After Electronic Arts launched an air ball with its disappointing NBA Live 07, its college counterpart, NCAA March Madness 07, EA's basketball future appeared doomed. While the rough edges in Madness may not convince 2K Sports fanatics to switch from their much speedier College Hoops 2K7, NCAA March Madness 07 stands as a shining example of where sports games will be headed.

It starts with Team Intensity Control. Instead of following the same, dry basketball template -- the one where mindless robots lumber up and down the court, EA pumped its game full of personality and emotion while redefining the meaning of "home court advantage." After filling a Team Intensity Meter (achieved by performing steals and hitting big shots), gamers unleash an Impact Moment. Once activated, gamers chest bump and high five teammates, lead the cheerleaders in a dance, pump up the crowd by waving their arms around and even getting in an opponent's face and talking trash. Doing this dramatically swings momentum in a team's favor, so much so that opposing players will be rattled by the raucous crowd.

Actually, March Madness' crowds trump the stiffs in other video games. These people shake the very foundation of the game's authentic arenas, swelling before a huge three point shot and exploding after a fast break. Fans get up from their seats and wave their arms. In addition, EA's included actual fight songs into the game, further cementing its authenticity. An added bonus, players needn't worry whether or not their favorite team made it. March Madness packs 325 NCAA Division 1 teams including Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutgers, Duke, Syracuse, West Virginia and Connecticut. Finally, , EA hired college broadcasting icon Dick "AWESOME BABY" Vitale and Brad Nessler to provide commentary. While it enhances the experience, Vital repeats his lines way too often.

As for other notable features, the game includes a slick mini game that pops up in between the menu screen and an actual game. EA divides a half court into four sections (containing one, two, three and four points respectively), and players attempt to score more points than an invisible opponent before time runs out. If they succeed, the team receives a nice Team Intensity boost.

Gamers may also take practice shots outdoors. Similar to NBA Live 06 and 07, March Madness features a fully interactive half court where players can dunk and shoot threes without playing a game. However, it takes place outside with a fictitious college in the background (as opposed to the hangar in the aforementioned NBA games).

EA also deserves high marks for the bonus modes. The developers really beefed up Dynasty Mode. Not only can players take part in the McDonald's High School All American Game, but they can also build their program from the ground up. Playing well on nationally televised games and/or winning on opening night attracts more fans, better talent and the ability to improve campus facilities. Bigger student sections, weight rooms and plenty of cheerleaders await hungry gamers thirsting for success.

Outside Dynasty Mode, gamers may compete in the NCAA Tournament, the Maui Invitational and the NIT Season Tip Off. Or, they can challenge other players online. NCAA March Madness supports Xbox Live, allowing players to continue classic rivalries long after the actual game ends. Lag doesn't ruin the experience, though it occasionally pops up, and like most EA sports games, finding an opponent proves to be quite easy.