Genre: Sports
Developer: APh Technological Consulting
Publisher: Mattel Electronics
Year: 1980
Platform: Intellivision
Description:
NBA Basketball, released in 1980 for the Intellivision, was one of the earliest licensed basketball video games. Developed by APh Technological Consulting and published by Mattel Electronics, it was the first basketball game to carry the NBA license. Despite the official license, the game did not include real NBA teams or players; teams were represented only by color, with red for the home team and green for the visiting team.
The game was designed for one or two players, each controlling three players on the court at a time, while the remaining players were managed by the computer. Gameplay consisted of four quarters, and a 24-second shot clock was enforced. Players could pass, shoot, and block, but there were no three-point shots or free throws, and all baskets counted for two points. The court layout attempted to simulate a regulation basketball court.
Graphically, the game used a side-court perspective, with simple animations for running, dribbling, and shooting. Key court markings such as the center line and free throw lines were included. In case of a tie at the end of regulation, an overtime period was played.
NBA Basketball received mixed reviews. It was praised for introducing more realistic basketball mechanics and for utilizing the Intellivision keypad to allow precise player control. However, some reviewers noted that the controls were complex and could be challenging for beginners. The game is recognized as an early step in the development of licensed sports video games.
