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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
NCAA Basketball 09
Mixed or average reviews
Based on 23 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 7 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: EA Canada
Genre(s): Sports, Basketball
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: November 17, 2008
Summary
NCAA Basketball 09 operates on a new gameplay engine with over 1,000 new animation sequences that deliver a more responsive experience with improved ball physics and more intelligent AI. The new animation system enables gamers to apply pressure defense with new full-court presses and traps. Plus, improved AI and animations enable quicker players to get up and down the floor faster and make better decisions running the lanes and driving to the rim. Animations can be interrupted at any time, enabling you to read and respond to the action on the floor, just like real life. Feel the excitement of game night with the band playing fight songs, the student section leading the cheers and popular ESPN college basketball broadcasters Dick Vitale, Brad Nessler, and Erin Andrews providing the commentary. [Electronic Arts]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: NCAA March Madness 07 NCAA March Madness 08
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
TeamXbox
The revamped NCAA Basketball 09 does a nice job of giving bracketheads what they want, despite some freshman jitters with its new engine. Even though NCAA Basketball 09 may not be a Final Four lock, it’s clear that the franchise has a winning road ahead of it.
Read Full Review >Gamervision
Luckily, this year, that’s not such a bad thing, as EA’s game has taken a huge leap forward from last year. 2K has some catching up to do once it decides to re-enter the college b-ball arena again.
Read Full Review >Game Chronicles
EA's NCAA Basketball 09 is certainly the best looking college basketball game ever made.
Read Full Review >Worth Playing
In spite of its flaws, though, NCAA Basketball 09 is still a very enjoyable game that will sit very well with fans of the sport. The new tempo-driven gameplay is quite ingenious, and I can't think of a game that does a better job of getting the feel of college basketball just right.
Read Full Review >GameFocus
NCAA Basketball 09 captures the essence of collegiate basketball and will give college hoops fan something to smile about. Although the game misses on some points, it’s rather nice to see the franchise improve for the past two years instead of taking a few steps back like its big brother.
Read Full Review >Planet Xbox 360
The dedication to simulating college hoops will entice veterans and push away newcomers.
Read Full Review >Game Informer
NCAA Basketball 09 may not offer the wealth of options or polished gameplay of its former competition, but it’s still a decent baller worthy of a look from hardcore college hoops fans.
Read Full Review >ZTGameDomain
Overall, while the game is a significant improvement over last years version, it's disappointing that many of the problems with the game weren't ironed out.
Read Full Review >IGN
There’s plenty missing from NCAA Basketball 09 and the dynasty mode is need of a revamp, but the core basketball is progressing nicely and effectively borrows some of what worked in "NBA Live 09."
Read Full Review >GameZone
A nice attempt to reboot the franchise, NCAA Basketball 09 adds some new features and revamps the on-court play, but ultimately feels like a flawed and barebones college basketball experience.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
Thanks to a new game engine coupled with improvements to atmosphere and online play, NCAA Basketball 09 is a good game.
Read Full Review >DarkStation
NCAA Basketball 09 has the underlying element of what could be a huge step in the right direction, but the lack of depth ends up being the games great fault.
Read Full Review >GameDaily
The glorious presentation includes realistic animations, arenas that resemble their real-life counterparts and impressive audio commentary from Dick Vitale ("It's awesome, bay-bee!"), Brad Nessler and Erin Andrews.
Read Full Review >Cheat Code Central
As it stands, outside of its presentation, there isn’t much to write home about. For the newly enrolled, it’s a solid entry in a familiar and seldom changing formula, for veterans, you may as well skip this class.
Read Full Review >Game Over Online
It’s not too different from last year’s installment, a bit of a step down in my opinion, but still good.
Read Full Review >Video Game Talk
Throw in some iffy control elements, a lack of in-depth online play and real players, and game-play modes that lack variety, and this game fails to excite. And now, with a cheaper downloadable version available that should satisfy fans of the big-name teams who make the Big Dance each year, this game's value is a bit lower yet.
Read Full Review >Xbox360Achievements
A polished game overall that falls victim to crimes of the past.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
It is true that NCAA Basketball 09 isn't a perfect basketball sim, but what it brings to the table is pure enjoyment for any fan that enjoys watching these kids bust their butts every week and not get paid for it.
Read Full Review >Official Xbox Magazine
NCAA Basketball 09 is a serviceable showcase for basic hoops traits, but without a flagship feature to lead it, it fels more like a pro-flavored tilt without a few of the raw ingredients that make the collegiate sport special. [Jan 2009, p.76]
Games Radar (in-house)
As the only game in town this year, NCAA Basketball 09 pulls its own weight but shouldn’t demand your full attention. Only hardcore hoops fanatics need drop down their hard earned cash; the rest of us can shuffle along just fine without it.
Read Full Review >G4 TV
But if you are expecting vast improvements and additions after EA monopolized the marked, you might have to wait until next season.
Read Full Review >1UP
While there's gobs of visual polish, including a vast array of impressive generic player heads, 09's gameplay double dribbles in too many key spots, making this little more than a palatable No. 6 seed -- it's worth supporting if you're a rabid fan of the sport, but it's far from Final Four material.
Read Full Review >GameShark
While I can’t recommend the game at $60 simply because it’s superior than previous EA attempts, I can say that it might lead to a better series down the road. You have to start somewhere, right?
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 5.2 (out of 10) based on 7 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Job A gave it a9:
Wow,I'm all about 2k.I have played all the 2k games,All OF THEM!From the Dreamcast to now and I have never felt the college atmosphere like this game and EA's football.I love college hoops 2k6,2k7,2k8 but this has changed the way I look at college basketball and the way i play it.Even if 2k still made there college basketball game I would still prefer this game in a heartbeat unless there was some major improvements.This game screams greatness all over it.I haven't played there march madness edition or ncaa basketball 10 but I'm loving this right now.Great job EA!!!9.2
Cordia L gave it a1:
Worst basketball game I ever played. If you were a fan the NCAA 2K series, just accept you will not be playing an NCAA b-ball game anytime soon. EA mailed it in.
Matt H gave it a10:
I think this game looks amazing. The graphics are so frickin amazing! Best AI I have ever seen in my life. I love that Blue Ribbon is teamed up with EA. Plus, Erin Andrews is one fine piece of meat!
