Overview
Released in 1989 by Electronic Arts, this game marked a significant moment in the evolution of basketball video games. It featured the iconic rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics and included many notable teams from that era’s NBA playoffs. It was available on platforms like the Sega Genesis, becoming a staple for sports gaming enthusiasts.
Gameplay
This game offered a mix of strategy and fast-paced basketball action, highlighting simulated realistic basketball mechanics for its time. Players could choose teams from the 1988 NBA season and relive some of the most exciting playoff matchups. The gameplay focused on delivering an authentic basketball experience with various play modes and team selections.
Historical Significance
As one of the early basketball video games to incorporate real NBA teams and players, the release paved the way for future sports gaming titles. It was groundbreaking in incorporating digitized voice and realistic animations, setting a new standard for future NBA video games. The success of this game contributed significantly to Electronic Arts’ reputation as a leading developer of sports video games.
Curiosities
- This game is part of the lineage that eventually led to the popular NBA Live series by EA Sports.
- It featured notable players of the era, including Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, which was a significant draw for fans of the sport.
- The inclusion of real team rosters provided an unprecedented level of realism for basketball video games at the time.
