This is it, the one that you have been waiting for...  at least I have.
March Madness '98 for PSX is finally here.

Being the big fan of college basketball that I am I've been waiting for this
title from EA Sports for a very long time.  Growing up in Lexington, KY and
now living in Oxford, MS, big time basketball is just something that I've
been around all my life.   And big time basketball IS the college game.
These guys don't play for money.  These guys don't hold out for a contract
renegotiation.  There is one thing on these guy's mind... The big dance
during the month of March.

But let's get to the goods.

GRAPHICS 8/10
The graphics in this game are very good.  Every team (107) is there from one
of the 10 conferences represented in the game.  (ACC, Atlantic 10, Big East,
Big 10, Big 12, Conference USA, PAC 10, SEC, and WAC).  Has there own floor
in one of four types of stadiums.  Although I obviously would have preferred
that the entire stadium was fully rendered but this is sufficient because
you hardly notice it while you're playing the game and the general types of
arenas are sufficient for making it feel like you're playing in front of the
home crowd, which by the way... they're actually animated.  Usually it's
just slight movement in the lower level's of the various arena's but you'll
actually notice them when the opponents are shooting a free throw on the
home floor.  The graphics are crisp and the polygonal players look very well
done.  This game makes you feel like you're actually there.  I should know
I've been to a bunch of 'em.

SOUND/MUSIC 8/10
Sound in this game is very well done as well.  At least for the team's that
I've played so far all the fight songs are included, and get played at
various times.  Crowd noise flows with the action of the game.  When your
not the home team... you know it!  Although I haven't gotten to the point
where I'll play a game on a nuetral floor yet.  I'm hoping that the home
court advantage is not nearly as evident just cause your wearing the white
jersey.  I'll have to wait till I can finish my season before I can make the
dance.  Also crowd chants include De-Fence, Air Ball, and team specific
chants for at least the team's I've played so far (U.K., Ole Miss, and
Tennessee).  There's a PA announcer he calls basket's and fouls during the
game.  He adds to the atmosphere and doesn't talk so much that you'd get
tired of him.  But if you did.  The game does have all the options for music
and sound volumes.  And for turning certain sounds off.  Much like you would
expect.

GAMEPLAY  9/10
All I need to tell you here is College basketball is fast and this game
reflects that.  But it's not so fast that you get lost in the action.  Some
teams will try and slow down the action.  But if you're playing Arkansas or
Kentucky then expect to be substituting your tired players quite a bit.  The
momentum meter is a nice touch as well because the run is big in college
basketball and the momentum meter moves according to what goes on on the
court.  If you dunk the ball or hit a big three.  That bar is gonna swing
more toward your side.  Making you shoot better and run faster than you did
before.  Timeout's both 20 second and full's can be called if the game is
getting too far out of your hands and they serve to take a little air out of
the sails of the hot team.  Don't think momentum of the game is something
that you should be able to see in a bar.  You can turn that off too.  The
effects seem to still be there but you never know quite to what effect they
are.  This is the way I prefer it.  You know you're on a roll but you don't
know by exactly how much the game is in your favor.  The game can be a good
sim.  With you calling all your plays on the fly and players and teams
tiring and fouling out.  Or it can be a good arcade game.  With no fatigue
no fouls and lots of scoring.  You can also set it up to where the computer
manager will call your plays and sub your players so that you can
concentrate on your game.  If you need an option it's probably in this game.


LASTABILITY 9/10
Probably the one option that would give this a 10 is missing.  Dynasty mode.
You can only go for one season.  Although it is a deterent it's not that
bad.  I could just win the national championship with all 107 teams.  About
that did I mention.  There is also 9 women's teams.  Although they can't be
used in Tourney or Season modes only in Exhibition games it is a nice
gesture and says alot about how far women's sports has come in the last few
years.  The lack of a dynasty mode although noticible shouldn't deter from
the lastability.  Season and Tourney mode should be able to tide anyone
over... at least till March Madness '99 which EA Sports promises will
contain it.  Also Season mode and tournament modes both of can be
multiplayer should be sufficent to and keep you and your friends playing for
many month's ahead.  And also get you pulling the game back out come
November again.

Overall I give the game a 9/10.  I like it.  I like it alot.  Although I
could be just a tad byast.  I absolutly hate NBA style Basketball.  And stay
away from all games involving it.  So as you can tell this is only my Second
Basketball game I've played.  But this one definately blows acclaims
offering away.