NBA Showdown 94
a game by | Electronic Arts |
Genre: | Sports |
Platform: | Genesis |
Editor Rating: | 9/10, based on 3 reviews |
User Rating: | 8.7/10 - 3 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | Sport Games, Sports Management Games, NBA Video Games, Basketball Video Games |
NBA Showdown '94 might not be F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C, but it's definitely cool.
Real Roundball
EA Sports' latest b-ball game for the Genesis is an improved version of NBA Showdown for the SNES. Added features and more realistic game play make this one of the top NBA games available.
The best part of NBA Showdown '94 is its similarity to the actual pro sport. The game is licensed by the NBA, so you get all 27 NBA teams and all the actual players, who are rated in five categories. Appropriately, the stars rise to the top in this game.
ProTip: A tired player won't be as effective as a rested player. Substitute often to keep your stars fresh.
What's more, you get to call your own offensive and defensive plays during each possession, plus there are fatigue factors and tons of stats for each player.
It Must Be the Graphics
The graphics for NBA Showdown are clear and crisp. EA Sports, which is noted for its detailed games and for using actual graphics of players, gets a high five for some of the player graphics -- note Dennis Rodman's blond hair. The sounds, though, are just slightly above average. The crowd noise and players' sound effects are cool, but the music is a bench warmer.
The computer won'tcall illegal defenses, so keep your center >r power forward in the lane to block layups or inside shots.
The controls are inconsistent. The players move responsively enough, but passing can be a problem, especially during in-bounds plays. And coordinating four players on one team is almost impossible, so when you're using the 4 Way Play adaptor, go two-on-two.
Winnin' Time
Overall, NBA Showdown makes it to the Genesis playoffs. Although it doesn't have NBA Jam's Fun-Factor, it has better realism, which alone makes it worth.
If a player makes more than two shots in a row (not layups or dunks), he's on a hot streak. Have him isolate one-on-one against a defender.
Download NBA Showdown 94
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
- Game modes: Single game mode
Player controls:
- Up, Down, Left, Right - Arrow keys
- Start - Enter (Pause, Menu select, Skip intro, Inventory)
- "A" Gamepad button - Ctrl (usually Jump or Change weapon)
- "B" button - Space (Jump, Fire, Menu select)
- "C" button - Left Shift (Item select)
Use the F12 key to toggle mouse capture / release when using the mouse as a controller.
Game Reviews
NBA Showdown '94 from EA SPORTS, for the Sega Genesis, is not just another basketball game. With the option of 4-way compatibility, six-button controller compatibility, and the numerous play options, this is one basketball game that will stand above the rest. To start, NBA Showdown '94 features all 28 NBA teams with a rating system that features over 5000 individual player ratings for every NBA player from the 93-94 season. That's just the beginning; the cart has a battery backup to play reduced or full season, and keep track of team standings and league leader stats. In postseason play, you and three other players can design your own dream team and see if you have what it takes to go all the way!
- Manufacturer: Electronic Arts
- Machine: Genesis
NBA Showdown has all the ingredients of a promising title, however, the action is very choppy, robbing this one of the fluidity and game play. Still, everybody's favorite team is here and sports fans will probably enjoy it.