Double Dribble (1987-)

• Developer: Konami

• Publisher: Konami

• Genre: Sports

Double Dribble is a basketball video game developed and published by Konami. Originally released as an arcade game in 1986, it was later ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987. The NES version arrived in North America on July 24, 1987, and in Europe on December 13, 1989. The game was also made available on the Wii Virtual Console in 2007. A prequel to Double Dribble does not exist; however, the game was followed by a sequel, Double Dribble: The Playoff Edition, released in 1994 for the Sega Genesis. This sequel featured enhanced graphics and gameplay, building upon the foundation laid by the original.

The development of Double Dribble was influenced by Konami's aim to capture the excitement and pace of basketball in a video game format. The arcade version was notable for its use of digitized graphics and animations, which were considered groundbreaking at the time. Cutscenes showing players performing slam dunks added a cinematic flair to the gameplay, making it stand out from other sports games of the era. The NES port preserved much of this charm, providing players with a fast-paced and visually engaging basketball experience.

Gameplay in Double Dribble offered features that were innovative for its time. Players could select from different teams and participate in full 5-on-5 matches, with options for both single-player and two-player modes to allow competitive play. One of the game's standout elements was its digitized sound effects and music, which added immersion and excitement to each match. The NES soundtrack featured energetic compositions that matched the pace of the game and helped to enhance the overall experience of playing basketball on a console.

Upon release, Double Dribble received positive reception for its engaging gameplay and technological innovations. Its promotion highlighted the digitized animations and the inclusion of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the attract mode, which helped attract attention in arcades. The game’s popularity contributed to the creation of the sequel, Double Dribble: The Playoff Edition, which refined the gameplay and visuals while solidifying the franchise’s reputation in the sports gaming genre. The original title is remembered as a classic for its contribution to early basketball video games.

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