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NCAA Basketball dribbling on Xbox Live

Digitally distributed, scaled-down "March Madness Edition" of EA's collegiate b-baller coming to Microsoft's online service March 11 for $15.

As with many of its other sports franchises, EA's NCAA Basketball franchise traditionally slots in around the end of the year when the collegiate hoops season kicks off. However, many people don't begin to become really interested in collegiate hoops until the NCAA's annual March Madness tournament.

This year, EA hopes to better capitalize on that interest with NCAA Basketball 09: March Madness Edition, a download-only, scaled-down version of the full game. The game is expected to launch exclusively for the Xbox 360 on March 11 at a price of 1,200 Microsoft points ($15).

As detailed in GameSpot's interview with producer Connor Dougan, the downloadable game will initially let gamers play out the entire tournament with last year's teams. However, EA will update the game with this year's contenders on March 18, after the NCAA's release of the official Selection Sunday roster. The publisher also plans to revisit team rankings first established at the beginning of the season to better reflect teams' actual performance.

EA does not plan on making any substantive changes to NCAA Basketball 09's overall gameplay mechanics as part of the March Madness Edition. The publisher also notes that virtual ballers won't be able to take the game online for multiplayer matchups.

The NCAA Basketball 09: March Madness Edition downloadable game will not replace the Sunday Selection Bracket Pack, which EA had previously released for a fee in 2007 and 2008. The Bracket Pack, which contains updated ratings and a virtual bracket for all 65 tournament teams, will instead be released as a free download for Microsoft's console on March 18.

Tom Magrino
By Tom Magrino

Tom Magrino has covered the games industry since 2006. He's been compared to Steve Martin by Ozzy Osbourne and Daniel Craig by Tim Schafer. His voice, heard largely on GameSpot's podcast, recalls that of Kermit the Frog. It ain't easy bein' Magreen.

32 comments
MFDOOMED
MFDOOMED

will there be cheevos!????

Chief_Kuuni
Chief_Kuuni

not bad at all, if I had a 360 to play the game, I might have to download it:P

tawagivercetti
tawagivercetti

2k is where its @ all other basketball games are just kidding themselves 2k9 is the madden of basketball EA stick to NFL

rwallacefan
rwallacefan

i rather just keep college hoops 2K8 it's not worth picking up the same college basketball game year after year which the exception of Bryant of Rhode Island being an Independent as to be being in Division II last year so i wont bother picking this up

darkboy90
darkboy90

Nah im not gonna get this the only basket ball Games I liked were the nba street series, nba ballers series and the 09 one cause of its adaptable AI.

Generic_Dude
Generic_Dude

@WillT12345: A good point, but what do you really want for $15? This is particularly a good deal for Silver members who save $45 by sacrificing a feature that they can't use to begin with. Personally, I think this is a good idea and, depending on its execution, a great value. I personally haven't been a big fan of the sport of basketball since the retiring of Celtics great Larry Bird, but I'd certainly spring $15 for an occasional game of b-ball.

WillT12345
WillT12345

EA comes close again on a good idea, but REMOVING (it was already there) the online play out of a digitally distributed game is a horrible idea and will put many potential buyers off. Probably a big wig decision based on them thinking it would cut into the full game sales if this $15 game had online play. EA needs to learn that is the wrong type of thinking. Make a good product and it will sell, period. Stop overly caring about how it will effect other properties.

xbox4life76
xbox4life76

Well it's an interesting idea by EA and really they don't have to worry about shipping or handling or running out of stock or too much stock so it's a win win for EA i see it. Now if only points were cheaper I could see more people jumping on this. Personally I prefer playing a whole season with my college team and then working my way through the tournament, but to each their own.

FallenOneX
FallenOneX

Considering that I don't buy a new sports title every year, I might pick this up. Just the best teams and their games on the road to the final. Now if they could do this with the Playoffs in the NFL and the NBA, EA would get all of my sports gaming business.

blackace
blackace

Scaled down means "No online support". This game will probably take up a whole GB of space. I rather just play the full version. I'll probably be able to pick it up on EBay for $25. Good try EA, but I'll pass on this.

lordrave
lordrave

Dude? WTF? Since EA said "no Hits" they are going to create a scaled down version first to see how well it goes? The feedback, the control mechanism, Fun factor and all? People review, people critics, we love, we hate, all that stuffed up together, and, Kaboom~ Full-scale basketball games. If yes, that's a pretty nice idea. I just hope this isnt one of those 'trying to get easy-money' games. Thank god the price isnt $20, It's nice seeing a drop in price for a change.

getbig
getbig

If it doesn't play like 2k it's a waste of money sorry guys just stating the truth!

eagles_band
eagles_band

free bracket download, i guess thats cool

eternity21
eternity21

Thanks but NO THANKS EA! Unbelievable...EA....unbelievable...

bballabarry
bballabarry

no thanx ill just stick to watching the tourney for free and go play other video games

halo_wars86
halo_wars86

damn u M$ and ur overpriced xbla games

nate_c-12
nate_c-12

Nice, the only reason I play NCAA basketball cause of the tournament. The only time I ever watch NCAA basketball is in march.

Cwagmire21
Cwagmire21

GS just had an article with EA saying "we don't have any hits" - and they come out with this? I hope they don't think this will be a "hit."

MarcJL31
MarcJL31

EA never ceases to amaze me

msudude211
msudude211

Hm, that's an interesting idea. I wonder how "scaled down" it is.

TexasAnMGrad2K
TexasAnMGrad2K

I'd rather have an original, creative XBL original game instead of this for $15. Translation: "Scaled Down" = "Crappy"

thequietguy
thequietguy

If I can get 1-2 year old sports games $5-$10 used at GameStop, why would I buy a recycled, stripped down piece of trash from EA for $15???

Starcraft012694
Starcraft012694

i'd get it its worth it if you don't have the game and if the game is good

Justinge3
Justinge3

I want I want every single basket ball game on 360 i am pro in reel life dont mess wit me

mop88
mop88

wow EA, wow.

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