Home /
Arcade

Double Dribble

Arcade

Arcade

Double Dribble is a basketball action game for one or two players. You can select different time limits for games, select teams, and begin playing! Gameplay is entirely action, so no time needs to be spent customizing the teams or with statistics. You control each player on the team one at a time...

Download

0/5 Votes: 0

Report

Developer
Konami

Released on
1986

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Sports

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

Wikipedia
View article →

Report this app

Images

Description

Double Dribble is a basketball action game for one or two players. You can select different time limits for games, select teams, and begin playing! Gameplay is entirely action, so no time needs to be spent customizing the teams or with statistics. You control each player on the team one at a time (the player with or about to receive the ball will be human controlled, with the computer taking over the other players temporarily.) Some versions feature a small amount of digitized sound effects, and close ups of slam dunks.

Double Dribble

Overview & History

Released by Konami in 1986, Double Dribble stands as a monumental pillar in the evolution of sports arcade gaming. Operating on Konami’s specialized hardware, it captured the electrifying energy of late-80s basketball long before polygonal graphics dominated the industry. Eschewing fictional squads, Konami famously offered players a choice between four iconic North American cities—New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles—setting the stage for intense regional rivalries. What truly cemented its legendary status, however, was its groundbreaking presentation: it was among the first games to introduce a digitized human voice shouting phrases like "Tip-off!" and "Foul!", accompanied by the unforgettable squeak of rubber sneakers against hardwood floors. Furthermore, its iconic halftime show featured cheerleaders performing synchronized routines, a charming touch of arcade flair that delighted players pumping quarters into the cabinet. Despite lacking an official NBA license, the game's addictive arcade pacing and competitive multiplayer dynamics made it an instant classic in smoky arcades and pizza parlors alike.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Double Dribble delivers frantic, five-on-five arcade basketball action split into four distinct quarters. Players must master both offensive execution and defensive positioning. On offense, the game provides a dynamic passing system and a signature shooting mechanic where timing the release of the button determines whether the ball swishes through the net or clanks off the rim. The defining visual spectacle of the offense is the legendary slam dunk animation—triggering a high-flying, cinematic zoom-in sequence that cuts away to a unique player sprite hanging from the hoop. On defense, players can switch control to the closest defender, attempt to swat away opponent shots, or aggressively steal the ball from dribbling adversaries. Unlike standard regulation basketball, fouls are called selectively, encouraging a physical, high-octane style of play. Managing the shot clock and exploiting fast-break opportunities are essential strategies for securing victory against the relentless computer AI or a human opponent.