A retro 5-on-5 basketball game with real depth
Basketball Classics is a side-scrolling arcade basketball game from Namo Gamo, built as a spiritual successor to the old 8-bit ballers. It sits between retro sports games and modern simulations: the controls stay simple with three buttons, but the players underneath are loaded with individual attributes that shape how they shoot, pass and defend. The action is fast and sweaty, with cut scenes breaking up the play and a genuinely retro look, sound and soundtrack running through the whole thing.
Playing together
Local multiplayer is where this game shines for a group. You can sit down together and play against each other, with the three-button scheme keeping the barrier low for anyone who does not play basketball games often. On-the-fly play calling adds a layer of strategy on top of the simple controls, so games stay interesting even after the novelty wears off. Remote Play Together is supported, which lets friends join in over a connection instead of sharing one screen in person.
What to know before starting
There is a lot to dig into: decades of rosters with more than 175 teams and over 1000 players, each with their own attributes. Finding your favorite All-Stars from different eras is a big part of the appeal, and the 1-player Story Mode unlocks secret teams, including the "Legends," so there is a reason to play on your own as well. The game is in Early Access, so expect it to still be in development. There are no microtransactions, no virtual currency and no pay-to-win mechanics — everything is earned by playing.