Arch Rivals

Arch Rivals, released in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is a basketball game with a difference. Instead of neat moves and fair baskets, the focus here is on one thing above all: solid action. Officially advertised as "A Basketbrawl", the title combines sporty gameplay with brawls on the court - a mixture that has earned it cult status among NES fans to this day.

In Arch Rivals, you choose one of eight unique players - each with their own style and cheeky slogan - and compete in a two-on-two match. Unlike classic basketball games, fouls are allowed - even encouraged: you can simply knock your opponents down, steal the ball or ram them to the ground without the referee intervening.

Arch Rivals is fast, chaotic and full of surprising moments. While you shoot baskets and block balls, you also have to watch out for objects lying around, such as drinks cups, which players can slip over. The result is a mixture of arcade feel, sports satire and simple brawling action that is particularly fun in two-player mode.

Graphically, Arch Rivals offers solid NES fare with large, well-animated sprites and funny gestures. The sound effects are simple but appropriate - just like the game's exaggerated style.

Arch Rivals is not a classic sports game, but a funny, over-the-top version of basketball with guaranteed fisticuffs. If you don't fancy a set of rules, but do fancy chaos and laughter on the court, this is the game for you. A cult NES title for anyone who likes sport with a twinkle in their eye.