Overview and Gameplay
Punching an opponent is a legitimate way to steal the ball in Arch Rivals: A BasketBrawl!, Rare’s NES conversion of Midway’s 1989 arcade basketball game. Fictional teams compete in rough two-on-two matches across four three-minute quarters. The player controls one athlete while the computer handles a teammate, combining direct movement with commands to pass or shoot.
Choose from eight players with different specialties, then score through regular shots, three-pointers, dunks, rebounds, and fast breaks. Coach’s Corner advice appears between quarters, with a cheerleading sequence at halftime and statistics after the final whistle.
Controls And Mechanics
- Directions: Move around the scrolling court.
- A: Shoot with the ball, jump on defense, or order a computer teammate to shoot.
- B: Pass or order a teammate to pass. On defense, hold and release it while facing an opponent to punch or steal.
- A while holding B: Perform a fake on offense or a defensive lunge.
- Two players: Supports simultaneous head-to-head play, with each person controlling one athlete and the computer controlling both teammates.
Version Notes
The North American and Australian title is Arch Rivals: A BasketBrawl!; the European NES release is titled Arch Rivals: Ein BasketKrawall.
Release And Credits
- Released: 1990
- Developer: Rare Limited
- Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment
- Original platform: Arcade
