*NCAA March Madness 98 featured former Wake Forest player Tim Duncan on the cover. He now plays for the San Antonio Spurs.

References