DESCRIPTION

The best-selling college basketball game for 2006 returns with new features designed to enhance the realism and atmosphere. Energetic crowds now influence the on-court action with the new 6th Man Meter, which increases with each successful shot and key play on defense. Once filled, home teams play with less fatigue and visitors play with less confidence until the meter expires. The new All-American Training Challenge features 14 passing, shooting, and defensive drills played against former college stars, including cover athlete Greg Oden. High scores and best times are saved for each challenge, and up to four players can pit their hoops skills against each other for bragging rights.

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions introduce a feature called "PlayVision." Each play is visually diagrammed with on-court icons showing precisely where athletes need to be to execute each step of the process, from passing to positioning. A new range meter offers similar on-screen cues, letting players know where individual athletes can shoot for the highest percentage of success. Working in tandem with the PlayVision feature is the Play Designer, allowing would-be coaches to customize their playbooks by setting up the perfect weapons to use against specific defensive schemes.

The legacy mode adds depth with the inclusion of Amateur Basketball Leagues, an option to create recruits, and a choice of 40 schools to guide over a career. Other key features include halftime adjustments, a revamped passing system, and tighter on-the-ball coverage. Court management is improved with the ability to call plays, check on players, adjust settings, and queue up subs without having to pause the game. College Hoops 2K8 also includes 90 classic teams, 15 all-time school teams, and six all-time conference teams in addition to the hundreds of schools found in 2K7. Custom rosters, settings, playbooks, chants, and other details can be uploaded to the online community with the new "2K Share" option. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide