NCAA Basketball 09 for the PS3 and Xbox 360 is headed to retail today and will be in stores tomorrow (Tuesday), Electronic Arts announced today. NCAA Basketball 09 includes ESPN broadcasters Dick Vitale, Brad Nessler and Erin Andrews calling the action, while the game itself enables players to lace up with modern rosters or re-create classic rivalries.
That’s right, NCAA Basketball 09 lets players replay classic games in college basketball history in a new mode called EA Sports ESPN Classic Tournament of Legends, in which 64 of the greatest college teams from every era are placed into the ultimate bracket. Consider it the updated version of the classic football rivalries in Tecmo Bowl, but with better graphics and licensed teams.
This year, the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of NCAA Basketball 09 use a new engine that includes more than 1,000 new animations, improved ball physics and more-intelligent AI. The new animation system lets gamers apply full-court presses and traps, while the upgraded AI lets players get up and down the floor faster and make better decisions running the lanes.