Let me start by saying that NCAA Final Four '97 is probably the most
realistic basketball game on the market.  Features which separate it from
others include a variety of impressive animations, many key aspects of
basketball (e.g., reverse pivot), good CPU ball movement, an extensive
playbook, realistic ball physics, several useful game views, and unique
"timed" player identifier!  All this translates into the feeling of
actually being at a real basketball game (unlike In the Zone 2 or
ShootOut '97, which both leave you with the feeling of merely playing an
arcade game).  When compared to NBA Live '97, NCAA Final Four '97 has
smoother polygon characters with more realistic movements.  Live '97
however, delivers better CPU artificial intelligence and stunning sounds
-- "NBA style".
The bottom line:  NCAA Final Four '97 has strong competition with NBA
Live '97 for best basketball simulation.  Where NCAA needs most
improvement is in it's sluggish controller response and sometimes
"choppy" animation.  I don't believe that NCAA will take this year's
crown, but with some improvement, will definitely take the crown next
year.  Its arrival is a dream come true for b-ball purists.  If you like
realism and strategy, I suggest checking this "baby" out!  I can't wait
for the NBA version.  Look out EA!
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I've broken NCAA Final Four '97 into two categories under which I'll
outline features which are outstanding or horrible:
What's really Good?
1)  GRAPHICS
- character full bodies reflected in court
- variety of impressive dunks 
- working shot clock visible in high baseline view 
- characters actual bend down to pick up ball
- characters actually move their heads to see action around them
- characters can actually be seen moving into set positions when plays are
   called
2)  REALISM
- includes many aspects of basketball (backing in, reverse pivot, pushing
   and blocking loose ball fouls, goal tending, 20 sec timeout, 10 sec free
   throw rule, defensive and offensive basket interference, sliding, etc)
- CPU passes ball around very well while trying to find open man
- extensive selection of offensive and defensive plays
- includes realistic ball physics (overshoot or undershoot basket, ball
   rolling on rim, ball being pinned on and blocked off backboard)
3)  GAMEPLAY
- several useful game views
- timed player identifier and game stats displays which eliminate
   distractions during gameplay 
4)  SOUNDS
- actual sound of ball rolling on rim
5)  OPTIONS
- assign four offensive and four defensive plays which can be called on
   the fly
What's really Bad?
1)  GRAPHICS
- sometimes choppy animation
2)  GAMEPLAY
- poor passing and free throw control
- difficulty executing actions due to delay response from controller
   (stealing, rebounding, lateral blocking, intentional fouling, and
   tip-ins)
- stealing and passing uses same button resulting in several backcourt
   violations.  This is because if your opponent inbounds the ball on your
   side of the court, the rest of your team remains at the opposite end of
   the court on defense.  So, if the ball is stolen before half court, a
   pass to the backcourt is very likely.  
- no written explanation of plays including how to execute alley-oop
3)  SOUNDS
- announcer's voice tone too passive (needs more punctuation or
   excitement, not commentary)
- ball makes slight annoying "thumping" sound as it's passed around
4)  PRESENTATION
- display text too bold
- fictitious players (more realistic to always identify by jersey number
   and school)
- no team introductions
5)  OPTION
- no option to turn off play-by-play display text
- Alvin Easter