Computer Gamer


Championship Basketball: Two On Two

Publisher: Activision
Machine: Commodore 64/128

 
Published in Computer Gamer #21

Championship Basketball: Two On Two

I was one of the only reviewers who was bored out of my skull by One On One. So it was with some trepidation that I approached this game. I shouldn't have worried, it has everything that One On One lacked (principally a game!).

There are two basic modes to this game: practice and game. These are further divided into sub-divisions. Most players will need to practise so we'll start with this first.

Firstly, there is a one-player option so you can practise your dunks, hooks and tip-ins in the privacy of your own room. You can also try a few warm up games with a friend in the two player practice option. Here you can play One On One, Around The World or Horse.

Championship Basketball: Two-On-Two

One On One is simply a two player game of basketball, Around The World is a game where one player moves around the white-lined area around the basket (the key) trying to score each time while the other player defends. If the shooter fails to make a shot, the second player swaps places and tries to do better. The first player to work their way all around the key wins.

To play Horse, one player tries to make a shot from anywhere on the court and, if successful, the other player has to duplicate this feat; if either player fails he gets an 'H'. The game continues until someone has all the letters of Horse and loses the game.

After horsing around the urge to play a proper game will grip you. Now you have to decide whether to play a one or two player league or exhibition game. In the one player game, all the other three players are computer-controlled. In the two player option you can play on opposing sides or as teammates.

Championship Basketball: Two-On-Two

There are four leagues to play in if the league option is selected. Your chosen teammate will try to help you out whenever possible if computer-controlled.

Each team takes turns at being offence and defence at each end of the court. The team scoring the highest total for all four quarters of the game wins. The result is stored and at the end of five matches, your result is published. If you win you then compete against winning teams from the other leagues for the GBA Championship.

The teamplay is difficult to master at first but once you get the hang of it you're soon eager for victory. Fouls are awarded for over-zealous play and the game has everything that the real game has. Recommended for sport freaks.