Summary
- Release Year: 1994
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
Dick Vitale’s “Awesome, Baby!” College Hoops (1994): A Nostalgic Look at a Classic Basketball Sim
Released in 1994 for the Sega Genesis, Dick Vitale’s “Awesome, Baby!” College Hoops is a classic basketball simulation game that captures the excitement and energy of college basketball. With its innovative gameplay, colorful graphics, and the enthusiastic commentary of Dick Vitale himself, the game was a hit with fans of both basketball and video games.
Gameplay
Dick Vitale’s “Awesome, Baby!” College Hoops features a 3/4 pseudo-3D perspective similar to that available on the SNES console in Mode 7. This gives the game a more realistic look and feel than other basketball games of the era. Players can choose from 32 college teams to play with, and games are played by official NCAA rules.
The game features a variety of gameplay modes, including Single Game, 2-on-2, Slamfest (a simple slam-dunk contest), and Tournament. The AI can take control of defense, and the game can be played without foul rules.
One of the most unique features of the game is its commentary. Dick Vitale himself provides the play-by-play commentary, and he does so with his trademark enthusiasm and excitement. Vitale’s commentary is full of his signature catchphrases, such as “Awesome, baby!” and “Diaper dandy!”, and it helps to create a truly immersive experience for the player.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Dick Vitale’s “Awesome, Baby!” College Hoops are colorful and well-drawn. The players are large and easy to see, and the animations are fluid and realistic. The game also features a variety of different arenas, each with its own unique look and feel.
The sound in the game is also excellent. The crowd noise is realistic and exciting, and the sound effects are spot-on. Vitale’s commentary is also very well-done, and it adds a lot to the overall experience of the game.
Legacy
Dick Vitale’s “Awesome, Baby!” College Hoops was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, colorful graphics, and enthusiastic commentary. The game was also a major hit with fans of college basketball, and it helped to popularize the sport among video game players.
The game has been cited as an influence on later basketball simulation games, such as the NBA 2K series and the College Hoops series. It is also considered to be one of the best basketball games ever made for the Sega Genesis.
Conclusion
Dick Vitale’s “Awesome, Baby!” College Hoops is a classic basketball simulation game that still holds up today. With its innovative gameplay, colorful graphics, and enthusiastic commentary, the game is a must-play for fans of both basketball and video games.
Review Score
8/10
Art
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