College Hoops 360 slams stores

March, the third month of the Gregorian calendar, has its share of raucous holidays and celebrations. Mardi Gras, which often winds down in March, sees revelers perform lewd acts for plastic beads, St. Patrick's Day was made for punishing and pickling livers, and let's not forget that March is National Umbrella Month. But the real event that unites the country involves student-athletes playing their hearts out and becoming national heroes.

March Madness, the Division I college basketball championship, may not start until later this month, but those eager to see the field of 65 in action now can do so with 2K Sports' College Hoops 2K6. The publisher today announced that it has shipped the game to retailers across North America.

College Hoops 2K6 was released for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 last November, but the 360 release includes full 3D crowds, new animations, and expanded team rosters. The game is the third basketball game for the 360, and the first of the collegiate variety.

College Hoops 2K6 is rated E for Everyone and retails for $59.99. For more information on the game, check out GameSpot's review of the current-gen version, or check back later this week for a review of the Xbox 360 version.