Summary

• Release Year: 1980
• Genres: Sport
• Platforms: Intellivision
• Developers: Mattel Electronics
• Publishers: Digiplay, Mattel Electronics

Basketball (1980): A Retro Delight

Released in 1980 for the Atari 2600, Basketball is one of the earliest basketball video games. Despite its simple graphics and gameplay, Basketball is a surprisingly addictive and enjoyable game that still holds up today.

Gameplay

Basketball is played from a top-down perspective, with the player controlling a single player on offense. The goal of the game is to score points by shooting the ball into the basket. The player can move their player around the court using the joystick, and can shoot the ball by pressing the fire button.

The game features two modes: a one-player mode against the computer, and a two-player mode. In one-player mode, the player can choose to play against a computer opponent of varying difficulty levels. In two-player mode, two players can compete against each other.

Graphics and Sound

By today’s standards, Basketball’s graphics are very simple. The players are represented by small, blocky figures, and the court is a simple black and white rectangle. However, the graphics are charming in their own way, and they do a good job of conveying the action of the game.

The sound effects in Basketball are also very simple, but they are effective. The sound of the ball bouncing and the crowd cheering help to create a sense of atmosphere.

Gameplay

Basketball is a very simple game to learn, but it is surprisingly difficult to master. The computer opponent is very challenging, even on the easiest difficulty setting. The player needs to be quick on their feet and have good hand-eye coordination in order to succeed.

The two-player mode is a lot of fun, and it is a great way to compete with friends and family. The game is very competitive, and it can be very rewarding to win a close game.

Overall

Basketball is a classic video game that is still enjoyable today. It is a simple game to learn, but it is challenging to master. The two-player mode is a lot of fun, and the game is a great way to relive the early days of video gaming.

Historical Significance

Basketball is one of the earliest basketball video games, and it helped to popularize the sport among video gamers. The game was also one of the first to feature two-player gameplay, which became a staple of future sports video games.

Basketball was a commercial success, and it helped to establish Atari as a major player in the video game industry. The game was also ported to other platforms, including the Atari 5200 and the Commodore 64.

Legacy

Basketball has been cited as an influence on many later basketball video games, including NBA Jam and NBA 2K. The game is also a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Basketball is a classic video game that is still enjoyable today. It is a simple game to learn, but it is challenging to master. The two-player mode is a lot of fun, and the game is a great way to relive the early days of video gaming. If you are a fan of basketball or retro video games, then you should definitely check out Basketball.

Review Score

6/10

Art

Cover Art

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