"A classic, decently translated (back when Acclaim CARED, heh)"

If you've never played it, the first thing a person ought to know is that Arch-Rivals is the game that made computer basketball games FUN. When it showed up in arcades _way_ back in the day, it was most definitely the bomb. Basically, it narrowed down the playing style of basketball games and simplified the concept to a two-on-two game. Allowing only for shooting, blocking, punching, and pulling an opponent's pants down, the simple play and hilarious animation of the game was addictive. Not to mention characters, some of whom sported giant green mohawks or whatnot.
Since that time, franchises such as the wonderful NBA Jam and others have attempted to refine the formula with varying success (actual NBA licenses often helps, though I kinda miss Mohawk and company from Arch-Rivals). But in any case, it's important to note where it all started.

The Genesis translation? Well....it's...an early Genesis game, let us say firstoff. The animation is ''crude'', and that's being kind. There's basically...three or so frames of animation at the most for each action, so it's really extremely static. At first, this is really a big downer, especially after playing such animated masterpieces as say...Marvel Versus Capcom 2 for the Dreamcast. But you do get over it fairly quickly, unless you're a real animation snob - since the game is a lot of fun to play despite the crappy animation.

Further, I'm happy to report that the gameplay is still pretty much solid and enjoyable, and that's the most important part. The Genesis 3-button controller (don't use the 6-button on this - Arch Rivals is one of the like, 8 games that completely don't let you use the 6-button, unfortunately) works as well as could be hoped for. Plus, the arcade used only 3 buttons, so everything's just as it should be.

The not-so-subtle art of running around the court with your arm cocked in a fist, trying to locate the ball-carrier's head for a nice knuckle sandwich is really something that needs to be experienced to be understood. Just as entertaining is attempting to avoid the ruffhousing defense when you've got the ball - sometimes for a solid and heavily satisfying throwdown at the other end. The Genesis version's control is really good enough to keep all the true enjoyment of the gameplay nearly as good as it was back in the arcade version's heyday.

One or two player, it's basically a lot of fun, if unrefined. I definitely recommend giving it a try if you've got somewhat easy access to a copy for your Genesis.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 03/18/02, Updated 03/18/02