Homage to Double Dribble: Pioneering the Greatness in Early Basketball Video Games
In the 1980s, a basketball video game revolution was underway, and at the forefront was Konami's Double Dribble. Released in 1986 for the NES, this arcade-style game stood out for its vibrant graphics, distinctive audio-visual presentation, and relatively advanced animations for the time [2][3].
Double Dribble was a departure from more simulation-style basketball games, offering a simplified control scheme that catered to home consoles. One of its most memorable gameplay elements was the corner three-point shot animation, which became iconic for fans of the era [4]. In comparison to other games of the period, Double Dribble brought the arcade basketball experience effectively to the NES, offering a blend of excitement and accessibility [2][3][4].
However, the 90s saw a decline in Double Dribble's popularity. EA Sports' NBA Live franchise and Acclaim's NBA Jam were released during this decade, offering more modern and feature-rich experiences that overshadowed Double Dribble [5]. Additionally, there were games marketed with a single individual, such as David Robinson's Supreme Court, Charles Barkley's Shut Up and Jam, and Magic Johnson's Fastbreak [6], which also affected its standing.
Looking back, Double Dribble was a significant milestone in the history of basketball video games. It marked a time when arcade-style gameplay met home console accessibility, creating an experience that was both exciting and unique. For many, including this author, it was the first opportunity to witness the Lakers girls as cheerleaders at a basketball game, making it a memorable experience beyond the game itself [1].
Despite its fading popularity in the 90s, Double Dribble continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with it. Its influence can still be seen in many later basketball games on consoles, a testament to its groundbreaking impact on the industry.
[1] - The Lakers girls were cheerleaders in a basketball game, marking a first for the author. [2] - The notable features of the Nintendo game Double Dribble in the 1980s included its arcade-style basketball gameplay, distinctive audio-visual presentation, and relatively advanced animations for the time. [3] - Released by Konami in 1986 for the NES, it was the second basketball arcade game by the company, emphasizing fast-paced action and a simplified control scheme suited to home consoles compared to more simulation-style basketball games. [4] - Compared to other basketball games in the 1980s, Double Dribble stood out for bringing the arcade basketball experience effectively to the NES with vibrant graphics and sound effects, although by modern standards these were quite primitive. [5] - EA Sports' NBA Live franchise and Acclaim's NBA Jam were released in the 90s, affecting the popularity of Double Dribble. [6] - Random companies marketed basketball games with a single individual in the 90s, such as David Robinson's Supreme Court, Charles Barkley's Shut Up and Jam, and Magic Johnson's Fastbreak.
Double Dribble, released by Konami in 1986 for the NES, revolutionized basketball video games in the 1980s with its arcade-style gameplay, distinctive audio-visual presentation, and relatively advanced animations for the time. Its memorable gameplay elements, such as the corner three-point shot animation, offered a blend of excitement and accessibility.
Despite the emergence of more modern and feature-rich games in the 90s, like EA Sports' NBA Live franchise and Acclaim's NBA Jam, Double Dribble continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with it. Its influence can still be seen in many later basketball games on consoles, a testament to its groundbreaking impact on the industry.
For many, including this author, Double Dribble was more than just a game; it was the first opportunity to witness the Lakers girls as cheerleaders at a basketball game, making it a memorable experience beyond the game itself.
Looking back, Double Dribble marked a time when arcade-style gameplay met home console accessibility, creating an experience that was both exciting and unique.
