Basketbrawl

This is a chaotic mix of roundball and lethal weaponry. Did the other team just grab a rebound? No problem! Introduce them to your fists of fury. Did some dude dunk in your face? Let him say hello to Mr. Switchblade. If you're into action games or basketball, or you're just a Detroit Piston fan, this is the cart for you!

You can call this cart a brother (or perhaps a cousin twice-removed) of Arch Rivals. Basketbrawl is more of a beat-em-up, than a put-it-up. You'll fare better slicing and dicing your opponent, than nailing a 20-foot jump shot. During the game, grab power-ups, weapons, and other helpful icons, or call to the sidelines for help from the neighborhood bully. Make sure your health insurance is paid up! You'll need it in this game!

Atari has transformed basketball into something even Michael Jordan wouldn't recognize! Part basketball and part gang warfare, Basketbrawl is a game that is searching for an identity.

Foul? What Foul?

In Basketbrawl, you can play both single and two-player contests. The action takes place on a well-rendered, side-scrolling, inner city basketballcourt.lt comes complete with graftitti and suspicious-looking neighborhood bystanders. Choose your player from among 10 different thugs and misfits, such as Simon the nerd, Slash the psycho, Biff the yuppie, Vmnie the ganster, and a man-mountain named Bubba!

The rules of the game are simple, maybe too simple. Within a six-minute period, score more points than the opposing gang team. Punch, kick, whip, stab, beat and slam for the ball! Use whips, sticks, and knives that randomly pop onto the court to attack your opponents. You can even take them out by shooting the basketball into their faces!

Despite the fisticuffs, the game gets a little monotonous. Fortunately, power-up items randomly appear to enhance game play, such as Milk bottles for increased health, Lightning Bolts for more accurate shooting, Fists for enhanced strength, Hearts for more stamina, and Sneakers for bursts of speed. Power-ups stay with you throughout the game, but disappear when you move onto the next level.

A Toss-Up!

Although the concept is unique and the graphics, game play, and sound are all above average, the appeal of this game is limited. After a few rounds of the same punching and kicking action, it quickly becomes repetitive. Sports fans will be distracted by the fighting features, and fight fans will be burdened by having to score points in order to advance to the next level. However, the appeal is clearly directed at competitive two-player play. Where else can you slam a buddy and hurl a basketball at his head-especially if he's winning!?