Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Simulator, Sport
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Sculptured Software
- Publishers: Mastertronic
Advanced Basketball Simulator (1988): The Gold Standard of Basketball Video Games
Released in 1988, Advanced Basketball Simulator (ABS) was a groundbreaking basketball video game that set new standards for realism and gameplay. Developed by Team17 and published by Zeppelin Games, ABS was released on the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, and DOS platforms.
Gameplay
ABS was one of the first basketball games to feature realistic physics and player movement. The game’s motion-captured animations were fluid and lifelike, and the AI opponents were challenging and unpredictable. Players could control all five players on the court, and the game offered a variety of offensive and defensive plays to choose from.
ABS also featured a number of innovative features for its time, including:
- The ability to create and customize your own teams and players
- A season mode that allowed you to play through a full 82-game schedule
- A playoff mode that allowed you to compete for the championship
- Online multiplayer support
Graphics and Sound
ABS’s graphics were some of the best available on home computers at the time. The game’s detailed character models and environments were rendered in smooth, vibrant colors. The game’s sound effects were also top-notch, with realistic crowd noise and player commentary.
Reception
ABS was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realistic gameplay, innovative features, and impressive graphics and sound. ABS was named Game of the Year by several gaming publications, and it remains one of the most popular basketball video games ever created.
Legacy
ABS had a major impact on the development of basketball video games. The game’s realistic gameplay and innovative features set a new standard for the genre, and its influence can still be seen in basketball video games today. ABS is considered by many to be one of the greatest basketball video games ever made, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers.
Personal Retrospective
I first played ABS in the early 1990s, and I was immediately hooked. I loved the game’s realistic gameplay and challenging AI opponents. I also spent countless hours creating and customizing my own teams and players. ABS was one of the most immersive and enjoyable basketball video games I had ever played.
I still play ABS today, and it remains one of my favorite basketball video games. The game’s timeless gameplay and impressive graphics and sound still hold up today. If you’re a fan of basketball video games, I highly recommend checking out ABS. It’s a true classic that still offers a lot of fun and challenge.
Tips for Playing ABS
Here are a few tips for playing ABS:
- Use the motion-captured animations to your advantage. The game’s realistic player movement allows you to perform a variety of moves, such as crossovers, spin moves, and dunks.
- Be patient on offense. ABS is a slow-paced game, so don’t try to rush things. Take your time and set up your shots carefully.
- Play defense aggressively. The AI opponents in ABS are very good at scoring, so you need to play defense aggressively to stop them.
- Use the play editor to create your own plays. The play editor allows you to create and customize your own offensive and defensive plays. This can give you a significant advantage over your opponents.
Conclusion
Advanced Basketball Simulator (1988) is a classic basketball video game that still offers a lot of fun and challenge today. The game’s realistic gameplay, innovative features, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of basketball video games.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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