College basketball didn’t need a LeBron James to bring a measure of excitement to the sport. That is already inherent in the game. As the year 2003 draws to a close, the most dynamic part of the collegiate basketball season looms a couple of months away.

Players of all ages can experience that particular thrill of the sport with the release of ESPN College Hoops for the PlayStation2. ESPN Videogames, Kush Games and Visual Concepts are behind this title, which is the new brand name for the original 2K4 Sega series of sports titles.

But the power of the ESPN name brings certain expectations to the hardwood, and this title lives up to those expectations in many ways. The title is a solid performer in terms of graphics and control elements. Some of the peripheral animation is a little redundant but the essence of the game, all the action between the opening tip and final buzzer, is very well done.

Forget the cutscenes – they may well be the weakest part of the game. This is a game that has simple control elements and is option rich. You can create your own school, your own players and nestle it into a conference with the 310 other schools represented here.

Mike Patrick is the tour guide for the title and teams up with Jay Bilas to do the play-by-play. The sound of the game is well extremely well done, not only in the announcing but also in the use of fight songs and crowd noise. Graphically, the crowds are not that good

But don’t let that serve as a detractor. The game is played on the hardwood, and when it comes to the gameplay, this title serves up a terrific game experience – once you get past all the options and into the game.

Game features include a Slam Session in which players can play from a bevy of games – Beat the Clock, Style, Horse, Championship and you can unlock the Dunk-O-War game as well. Regular game modes include Exhibition play, Legacy (akin to franchise), Season, Tournament, Rivalry, Gym Rat and Practice.

During the course of the game, you can set matchups for your players, pressure in certain areas of the game or open it up, and even define the roles of your players.

Of course you will have the things to worry about that most coaches have to deal with – like recruiting, and players leaving early for the NBA. And injuries can play a factor if you turn that option on.

The animation of the game is smooth. There are some dribbling moves and you can set up plays relatively easily. Clock management, especially against the powerhouse schools, is important, so charging up and down the court, swiping at every offensive player is not always wise. If you take a smaller school, don’t expect great depth.

As to the problem of rosters and names, you can have the game randomly select names for players, or numbers. If you play online, you can download the latest roster changes for each school prior to tipping it off.

The online aspect of this title is very strong and players will find rated games as well as tournaments in which they can take part.

Mike Patrick enthusiastically intones during the cutscene intro: “Holy cow, what a game! What an incredible game!” In many ways this holds true for this title. It is not the definitive college hoops experience – that title has not yet come along. But it is very good.

The game sports the sound, and the game graphics for a rich and entertaining experience.

This title is rated for Everyone.

Gameplay: 8.7

From the opening tip to the final buzzer, this game offers an enjoyable and exciting hoops experience. The game does occasionally back away from the normal pacing to give players a slow-motion look at a key play, whether someone cleaning the glass, or a power dunk.

Graphics: 8.2

The cutscenes are one of the weaker aspects of this game. Player animation is great, but the crowds are not all that well done. Shadows are a little on the harsh side, and the camera angles – while adjustable – can take some getting used to.

Sound: 9

The ESPN crew does a great job, and the rest of the sound associated with college basketball comes to life in a big way.

Difficulty: Medium

The game sports three difficulty settings, and will provide a challenge to any player

Concept: 8.5

The game has a solid options package and the interface is designed for ease of play. You can get right into the thick of the action with this title.

Multiplayer: 8.9

The game has the same type of online support as other ESPN titles. You can find leagues a lobby full of players ready to challenge you on the court, and a lot of these players are very adept at setting match-ups against their opposition; in essence, you will face a coach as well as a player.

Overall: 8.5

Some of the animations in places are a little repetitive and awkward. But overall this title does a great job of bringing the excitement of the college game to life. If you are looking for a game that is hard driving, and looks good, then this is the game for you.