Lakers versus Celtics

Infobox VG| title = Lakers vs Celtics and the NBA Playoffs


developer = Electronic Arts
publisher = Electronic Arts
released = 1989
genre = Sports game
modes = Single player, Multi player
platforms = MS-DOS, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis

"Lakers vs Celtics and the NBA Playoffs" was a video game released first in 1989 for MS-DOS-compatible PCs and later adapted for consoles in 1990 for the Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis. The game was highly successful; it was the first game endorsed by the NBA and was the first to contain multiple NBA stars and teams in one game. As the title suggested, the game was launched due to the success of the late 80s Lakers-Celtics rivalry. Established stars you can play in the game are Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, as well as rising ones such as Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing.

Play mode

The game could be played in various ways: players could play against each other, or against the computer. Games against the computer were divided into two modalities, "exhibition" or "playoffs". There are also three difficulty levels: Pre-season, Regular season, Playoffs and Showtime. Games could be configured for 2, 5, 8 or 12 minute quarters.

Teams

Players could pick from one of the eight teams that had gone to the playoffs in the NBA the year before the game was released. The MS-DOS version contained the playoff teams from the 1988-89 season, while the SEGA Genesis version contained the playoff teams from the 1989-90 season.

MS-DOS version:

SEGA Genesis version:

Both conferences' All-Star Teams were available as well.

History

* The game would be the first "team" basketball video game to acquire full players names and rights without actually relying on the NBA players association.
* It was also the first team basketball game to have signature moves for the individual star players.
* It was the first game to feature half time shows and announcers to simulate the authentic feel.
* This was also the only game to feature in-house Electronic Arts music during gameplay instead of the generic audience cheers.
* First to feature TV style starting line up prior to the game.
*Many of the signature moves were inserted without players consent. Moves such as Charles Barkley's gorilla dunk drew controversy and would affect the future of signatures moves and the marketing of the moves for future basketball games. A notable signature move is an unstoppable dunk by Tom Chambers which starts from the free throw line.
* This game is one of very few to have Michael Jordan playable in the Bulls' roster due to his expensive contract rights.

Related Games

* Bulls versus Lakers (1991) (Sega Genesis)
* Team USA Basketball (1992)
* Bulls versus Blazers (1992) Sega Genesis)
* Bulls versus Blazers (1993) Super NES)
* NBA Showdown (1993) Super NES)
* NBA Showdown 94 (1994) Sega Genesis)
* NBA Live Series (1995 to Present)

External links

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