After a week’s respite, the Arcade Archives continue with Super Basketball, a 1984 Konami game with surprisingly good graphics (but average sound).
This is a two-player turn-based game, so you don’t get to compete directly with anyone else. Of course, thanks to the Arcade Archives’ quality of life improvements, there is the option of the global high score table. Presented as a knock-out format, your aim is to compete against 10 teams, with each having an advantage over yours. The time limit is also against you, so you need to practice skilful dribbling and passing to get ahead.
(That reminds me of Taito’s Football Champ, although that game along a few years later.)
I’m not a huge fan of basketball games, and this one doesn’t particularly appeal, but I’d like to check it out anyway. The first basketball game I recall playing was Midway’s NBA Jam, way back when it was brand new. I wasn’t too bad in two-player mode, but could I hell beat the machine!
What is particularly interesting about the game is the penalty shot mechanic. I have a suspicion that this was the first time this was used in games — it became popular in football games on 16-bit systems (Kick Off and Kick Off 2, Manchester United Europe, and others). If you know better about this, I’d be very interested to learn what other early games use it.
You can see it an action in the trailer.
When can you get Super Basketball?
Available now on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, Super Basketball can be purchased and downloaded via the corresponding online store. With the record-breaking Arcade Archives release, you get various enhancements. Beyond the aforementioned global high score table, the format lets you customize game settings like difficulty level, CRT filters, and save game states.
Head to the Arcade Archives to learn more about Super Basketball.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
