College Hoops 2K8

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Slam-dunk hoops game with sophisticated controls.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a straightforward college basketball title with incredibly advanced controls. Fortunately, there are enough tutorial options to allow players to learn at their own pace. However, younger, inexperienced players may consider the controls too complex. Otherwise, it's a great avenue for learning how the college game works.

  • Not applicable.
  • The two main advertisers are Pontiac and State Farm. They mostly sponsor tournaments and specific game events like a "Play of the Game."

What's it about?

2K Sports tips off gaming's college basketball season with COLLEGE HOOPS 2K8, a rich simulation that allows you to control almost all aspects within the sport. Fans of the College Hoops series will find little has changed when compared with last year's release.

Fortunately, the gameplay model boasts plenty of depth. Instead of relying solely on the left analog to dribble, you'll use the left stick combined with button presses to execute crossovers, spin moves, and other dribbling skills. Shooting mechanisms still reside on the right analog stick, requiring a push down, then up to fire off jump shots or dunks. Passing controls have expanded to mix up the types of passes you perform. When you hold down the left bumper, your four standard buttons represent different passes, including bounce and lobs.


Is it any good?

 

The game may feel rather complicated to younger or new players. But College Hoops has broadened its tutorials to help newcomers acclimate at any pace. An initial tutorial walks you slowly through the controls, while an All-American Challenge puts those skills to the test in a series of trials, including a 3-point contest and free-throw challenge. The game gets the fans more involved as well with a 6th Man meter. When your team performs well on the court, the fan meter soars as spectators become excited. Conversely, if you struggle, the arena quiets down dramatically.

What has made the College Hoops franchise so outstanding is not the graphics -- they could use more polish -- but the level of control you have over your team. You can call plays, substitute on the fly, change offensive and defensive tempos, and implement limitless strategic options. In Legacy Mode, you can control off-season activities as well, like recruiting and roster adjustments.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the franchise's authenticity compared to the real thing. How close does this game mimic the sport? Are the controls too overwhelming for others to learn?


This review was written by Brett Molina
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Great fun
Great fun OK for all ages of all sorts the educational level is great while they are having fun they should learn some basketball stratagy from the pro's some bumping but fine.

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This review was written by Brett Molina
Platforms:Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Sports
Developer:2K Sports
Release date:November 20, 2007
Price:$59.99
ESRB rating:E for Everyone

This review was written by Brett Molina

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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