Harlem Globetrotters

"HG: A good game, or a horrible mistake?"

Harlem Globetrotters for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was one of those early games that now, looking back on it all, made you want to throw up. However, its not a bad effort on Nintendo's behalf, given when it was made. The graphics, are quite good for that of a Nintendo game, music, though simple, fits the game nicely. During the intro of the game, before you get to start playing, it asks you tons of questions from ''Do you want to be the Harlem Globetrotters?'' to ''How many minutes per quarter?'' most other Basketball games for the NES didn't have such features. Ok, the game is pretty bad, 2 possible modes. Play as the Globetrotters, or play against them. Not much variety, but that there is 2 different difficulties. Playing as the Globes' is easier, then playing against. Replay value is short, real short. I haven't even considered playing it again after beating the Globetrotters. However, Multiplayer wise, it might be fun to play with a friend every now and then, assuming you like sporting games.

Play control, is fairly simple, well what did you expect with a 2 button controller? Shoot, pass. Simple, and easy to learn (Duh). Works well. Start Pauses. Things like Slam Dunks i've never seemed to figure out how to work. It seems to be some sort of random thing that happens a few of the times that your on a break. I dunno, computer seems not to have trouble slamming it every time. No possible way to block the ball, and I mean none. You have to stand right on the shooter to take the ball, what kind of mistake was that? Quite a big one in my mind.

Fake shots, trick passes, normal passes, dunks, lay-ups, fairly complex for the little NES Basketball game that it is. If there was one glaring weakness for the style, its easily the fact that Fouls almost never get called. I've been called for 1 foul other then traveling in the many times i've played it. The computer never gets called for any fouls. Pretty much, anything goes.

Extra little features include some goon trying to do tricks with a basketball, cheerleaders, and end of each quarter stats. Well, 7 of them, lots more then other basketball games for NES have.

I wouldn't buy this game new, no way, not worth the money with the replay value as low as it is. Pick it up used. 6/10

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 06/11/02, Updated 06/11/02