This game takes me back to the precursor of the more stylish current generation sports games. While the graphics are surely lacking (as are any of Road to the Final Four's generation), the game play is entertaining and repeatable.
It isn't the best basketball or sports simulation, but it is certainly an admirable attempt and worth a download to see the yester years of sports gaming.
The game was produced around 1995, if memory serves me correctly. It simulates the NCAA basketball tournament, starting with sixty four teams and working through each round to crown the champion.
I personally love March Madness in real life, so any game concerning this tournament gets a plus from me.
The game has essentially two modes, with exhibition being the first. This is where you can just play one game at a time for play against friends and visitors without locking yourself into a grueling tournament setting. The second is tournament, which allows you to progress through to the final four and beyond. This is a longer and more complex way to play.
Within these two modes there is an arcade mode. This is the classic control a player on the court and control that player's functions within the team. This allows for direct control over each possession, but can be frustrating and difficult without mastering the
game. The second mode is coach mode, which allows you to call plays without actually influencing the players on the court. You could compare this to Madden football's franchise mode. You basically control the team from a distance with the goal of progressing through the tournament. This allows for another mode of game play, as the arcade mode can get increasingly easy as you master the game. The coach mode throws an element of suprise, as you can control some things, but can't directly affect the outcome of each game. It is more about strategy than physical skill.
Overall, I would give this game 8.5 out of 10 star rating. It has some admirable qualities and the gameplay is good for its era. Mostly, it is a great way to pass the time on a lazy Saturday afternoon when you are jonesing for some real tournament action. It can be fun for college basketball fans and those wishing to challenge a roomate to an old school battle of hoops, and it can become quite addicting with its high level of replayability.
