10 Forgotten Basketball Games That Will Blow Your Mind: From Mario to Barkley’s Wild RPG Adventure!

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Summary

  • AND 1 Streetball, despite criticism, features real players and a unique story mode that deserves recognition among other basketball games.
  • Mario Hoops 3-on-3 and Looney Tunes B-Ball with their signature twists and power-ups deserve sequels or remakes.
  • Barkley, Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden, a JRPG with basketball themes, comedy, and powerful moves, offers a unique gameplay experience.

Over numerous decades, countless exceptional basketball games have been played, with NBA 2K dominating the market in recent years for those seeking to play some virtual basketball. More recent series such as NBA Live and NBA Street are still cherished memories, while unlicensed or college basketball titles continue to linger fondly in the minds of gamers.

Indeed, numerous remarkable games from the past have slipped into obscurity, often because their controls and graphics are no longer relevant, their hardware is obsolete, or they were eclipsed by larger, more popular releases in their time. While some enthusiasts may still recall these basketball simulations, to the broader gaming community, they’ve become largely forgotten gems that deserve greater acknowledgment.

10. AND 1 Streetball

A Low-Key Classic

Although it received unfavorable reviews during its initial release, AND 1 Streetball is currently appreciated more by those who recall it. This game, an officially licensed product from the now defunct ‘AND 1 Mixtape Tour’ – a traveling street basketball competition – and featuring actual members of the team, offers a comprehensive story mode.

Despite being overshadowed by games like NBA Ballers and NBA Street, it didn’t receive much attention due to various factors. Despite the popularity of the AND 1 TV series on ESPN, the game eventually became forgotten. This might be because it lacked the recognition of the NBA name, coupled with its complex gameplay, or perhaps other reasons. However, it was rich in creativity, even enabling players to create their own tricks.

9. Mario Hoops 3-On-3

Final Fantasy And Mario Crossover With Basketball

Known as “Mario Slam Basketball,” or alternatively titled “Mario Hoops 3-on-3,” this is another addition to the assortment of spin-off games within the Mario universe. Notably, it includes characters from the popular series “Final Fantasy.” The gameplay is based on traditional basketball rules but with the signature Mario elements such as power-ups, coin collecting, and unique special shots that award bonus points.

From a starting set of ten fundamental characters, an additional eleven can be acquired through both the Tournament Mode and Exhibition Mode. Similar to AND 1 Streetball, this installment did not receive favorable reviews from critics initially due to the frustrating stylus controls, but Mario Hoops 3-on-3 has since gained a positive reputation among its dedicated fanbase. It’s high time for a sequel or remake.

8. Barkley, Shut Up And Jam: Gaiden

Basketball Based JRPG

As a follow-up to both Barkley Shut up and Jam! and Space Jam, the game titled Barkley, Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden is a Role-Playing Game (RPG) that incorporates basketball elements and features former players. The storyline unfolds in a post-cyberpunk New York City of 2053, where basketball has been forbidden and its players are pursued to be eliminated. You will play as the main character Charles Barkley.

In this unusual game, Michael Jordan stands as the Round Mound of Rebound’s formidable opponent. It’s hilarious yet gratifying to play, with comedy gold moments that keep you engaged. The B.A.B.B.Y. fighting system bears a resemblance to “Super Mario RPG”, and in an unexpected twist, the 1993 NBA MVP, Barkley, can unleash a “Chaos Dunk” so potent it can annihilate crowds nearby. As a player, you’ll need to use this destructive power tactfully to save and restore basketball’s good reputation.

7. Kobe Bryant In NBA Courtside

Recognizing Greatness Early

  • Platform: Nintendo 64
  • Released: 1998
  • Developer: Left Field Productions
  • Genre: Sports

At only 19 years old and into his second NBA season, Kobe Bryant’s name was associated with a game called “Kobe Bryant on NBA Courtside.” The team rosters for the 1997-98 NBA season were correct, but Michael Jordan and Latrell Sprewell were absent. However, players had the ability to customize the appearance and skills of their in-game characters.

The graphics in this game were highly appreciated, with many people saying it was the top basketball game available on the Nintendo 64 back then. However, opinions about the gameplay were more divided because the controls could be challenging initially, and the AI opponents were quite tough to beat.

6. NBA Hangtime

Frantic Arcade Action

A lesser-known title often compared to the highly acclaimed NBA Jam series, NBA Hangtime shares similar gameplay and aesthetics. The game offers an arcade-style experience with over-the-top jumps and character designs, as well as fantastical elements such as players catching fire when executing specific moves.

Players have the opportunity to build their own character who can advance by winning matches. Thirty NBA teams from different eras are available, with each team featuring a squad of five players. If you manage to defeat all these teams, you will unlock hidden characters. Additionally, similar to Mortal Kombat 3, there are codes that can be entered, which can alter the gameplay and modify the character’s appearance.

5. Basketball Nightmare

Spooky Sporting Spectacle

  • Platform: Master System
  • Released: 1989
  • Developer: Sega
  • Genre: Sports

An eerie twist on the sport is named Basketball Nightmare, where various creatures from Japanese folklore, such as kappas and yama-uba, are prominently featured. Interestingly, this game exclusive to Sega Master System was never launched in Japan, its homeland of inspiration, or North America.

In the game’s narrative, these extraordinary sports competitions occur within the dreams of the team captain from home town, as players progress through these terrifying games until they encounter the Samurais in the concluding match. Conversely, in Versus Mode, players have the option to compete against a friend by selecting one out of eight teams representing real-life countries instead of supernatural creatures.

4. Double Dribble

The Most Realistic Basketball Game At That Time

  • Platform: Arcade, Amiga, Commodore 64, Famicom, Game Boy, iOS, NES, Wii
  • Released: 1986
  • Developer: Konami
  • Genre: Sports

Konami’s second basketball game, titled Double Dibble, garnered widespread praise upon its debut. Packed with groundbreaking features like dramatic slam dunks and a focus on visual appeal that mimicked live TV broadcasts, it truly stood out in its time.

Originating on multiple platforms with minor variations, the gameplay and visuals generally align, offering four teams to pick, like the Boston Frogs. Although influenced by the groundbreaking game Double Dribble, it’s mostly overlooked, maybe because of unobtained NBA licensing or more acclaimed basketball games that emerged later, casting a long shadow over it.

3. Looney Tunes B-Ball

A Space Jam Prequel?

  • Platform: SNES
  • Released: 1995
  • Developer: Sculptured Software
  • Genre: Sports

A year before the blockbuster movie “Space Jam” hit the screens, we had “Looney Tunes B-Ball“, an entertaining two-on-two basketball game reminiscent of “NBA Jam“. This game features eight beloved Looney Tunes characters and, true to form, it’s filled with the zany antics that fans adore, including throwing cream pies at opponents.

Back in the day, I was completely captivated by a SNES gem that seemed to charm everyone, regardless of age. It had a special appeal for basketball enthusiasts and fans of iconic cartoon characters alike. This game, unique in its category, boasted a “Wacky Meter” that allowed players to adjust the level of zany antics they wanted to witness. And if causing chaos was your thing, inputting certain codes would unleash even more pandemonium – think sudden earthquakes or phantom players vanishing before your eyes!

2. Arch Rivals

A Tag Team Match With Some Basketball

  • Platform: Arcade, Game Gear, Genesis/Mega Drive, NES
  • Released: 1989
  • Developer: Midway
  • Genre: Sports

Back in its day, the basketball game known as Arch Rivals was quite popular, often seen as a forerunner to NBA Jam, though it may not receive as much attention now. In this game, players could deliver punches to opponents to gain control of the ball, and such aggressive moves were even encouraged.

Similar to the classic game “Double Dribble”, this presentation gives the sensation of a live television broadcast. Commentators provide analysis during breaks and there’s even a half-time show. Players need to be mindful of court hazards, like litter, which could lead to slip-ups for the ball carrier. There are eight characters to select from, along with various non-branded teams.

1. All-Pro Basketball

A Pioneer Of The Genre

  • Platform: NES
  • Released: 1989
  • Developer: Aicom
  • Genre: Sports

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game titled All-Pro Basketball was once widely acclaimed, yet may seem outdated to contemporary gamers due to its unique playing style. For instance, the top-down viewpoint that changes when the ball crosses into enemy territory can feel awkward compared to current gaming norms, but it provides a clearer focus on the action near the basket, whether offensive or defensive.

This setup includes eight teams, for instance, the Boston Redcoats and San Francisco Bayriders. The players can participate in friendly matches, either against a computer opponent or another human, and there’s even a league competition. One innovative aspect is managing player endurance: during gameplay, players will tire and need to be manually substituted to rest on the bench.

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2025-01-24 02:35