Previous Next

Well, Max, today's game between the Nicks and the Linkers is set to be one of the biggest playoffs of the season. But I think it's a foregone conclusion that the Nicks will be the victors, don't you?

"Ha ha ha. Why do you say that, Curtis?"

"Well, Max, that's because this is Cinemaware's TV Sports Basketball, you're playing the Linkers and I've given you the duff joystick."

"Ha ha ha. Spin on that, Curtis..."

TV Sports Basketball provides all the thrills of the sport from the commentator's pre-tip-off spiel right to the final klaxon. Play twelve minute and hour-long League and exhibition matches against the computer or a friend, with two players as a team, or even, if you're got a parallel port joystick adaptor, with two teams of two. Choose your teams from the CWBA (Cinemaware Basketball Association) League, then pick the players you want to field from a selection of twelve.

Just as in the sport, the action during the game centres on the two ends of the court, by the basket. In two player mode, both teams have a player under joystick control, and the computer takes control of the others. The defending team are each assigned one of the opposition to mark before the game (or during a time-out), and the attacking team move into positions where they can retrieve passes or score.

When the ball changes hands, play moves to the other end of the court. The

There I was, joystick in hand, brain in neutral, thinking, "Ooh dear, this is a bit over-difficult," when, as if by magic, an instruction manual appeared and explained away my problems!

Like TV Sports Football, Basketball is a full simulation of the sport, so to play it successfully, you really have to get to grips with the tactics of offensive and defensive plays.

To begin with, it's best to play either against an equally inept friend or with two small teams to keep things simple, then move on to the full game after you get the hang of things.

Once in full control of the team you can set up some blinding attacking plays, and every shot imaginable (lay-ups, pivots, jump and hook shots and, of course, slam-dunks) is depicted with beautifully detailed sprites.

Numerous additions to the gameplay such as time-outs, foul-outs, full team-editing and league saving, and even an instant replay (with rewind and fast-forward!) make this the complete Basketball simulation.

An absolute must for anyone remotely interested in team sports.