Fox Sports College Hoops '99

Fox Sports College Hoops '99

Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	1998 (1998)
Founder	Z-Axis
Headquarters	United States
Area served	North America
Products	College basketball video game
Owner	Fox Interactive
Parent	Fox Interactive

Fox Sports College Hoops '99 is a college basketball sports game created by Z-Axis and released by Fox Interactive under the Fox Sports Interactive brand for the Nintendo 64. The game's cover showcases Jeff Sheppard from the University of Kentucky.

Initially developed as an NBA-licensed title, the project was transformed into a college basketball game following the closure of its original publisher. It features 120 collegiate teams, offers two-player multiplayer functionality, and includes prominent college tournaments such as the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship. This title holds the distinction of being the first college sports game available on the Nintendo 64.

Gameplay

Gamers have the option to participate in single exhibition matches or take control of a team throughout a full season mode. Unlike some other games of its era, multiplayer gameplay is restricted to two participants. The season mode encompasses most significant college tournaments but does not feature the National Invitation Tournament.

To increase authenticity, the game adopts Fox Sports's television broadcast presentation style. Commentary is sparse, and it does not incorporate genuine fight songs or music unique to specific universities.

Development

By mid-1997, Fox Sports College Hoops '99 was nearing completion, originally intended as the Nintendo 64's inaugural NBA game with an expensive Michael Jordan licensing agreement. However, after the original publisher, BMG Interactive, ceased operations, both NBA and Jordan licenses were lost. Developer Z-Axis then pursued alternative publishing options and eventually partnered with Fox Interactive, acquiring an NCAA license instead. During this period, Z-Axis improved the game's memory capacity and optimized it for enhanced high-resolution visuals.

Reception

On GameRankings, Fox Sports College Hoops '99 garnered mixed feedback. GamePro commended its sophisticated artificial intelligence and overall gameplay experience. In contrast, IGN highlighted issues with arcade-style slowdown during shooting sequences, while GameSpot characterized it as an "incomplete work in progress."