Metacritic Games

ESPN College Hoops 2K5 (Playstation 2)

Capturing the true spirit and pageantry of collegiate roundball is one of the most important aspects in a college basketball title, and ESPN College Hoops 2K5 improves upon its stellar presentation to give gamers the ultimate college hoops experience. Smarter crowd intelligence and enhanced audio options deliver the perfect college ambiance, while ESPN anchors Jay Bilas and Mike Patrick return with a textbook full of commentary to illustrate the emotional tide of every tip-off. The game features completely new online features to satisfy even the most die-hard collegiate basketball junkies. Fans across North America benefit from new online leagues and tournaments, comprehensive statistics tracking, living rosters, and much more. [Sega]

Sega / Global Star Software
Sports, Basketball
Players: 10
E (Everyone)
Developer: Visual Concepts
Released November 17, 2004

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

86 / 100

Critic Reviews

100 Play Magazine
Gameplay was virtually lag-free and response time was so smooth, it rivaled any other sports game played online. [Jan 2005, p.80]
93 Sports Gaming Network
College Hoops is the second best sports game I played in 2004, with Madden taking the top prize.
91 Gaming Age
A true workhorse, it does everything strongly and efficient, and doesn’t have any real weaknesses that can’t be overlooked over a short bit of experience with the title.
90 GamePro
At $19.99 this game is the best steal in videogame basketball. The top-rated basketball action offers just the right mix for players, coaches, and budding athletic directors alike.
90 Game Informer
Every bit as impressive as the company's flagship NBA title. In fact, I'd say that it even plays a hair better. [Dec 2004, p.167]
90 PSM Magazine
It may not be as fast or furious as "March Madness" (and the play-calling itself isn't as intuitive), but no college game feels more realistic. [Jan 2005, p.76]
89 Next Level Gaming
With a superior dynasty mode, better graphics, good enough to be fun controls, and a sick $20 price tag, I can not think of an excuse not to have this game.
88 IGN
My favorite hoops game of the year for its atmosphere, its wondrous meterless free throw system, and its improved Legacy Mode. Though there are still some gameplay flaws and sound bugs, College Hoops 2K5 is a diaper dandy.
85 GameZone
The game has some technical issues that seem to affect mostly the graphics and sound, but if gamers can get past that fact, they’ll be rewarded with a very deep basketball game.
83 GameSpot
If you're a fan of college basketball, the attractive presentation, smooth online play, and deep legacy mode are all good reasons to check out ESPN College Hoops 2K5.
80 G4 TV
It’s half a step behind EA’s "March Madness," but with a $20 price tag ESPN College Hoops 2K5 costs less than a hot dog at the Final Four.
72 Electronic Gaming Monthly
Using the same game engine as its NBA counterpart, 2K5 plays better than it did a year ago, in part because the A.I. is way smarter. [Jan 2005, p.128]
70 Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
For the online play, it basically comes down to this - College Hoops 2K5 has all the features that "March Madness 2005" has and more. [Jan 2005, p.100]
70 GMR Magazine
It's that A.I. thing that's a killer. The price is definitely right, but basing it on gameplay alone, this one lags behind this season's No. 1: "March Madness." [Jan 2005, p.118]

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