Double Dribble (NES) Playthrough

Channel:

Longplay Center

Subscribers:

2,020

Published on April 10, 2025 3:53:08 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LlNhT7Fz9A

Game:

Double Dribble (1986)

Duration: 0:00

28 views

5

Playthrough of Konami's 1986 basketball game for the NES, Double Dribble.

Double Dribble for the NES is a basketball game developed and published by Konami, released in 1987. It was one of the earliest sports titles on the system to offer a more realistic portrayal of basketball, both in presentation and gameplay. The game features five-on-five basketball with timed quarters, fouls, free throws, and animated cutscenes for slam dunks, which were considered a standout visual element at the time.

Players can choose from one of four fictional teams and compete in a single-elimination tournament. The core gameplay focuses on passing, shooting, and defense, with a relatively simple control scheme that made the game accessible but still competitive. Offense is about timing and positioning, while defense involves trying to intercept passes or block shots. While it lacks the deeper strategies found in later basketball simulations, it captures the fast pace and flow of the sport in a way that was impressive for its era.

Double Dribble’s graphics were considered a major step forward upon release. The animated dunk sequences added cinematic flair and excitement, breaking away from the top-down view of the court to show close-up action. Though the animations are short and limited, they added a sense of drama that elevated the game beyond its mechanical simplicity. Sound effects like bouncing balls, whistles, and crowd noise added atmosphere, and the digitized voice that announces "Double Dribble" on the title screen was especially memorable.

Despite its limitations—such as occasional glitches, predictable AI patterns, and a small selection of teams—the game had strong replay value, particularly in two-player mode. Competing against a friend introduced unpredictability and tension, making it one of the more competitive NES sports games available at the time.

Double Dribble helped establish Konami’s reputation in sports gaming and remains a nostalgic favorite among NES fans. While it has been surpassed in terms of realism and complexity by modern titles, it holds a special place in gaming history for its early attempt to bring professional basketball to life on home consoles.