Tag Archives: Basketball Classics

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #625 of the NLSC Podcast!

Namo Gamo – now partnered with the newly-revived Acclaim – has announced Super Basketball Classics, a follow-up to the original Basketball Classics that was released back in 2019. Whereas the first game paid tribute to the 8-bit era of hoops, the new game will be a throwback to the 16-bit era of basketball gaming. Among other enhancements, the game also will star the Harlem Globetrotters. This week, we share our thoughts on what we know about Super Basketball Classics so far, and also make some suggestions regarding what we’d like to see in terms of gameplay, modes, and features. Suffice it to say, we’re keen to see what Josh and Dave have cooked up with this sequel to a fantastic release.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 43:57 — 30.5MB)

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To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

When we’ve talked to Josh and Dave from Namo Gamo in the past, they’ve mentioned the goal of bringing Basketball Classics to console in addition to Steam. That dream has been realised, as the game is now available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch!

The console version of Basketball Classics remains priced at $9.99 USD, making it well worth picking up if you love retro-style games with modern design sensibilities. Additionally, the PC version is currently on sale at a 65% discount, which is a great bargain. It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the game – and not just because I’m an unlockable player in it – so I highly recommend snagging it on your platform of choice.

As previously announced, Namo Gamo’s partnership with the revived Acclaim has also led to an upcoming sequel. For those who missed the announcement, Super Basketball Classics will feature revamped gameplay, new modes, and of course, the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters. The release date is as yet unknown, but we’re looking forward to more details, and will definitely be covering it upon release.

You can check out the console launch trailer below. Congratulations to Josh and Dave once again for all of their well-earned success with Basketball Classics, as well as the forthcoming sequel! While we may be lacking Triple-A options in the basketball gaming space these days, indie developers are leading the charge to provide alternatives. If you’ve grown weary of NBA 2K and you’d like something new on top of revisiting old favourites, I’d strongly suggest keeping an eye on the indie scene as more and more developers are stepping onto the virtual hardwood.

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We’re big fans of the original Basketball Classics here at the NLSC, and the way that it combines old school gameplay with modern design principles. We’ve had the pleasure of chatting to Josh and Dave on multiple episodes of the NLSC Podcast, and we’re honoured to have our NLSC THRILLHO 2K Pro-Am squad featured in the game as an unlockable team. To that point, it’s extremely exciting to see the announcement of a sequel: Super Basketball Classics!

Super Basketball Classics will feature fully rotoscoped player animations, new gameplay, and a new soundtrack, all in 16-bit style. Not only that, but the game will star the Harlem Globetrotters as the iconic team celebrates its 100th anniversary. Appropriately, we can expect to pull off all sorts of crazy alley-oops, trick shots, and other moves, as both a nod to the Globetrotters’ unique brand of basketball and classic arcade hoops video games. The game will also include Exhibition, Season, and Tournament modes, as well as both co-op and head-to-head play.

No release date has been given as yet, but Super Basketball Classics will be available for both PC and consoles, and it can already be wishlisted here on Steam. A reveal trailer spotlighting the Globetrotters has also been released, and you can check it out below.

We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on further developments, and are looking forward to the game. Congratulations to Josh and Dave on the sequel, and for Namo Gamo’s partnership with the newly-revived Acclaim and the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters!

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The Steam Sports Fest is currently offering some excellent deals for PC sports gamers. One game that I’d recommend picking up during the sale is Basketball Classics, developed by our friends Josh and Dave from Namo Gamo. It’s currently 65% off until December 15th at 10 AM EST, and that price is an absolute steal.

For those who are unfamiliar with Basketball Classics, it’s a love letter to 8-bit era hoops video games such as Double Dribble. However, it’s been updated with some modern mechanics such as playcalling and a shot meter, as well as a season mode and roster editing. There’s also a story mode that unlocks some bonus teams, one of which is a squad made up of NLSC THRILLHO members complete with our logo on the court. And yes, after all this time I still get a kick out of being an official unlockable character in a video game!

You can find Basketball Classics here in the Steam store. We also had the pleasure of chatting with Josh and Dave in Episodes #262, #306, #342, and #343 of the NLSC Podcast. Tune in to those shows to learn more about the development of the game, as well as hear their stories about the basketball games they played growing up and thoughts on the genre in general. Additionally, back in September Namo Gamo announced their partnership with the revived Acclaim, which will see Basketball Classics land on consoles at some point in the near future. Stay tuned for more details on that, and congratulations to Josh and Dave once again on both the partnership and continued success of the game!

We’re at midcourt, and the ball is about to go up…it’s Monday Tip-Off! Join me as I begin the week here at the NLSC with my opinions and commentary on basketball gaming topics, as well as tales of the fun I’ve been having on the virtual hardwood. This week, I’m tipping things off with some suggestions for indie developers who may be interested in making a basketball game.

Even as someone who grew up with video games, I never really dreamed of working in the industry. Way back in 2008, I did receive an offer to join the NBA Live team, an opportunity that I ultimately turned down for personal reasons. Of course, given what was on the horizon with NBA Elite 11, there’s a very good chance that I’d have been back in Australia and running the NLSC again within a couple of years anyway! In any case, even though I remain passionate about video games, creating one isn’t my calling. It’s a fanciful thought, but it is indeed a fantasy more than a dream.

If nothing else, I simply don’t have the skills and knowhow to create a game, and I somehow doubt that a major studio will randomly offer me creative control over a project of my choosing! When it comes to video games, I’m a consumer, critic, and content creator, and that’s absolutely fine by me. With that being said, I still have some ideas about games that I’d like to see, in particular basketball titles. Obviously that includes new NBA Live, NBA Jam, and NBA Street releases, but the indie scene also has a ton of potential. To that end, I’d like to throw out a few ideas! If you’re an indie developer who is considering creating a basketball video game, may I suggest…

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From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #586 of the NLSC Podcast!

Although we generally focus on the Triple-A scene, there’s definitely untapped potential for the virtual hardwood and blacktop in the indie gaming space. To that end, this week we discuss The Dunkers, a 2D indie basketball title that’s currently available in Early Access on Steam. Following a competitive session with the game, we’re hoping that it will continue to be updated and ultimately fulfil its potential! We also once again touch on the possibility of EA Sports returning to basketball gaming with NBA Live or a college basketball game. Little did we know that a big announcement was on the horizon, so we’ll undoubtedly be coming back to this topic in the very near future!

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 47:37 — 33.1MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #576 of the NLSC Podcast!

Although we mostly play and primarily cover NBA and NCAA licensed basketball video games, there have certainly been some classic releases that lack their high profile branding, as well as real teams and players. This week, we join the community in recalling some of our all-time favourite unlicensed basketball video games. We also name a handful of favourites that only licensed one or two real players, starred fictional characters, or otherwise didn’t have anything to do with the NBA or NCAA. As we discuss, these games inspired us to use our imaginations, created many Virtual Hardwood Legends, and sometimes included impressive features and gameplay mechanics.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 53:42 — 37.2MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #538 of the NLSC Podcast!

As we wait for the NBA 2K25 preview season to kick into high gear, we have another PC basketball game to keep an eye on: Full Court Heroes, a retro-style 5-on-5 game in the vein of Basketball Classics. Since the demo is already available on Steam, we share a few thoughts on its gameplay, fictional teams, and planned modding capabilities, as well as what we want to see from the full version. We also recap a session in which we played NBA Live 2000 PC and NBA 2K for the Dreamcast back-to-back, leading us to compare the two games and reflect on the intertwined history of NBA Live and NBA 2K. Finally, in this week’s mailbag, we ask the community about double-dipping with NBA 2K25 on PC and console.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 55:05 — 38.2MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

We’re at midcourt, and the ball is about to go up…it’s Monday Tip-Off! Join me as I begin the week here at the NLSC with my opinions and commentary on basketball gaming topics, as well as tales of the fun I’ve been having on the virtual hardwood. This week, I’m tipping things off with some thoughts on the accuracy of the word “retro” when it comes to retro gaming, basketball or otherwise.

For a few years now, I’ve preferred playing old favourites and discovering new retro kicks to spending time with the latest NBA 2K. I do always want to give the newest release a chance, but beginning with NBA 2K21 – both versions, in fact – I’ve found more joy in revisiting older titles. It’s something that Dee enjoys as well, and we’ve often advocated for retro gaming on the NLSC Podcast, as well as through our other content. “Retro gaming” is the term that we often use, but considering the recency of some of the titles, it leads one to wonder: is “retro” really the right word?

Indeed, this is a question that goes beyond basketball gaming: how old does a game need to be to truly qualify as “retro”? Is there a generational cut-off? Is there a term that’s more appropriate, or less misleading? After all, “retro” means different things to different people. Depending on how old you are and when you started gaming, the primitive titles of your youth will seem like truly ancient history to some, while others remember them as landmark jumps and technological feats. While I’m generally fine with using “retro gaming” as a blanket term for the hobby and practice of playing older video games, there’s ambiguity to the term that invites a thoughtful discussion.

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Get ready for more fantastic highlights from the basketball gaming community in the NLSC Top 10 Plays of the Week, curated by Dee4Three! New and old games alike are featured in this celebration of spectacular moments on the virtual hardwood. To submit your clips, post them in this topic, or hit up Dee on Twitter.

May the 4th be with you, basketball gamers! With this week’s NLSC Top 10 Plays falling on a day that’s obviously very special to Star Wars fans – no matter what side of The Force you’re on – the countdown not only features players defying gravity, but also a couple of familiar faces from a galaxy far, far away. As always, it’s not just about spectacular virtual hardwood moments but also entertaining variety, as eight different titles are on display from NBA Live 2001 all the way through to NBA 2K24. Let’s get to the action!

What was your favourite highlight this week? Sound off in the comments below, and once again, get in on the fun by sending us your best plays! Remember, as long as it’s a basketball game, it’s eligible for the countdown. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for more basketball gaming videos.

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #526 of the NLSC Podcast!

Who are the worst and most annoying commentators to be stuck listening to in basketball video games? This week, we join the community in picking our least favourite voices of the virtual hardwood, whether it’s due to the opinions that they share, their delivery in the booth, or simply the sound of their voice. Of course, it probably won’t come as a huge surprise that we’re generally not fans of them in real life, either! We also recap a fun session with Basketball Classics that concluded in exciting fashion, and quiz the community on the top-rated point guards in NBA 2K9. Not to sound like a clickbait article, but the answers – and at least one noteworthy omission – may shock you!

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 53:45 — 37.3MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #521 of the NLSC Podcast!

Could an unlicensed basketball video game possibly provide a viable alternative to NBA 2K, assuming that it had great gameplay, deep customisation and sharing options, a robust franchise mode, and a price tag of $39.99 USD? This week, we join the community in discussing this very intriguing idea, while drawing comparisons to old titles such as World League Basketball and other unlicensed sports games. It’s safe to say that there’s interest in the concept, but certainly some valid concerns as well. We also take a look back at NBA 2K8 for PlayStation 3 following a co-op Parsec session that sadly ended far too abruptly, and share an encouraging injury update with our listeners.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:15:46 — 52.4MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #431 of the NLSC Podcast!

The release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge has demonstrated the popularity of retro-style gameplay with modern sensibilities. It leads us to consider how this could apply to the virtual hardwood, with Basketball Classics being a great example. We also lament the lack of a new NBA Jam title, and reflect on the shortcomings of the NBA Playgrounds games. Mention of Konami also sends us down the rabbit hole to discuss some of our favourite games from the company, basketball or otherwise. Our Lakers vs. Celtics Tournament will be tipping off soon, and we’re also keen to continue our co-op sessions on Parsec. In an update on our NBA 2K19 MyLEAGUE and NBA 2K14 MyCAREER games, we’re talking sliders, streaks, and the growing legend of Terry Hanson. This week’s mailbag features a discussion about the influence that playing real hoops has on basketball gaming, basketball book recommendations, and the best classic seasons to watch.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:35:18 — 65.8MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

It’s time to enjoy some virtual hardwood highlights in the NLSC Top 10 Plays of the Week! This is a weekly feature curated by Derek (aka Dee4Three) spotlighting the best plays from the basketball gaming community, which includes a few of our own memorable clips from time to time. Submit your clips in the Forum, or hit up Derek on Twitter!

As always, I’m confident that you’ll enjoy the variety in this week’s NLSC Top 10 Plays! Nine different games are represented, with NBA Showdown making its first appearance in the countdown. On top of the alley-oop finishes and other devastating dunks, it’s also great to see some crafty defensive stops leading to buckets at the other end. Additionally, you’ll see an ambitious shot in NBA 2K17, and NCAA Basketball 09 also makes an appearance, breaking up the NBA highlights with some college ball.

What was your favourite highlight this week? Sound off in the comments below, and once again, get in on the fun by sending us your spectacular moments on the virtual hardwood or blacktop. All basketball games are welcome, new and old! Also, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube for more basketball gaming videos.

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #408 of the NLSC Podcast!

The NLSC NBA Live 10 Tournament has drawn to a close, and we must say, it was a success! We’re looking forward to future tournaments with games such as NBA Jam and NCAA Basketball 09. However, one game that we definitely won’t be using is Kidz Sports Basketball. After playing it together, we’re inclined to call it the worst basketball game ever made. Thankfully, we’ve also played some much better games as of late, including NBA 2K13, NBA in the Zone, and Basketball Classics. There’s also some modding news to recap, and a few teasers of our own to drop! In this week’s mailbag, we’re talking about fighting with friends and family over disagreements on the virtual hardwood.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:16:19 — 52.8MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!