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NBA Showdown technical data
Name | NBA Showdown |
System | Super Nintendo |
Year | 1993 |
Developer | Electronic Arts |
Genre | Sports |
NBA Showdown is a basketball video game developed by Electronic Arts and released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994. It was the first basketball game to be released for the SNES, and it was met with mostly positive reviews from critics. The game features five different modes of play: Exhibition, Season, Playoffs, All-Star Game, and Slam Dunk Contest. In Exhibition mode, the player can select any two teams from the NBA and play a single game against each other. Season mode allows the player to lead their chosen team through an entire season of games; upon completion of the season, if their team has won enough games they will advance to the playoffs.
In Playoff mode, players can compete in a best-of-seven series to determine who progresses to the next round. All-Star Game mode allows players to choose from one of two teams made up of all-stars from around the league and compete against each other in a single game. Finally, Slam Dunk Contest mode lets players take control of any one player and try to perform as many successful slam dunks as possible within sixty seconds.
The gameplay itself is relatively simple compared to some of today’s more complex basketball titles; however it does offer a fair degree of challenge due to its fast pace and realistic AI opponents. Players have control over basic passing and shooting mechanics as well as special moves such as spin dribbles and alley oops that help add variety to gameplay. The graphics are fairly basic but still manage to capture a decent level of detail both on court and off court; additionally there are several cutscenes that give the game an added level of realism.
Overall NBA Showdown is an enjoyable basketball title that stands up surprisingly well even today due its simplistic yet engaging gameplay mechanics and solid presentation values. It may not be as sophisticated or feature packed as modern day equivalents but it still offers plenty of fun for those looking for a classic basketball experience on their SNES console.