'Nuther year, 'nuther Final Four game. If 989 Sports has their way, however, it won't be just simple player updates. Taking a cue from another basketball game to hit shelves this season (we're not saying which one), the Dual Shock 2 and those oh-so handy analog sticks have been milked for maximum effectiveness.



"Our production team has created new and innovative ways to deliver the tradition and celebration of college basketball making NCAA Final Four 2003 a must-have title for the PlayStation 2," exclaimed SCEA's Director of Product Marketing ,Ami Blaire. "With the deepest modes ever created for a college hoops title combined with new on-screen player rated icons and all-new motion blending, NCAA Final Four 2003 is an impressive addition to the 989 Sports collection."



The biggest addition is the aforementioned extension of the Dual Shock 2's repertoire of buttons. The right analog stick has been tapped for a handful of new moves like behind-the-back dribbles and spin moves, something that should keep games interesting. The usual upgrades to school rosters and the inclusion of an ex-NCAA MVP that lends his mug and mo-cap data (this time in the form of former University of Maryland Guard Juan Dixon) are present, of course, as are all 300 Division-I teams.



Interestingly enough, 989 promises a complete revamp of the Dynasty Mode, with the ability to recruit players directly out of high school, complete with an interest system where you'll be required to visit schools to pique and maintain interest from could-be college stars. And expanded Career Mode lets you start as a lowly graduate assistant, then work up to head coach at a major university of your choosing. Win games, and you move up, lose, and you can be busted back down to roundball peon.



The new additions sound rather interesting to us, and if you're so inclined you can snag a copy now at the nearest games store.