Pro Basketball Shooter (XBLIG): "A Single Button Arcade Style Basketball Simulation Game"

When I was a young fellow growing up video games had not really overtaken my life. I would often times play outside sports with my brothers, and sisters such as baseball, basketball, and even some tennis. It may be hard to believe, but I was actually a fairly active person back then. As I grew up though priorities changed, and I found myself enthralled by the world of gaming. I became so obsessed with the interactive technology that I spent many hours of my life playing video games, and continue to do so to this day. I eventually ended up becoming the video game journalist I am today as a result of my choices. With that being said it is nice to be able to play sports games even if it is just a simulator like the one I'm reviewing here. It brings back memories, and actually makes me want to get back outside and play. Maybe one day I will ...

Rendercode Games, the developers behind "Racedrome Offroad" continue their release of sports related gaming titles with "Pro Basketball Shooter". While I never actually thought they would venture into "real" sports gaming I'm definitely glad they did so. Pro Basketball Shooter is a game that was delivered well in many ways. It features a simple one button control scheme that accents the gameplay quite nicely. It also has a really cool 3D animation style that definitely does the game justice. Within the game you will gain access to three different modes that each have their own unique set of rules. Among the available modes is a mode called "Classic" where the player is given 90 seconds to score as many 3 pointers as possible. In this particular mode you will be given a set of standard basketballs worth 3 points each to shoot, and one bonus basket ball worth 6 points if you land them correctly.

Next you have a mode called "Challenge" which stays true to the 3 pointer style of gameplay, but has the player completing 14 progressively more difficult challenges. The same rules as "Classic" apply here, but the goal score will increase as you make your way through the 14 challenges. I should also note that as you shoot you will switch positions in an "Around-the-World" style. As such the virtual player will stand in all of the 3 point positions surrounding the basketball goal as you shoot, or miss your shots. This is true for "Classic" mode as well. The final mode is appropriately called "Arcade". This mode is a arcade basketball simulator with a moving goal. Your aim in this mode is to shoot as many 2 pointers as possible within the given time limit. For every 20 points you score you will get bonus time added to the clock.

When it comes to controls in "Pro Basketball Shooter" they are simple yet complex. As I mentioned previously you will use one button (A) to control your shots. This gameplay method is implemented with a pressure bar that is located to the left side of the screen. The bar/gauge has a set mark that must be reached in order for you to correctly shoot a goal. To do this you simply hold down the (A) button until the green color fills up to the set mark, and then you release (A). If you let go when the green is just below, on, or just above the mark you will be guaranteed a goal/3 pointer. With that being said things do get more complicated in "Arcade" mode where timing the shot is the key to success.

In closing I think "Pro Basketball Shooter" is a cool, and easily accessible arcade basketball simulator. The overall presentation is done very well. The game not only has some really impressive graphics, but it also plays without glitching. The audio was quite impressive as well. It featured some contemporary/classic music that definitely suited the game. I think this games winning feature though is the user-friendly controls. That along with the graphic presentation. All in all it's a solid package all the way around, and is very much worth the 80 msp asking price. If your a fan of sports games then this little arcade indie is definitely worth adding to your gaming library.