DESCRIPTION

EA Sports' brand of college basketball returns to the courts in NCAA March Madness 2003. This year's edition boasts a new "Freestyle Control" scheme that allows gamers to string together crossovers, steals, and other moves by using the controller's right analog stick. It's also possible to call plays on-the-fly, switching to a full-court press on defense, for example, or setting up a three-point attempt on an inbound pass.

Six modes of play are available, including NCAA Championship, Conference Tournament, Season, and Dynasty, as well as Exhibition and the "EA Sports' Maui Invitational." As in past editions, developers consulted a panel of 15 head coaches in designing the game's offensive and defensive strategies. The real-life strategic tendencies of different schools are incorporated in the game.

Gamers can also create their own school squads from scratch, choosing a uniform and logo and assigning their team to a favorite conference. To help bring out the full flavor of college ball, the game also features 49 different mascots, 120 school fight songs, and excitable 3D crowds that chant over 300 different phrases. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide