Now Playing: Double Dribble (1987)
Topic: Nintendo (NES)
Considered the granddaddy of basketball games, Double Dribble for the NES was a game that certainly set the benchmark for the genre from this point forward. Prior to its release in 1987, basketball simulating games were very primative - especially some of the really awful iterations on the Atari 2600. Double Dribble for the NES however, changed the face of the game, at least in the simulated sense, as we know it.
The art of presentation and realism is truly acknowledged here in this game. Sound becomes a cruical element as you hear everything so clearly: from the basketball dribbling along the court floors, to the shooting, bouncing off the rims if it misses, the net swishing when it goes in, and the slam of a dunk when pounded down in the basket - it's all there. In fact, there is a special visual just for slam dunks, and it really adds to the atmosphere of the game. It's a pretty iconic image I would say for the NES - play Double Dribble, and try and dunk, and you'll see what I mean.
What's also great about this game is that you can finally have a 5 on 5 experience - not really seen before the release of Double Dribble. With an actual full-court 5 on 5 game, along with some cinematic liberties and some tremendous sound effects, you've got a very sharp representation of the game of basketball on your NES.
By today's standards, Double Dribble is fairly tame. Though, that is only because basketball games have evolved so immensely since 1987 - just look at the awesome NBA Live 10 for Xbox 360 as a prime example. In any case, Double Dribble has a important role in video game history as it ushered in a new era of more realitstic gameplay and presentation. It's available currently on the Wii's Virtual Console, so if you'd like a history lesson in one of the best early basketball simulations, go check it out. It may be an oldie, but it is definitely a memorable and very enjoyable game.
-Kurt L.
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