College Hoops 2K6

College Hoops 2K6 looks and plays almost the same as its pro-ball counterpart NBA 2K6 while throwing in a few new and unique features to complete the collegiate experience.

College Hoops 2K6 looks and plays almost the same as its pro-ball counterpart NBA 2K6, borrowing everything from the smooth shot-stick to the menu formats while throwing in a few new and unique features to complete the collegiate experience. And just like NBA 2K6, College Hoops also utilizes the signature tight control scheme that allows for on-court domination with precision shooting and dual player control and smart defensive play. But College Hoops isn't just a clever repackaging of 2K Sport's "other" basketball game. It includes a number of NCAA-specific modes, like Selection Sunday, Midnight Madness, Rivals mode, and the cool Coach's Clipboard that helps you easily micromanage your team's game plan and effectiveness during any timeouts.

Sizzle or Fizzle
In addition to the standard set of Division I mascots and fight songs, College Hoops also offers players a healthy variety of customization opportunities (like create a player and create a school options), coaching strategies, and a myriad of mini-game-like practice and training modes. However, the chunky crowd graphics and so-so character models in both the PS2 and Xbox versions are a bit underwhelming, but are bolstered by the smooth player animations. Though adequate, the total aesthetic presentation of College Hoops 2K6 feels a little bland and unimpressive, as the game seems to lacks some of the sights and sounds of big-time college ball, but leaves plenty of room for less than tasteful in-game ads from the likes of Pontiac and PowerBar. And aside from the classic fight songs, the mediocre audio is rounded out by repetitive trite commentary and a set of tired tunes.

The Price is Right
Overall, College Hoops 2K6 is solid and engrossing basketball game that may lack the high quality presentation and panache of EA's NCAA franchise, but holds its own with an engaging and fairly deep set of options and selectable play modes. And at the budget price of just $30, it's a fun and affordable way to fulfill your college b-ball needs this year.

KEY MOMENT: Embarrassing Stanford in front of a roaring home crowd in the Rivals mode--go Bears!

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