TV Basketball (1974)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

TV Basketball (1974): The First Basketball Video Game, Sprite-Based Game, and Human Character Game

Released in arcades in April 1974, TV Basketball was a landmark title, notable for several firsts in video gaming. It was the first basketball video game, the first video game to use sprites, and the first to represent human characters. It is also the first known Japanese-developed game to be released in North America.

Developed by Taito and released by Midway, TV Basketball was a simple but addictive game. Players controlled a team of two basketball players on offense and defense, trying to score points by shooting the ball into the basket. The game was played on a single screen, with the court and players represented by simple black and white sprites.

Despite its simplicity, TV Basketball was a challenging and fun game. The controls were responsive, and the gameplay was fast-paced and exciting. The game also featured a variety of different shots, including layups, jump shots, and free throws.

TV Basketball was a commercial success, and it helped to popularize the basketball video game genre. The game was also influential in the development of video game technology. Its use of sprites paved the way for more complex and realistic graphics in future games.

Gameplay

TV Basketball is a two-on-two basketball game played on a single screen. The player controls a team of two players on offense and defense. The goal of the game is to score points by shooting the ball into the basket.

The game is played with a joystick and two buttons. The joystick is used to move the players around the court, and the buttons are used to shoot the ball and pass the ball.

The game features a variety of different shots, including layups, jump shots, and free throws. Players can also steal the ball from their opponents and block their shots.

Development

TV Basketball was developed by Taito, a Japanese video game company. The game was designed by Tomohiro Nishikado, who is also known for creating the classic arcade game Space Invaders.

Nishikado was inspired to create TV Basketball after seeing a basketball game on television. He wanted to create a video game that was both fun and challenging, and he believed that basketball would be a great subject for a video game.

Nishikado’s team developed TV Basketball using a new graphics technology called sprites. Sprites are small, movable images that can be used to create more complex and realistic graphics than the traditional bitmap graphics that were used in most video games at the time.

TV Basketball was released in arcades in April 1974. The game was a commercial success, and it helped to popularize the basketball video game genre.

Cultural Impact

TV Basketball was a landmark game in video game history. It was the first basketball video game, the first video game to use sprites, and the first to represent human characters. It is also the first known Japanese-developed game to be released in North America.

TV Basketball helped to popularize the basketball video game genre, and it influenced the development of video game technology. The game’s use of sprites paved the way for more complex and realistic graphics in future games.

TV Basketball is still considered to be one of the most important and influential video games of all time. It is a fun and challenging game that is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Legacy

TV Basketball has had a lasting legacy in the video game industry. The game helped to popularize the basketball video game genre, and it influenced the development of video game technology.

TV Basketball has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the NES. The game has also been included in a number of video game compilations.

In 2005, TV Basketball was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. The game is considered to be one of the most important and influential video games of all time.

Conclusion

TV Basketball is a landmark game in video game history. It was the first basketball video game, the first video game to use sprites, and the first to represent human characters. It is also the first known Japanese-developed game to be released in North America.

TV Basketball was a commercial success, and it helped to popularize the basketball video game genre. The game was also influential in the development of video game technology. Its use of sprites paved the way for more complex and realistic graphics in future games.

TV Basketball is still considered to be one of the most important and influential video games of all time. It is a fun and challenging game that is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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