Racing Glider
Racing Glider
Game
Game2019
Basketball Classics
Developer Namo Gamo
5 on 5 Pro Basketball born from the golden era of sports games. This spiritual successor to the 8-bit ballers bridges the gap between retro and today’s simulation games. Side-scrolling, sweaty arcade action with simplified 3-button gameplay and retro vibes galore. From the Steam store page
159 reactions from 3 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Mastodon) · newest Sep 30, 2026 · last updated Oct 8, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
94
LovedLoved
132 positive · 9 negative
95% range 88–97%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 132 | 9 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 2 | 0 | 13 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 3 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
145 of 155 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
93% recommend · 133 yes, 10 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 143 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (172 of 187 positive).
Players widely praise the game as a fun, retro-styled basketball game with modern flair. [1][2][3] Some reviewers note the game lacks depth and feels repetitive after a short time. [4][5] Many appreciate the absence of microtransactions and the simple, addictive gameplay. [6][7][8]
Liked
Representative posts
- [4]
I would not recommend this game. I feel there is not enough meat to it despite being a relatively small inexpensive indie game. Currently the game probably only have 2 hour of lifetime at max. The games has 800+ players. It has no mechanism to assemble your own team, which makes me almost do not care that there is 800+ players. Also the players do not feel different enough. It falls generally into couple of …
- [2]
A retro-styled basketball game with incredible modern flair. This really does feel like NBA Live 95: 2020 Edition. And I kid you not, this game has the best dunk/block mechanics of any basketball game I've ever played (and that's a lot). If you're a retro sports game enthusiast, there's no excuse for you to not treat yourself to this masterpiece of the genre.
- [6]
Do you love gambling away real money on lootboxes in a basketball game? Do you love playing a basketball game where every time there is a foul or a timeout, the game goes through two minutes of animated cutscenes before you are allowed to play again? Do you love paying $70 for a basketball game that is just the previous year's game with a roster update? If you answered "yes" to these questions, go play that 2K trash …
- [7]
Game has no right being this fun. It's nice to have a sports game that just fun to play, not overly complex, no pay to win currencies, etc. It's just fun.
- [1]
I love what this developer has made. Please make a football, baseball, and hockey versions of this game.
Summarised from 34 of the 162 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 11, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Basketball Classics sits at 94% positive across 141 opinionated reactions from 3 sources. Fresh or rotten — where do you land?
Reactions
60 of 159 · most liked firstI love what this developer has made. Please make a football, baseball, and hockey versions of this game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The opposite of NBA 2K20
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Dear Namo Gamo, I absolutely love your game and considering the way 2K has been lately, I would say that BC is the best basketball game on the PC right now, even in its early access state. Aside from all the future features on the roadmap, I would also really love the inclusion of roster creation/editing and steam workshop support. If these features are added alongside the already planned features, I think that the game could really become something special! I wish you guys luck and success…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Simply Awesome !!!!! I'm a happy 45 year old man !!!! I can't stop playing !!!! Thank you !
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I had high expectations for this title. I have longed for the days of a more Sprite based basketball title. Pull away from the realism of someone's face and just get into the gameplay. Unfortunately, for me, Basketball Classics pulls back too much. I won't dive too much into graphics because what you see if what you get. Though I would prefer a more SNES generation look, I accepted this was more NES Double Dribble. It does a great job of capturing that look and atmosphere. The game does not…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is SO good, for being in early access this game is already incredible for several reasons First and foremost I am not a "sports gamer" this is the only sports game I have ever played extenisvly and if all sports game were as good as this one I would thing EA was a good developer anyways here are the reasons First off the pixel art in this game truly is 2nd to none, you can tell it was done very meticulously and painstakingly long and it really shows the work of the people who…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →While browsing the Steam sale I noticed that Basketball Classics is currently four whole dollars. It has a weird story mode, snappy and fun gameplay, and I'm hidden as an unlockable player. I insisted on having the worst stats in the game. It remains the crowning achievement of my podcast career.
positive · AI labelView post →A retro-styled basketball game with incredible modern flair. This really does feel like NBA Live 95: 2020 Edition. And I kid you not, this game has the best dunk/block mechanics of any basketball game I've ever played (and that's a lot). If you're a retro sports game enthusiast, there's no excuse for you to not treat yourself to this masterpiece of the genre.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I would not recommend this game. I feel there is not enough meat to it despite being a relatively small inexpensive indie game. Currently the game probably only have 2 hour of lifetime at max. The games has 800+ players. It has no mechanism to assemble your own team, which makes me almost do not care that there is 800+ players. Also the players do not feel different enough. It falls generally into couple of categories, ones call accurate shoot, dunk or steal. Maybe the game warrant another…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I enjoy retro gaming and this game has the right feel. I enjoy the pace of the game and a lot of the features. I know some people don't like the play calling or the dunk mini game, but I find both to be enjoyable and adds a bit of something new every few minutes of game play. I like about 90% of the game, but here are my improvement request: 1. Make the AI harder. 2. Make it so you can look at the instruction book from the main menu. 3. You can cheat the game by passing the ball directly under…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I didn't know I needed 8-bit basketball in my life, but I definitely did. Basketball Classics achieves exactly what it sets out to do. It looks like a game from the late 80's, plays like a game from the mid 90's, and has the quality of life improvements that we have come to expect from modern retro-style games. You may need to be an old school gamer to agree, but IMO this is the best basketball game on Steam.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Dear Namo games, Overall basketbal classics is a great game, but I wish there is more dunking animations(EX: between the leg dunk), and player names( EX: before Lebron isn't called lebron but you can change it to lebron), but still this is a great game. (sry for my poor english) This is mitch conner , signing off
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Basketball Classics is finally on consoles after seven years on PC Namo Gamo's 8-bit arcade hoops game makes the jump from Steam to Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch, complete with a massive roster and zero microtransactions. #Retro #indiegames #sportsgames #xbox #nintendoswitch
neutral · AI labelView post →Do you love gambling away real money on lootboxes in a basketball game? Do you love playing a basketball game where every time there is a foul or a timeout, the game goes through two minutes of animated cutscenes before you are allowed to play again? Do you love paying $70 for a basketball game that is just the previous year's game with a roster update? If you answered "yes" to these questions, go play that 2K trash game. Did you instead answer "♥♥♥♥ no, why would i want any of that ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The Court Beyond the Stars In phosphor glow of pixel’d light, Where hardwood cracks through endless night, Two teams of echoes, shadows cast, Repeat the plays of ages past. The crowd is silent—faces blurred, Their voices drone, no human word; A scoreboard hums with cosmic dread, Tallying numbers for the dead. The ball—a sphere of writhing flame, No earthly leather dares its name; It arcs through air not bound by laws, Each dribble shudders, each pass claws. The players move in rigid…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Saw the trailer for this during the Acclaim Showcase and was shocked when I saw that this game had already been out for almost 6 years and I never heard of it. With the sale it was an instant buy and I couldn't be happier. This game is amazing and has surprisingly deep gameplay while fundamentally keeping it simple. It's a modernized take on the NES/SNES NBA classics and it pulls it off perfectly. The only thing that is disappointing is the lack of online play. That is the only thing keeping…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I like this game, I think its pretty cool. I just wanna know if there are any plans for an update cause like it has been so long since theres been new content, and im bored.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is fantastic, simple, addictive fun. In the vein of "Double Dribble", and wow, did they nail it. Worth every single penny. Well done, programmers. Gameplay-wise, this game SHOULD be played with a gamepad, to emphasize the nostalgia even more. A keyboard would cheapen the experience. Otherwise, nothing is more satisfying than seeing your season stats show how utterly dominant you are, and face-rejecting someone trying to dunk on you. The story mode where you assemble the Dream…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Not bad for the price! Its like a better Double Dribble! The sprites are a bit small for the size of the court and youll think are these guys little people??lol But its really cool that it has all historical teams and you can play season modes with the historical years Steam Sale Pick Up if your a Basketball Fan
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fun throwback to classic Nes basketball days. With a few improvements, namely a shot-clock, seasons and little easier font to read, and I'm very happy with the purchase. For a day one EA game recommended.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →We've got a new episode up! 🌕 Wyatt discusses his experience at the Artemis II launch party he attended - and the freeze-dried ice cream he ate 🎮 The guys review the retro-styled basketball game, Basketball Classics 📺 The Dungeon Crawler Carl TV series is officially a go Apple Spotify Podbean
neutral · AI labelView post →This is a fun pick up and play basketball game. It feels like a video game and it's definitely not trying to be a simulation. Possessions are fast enough that you can crank through a game with 3-minute quarters and still feel like you got enough of a game in. Shooting is satisfying and gives you great feedback in the form of probabilities and modifiers for every shot you attempt. Dunking is a unique mini-game that makes you earn your points in the paint instead of feeling like a gimme.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Recommended for those wanting a pick up and play basketball game, especially for couch gaming or remote play. And a healthy alternative than the big basketball titles. I am reviewing from the perspective of someone who is not very familiar with basketball and only attended one Jazz game. I have only played single player so far. Basketball classics captures the 8-bit sports games of low content in exchange for depth in gameplay. It has all the charm right down to using Bubble Man's sounds…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Basketball Classics Brings Its Bone Rattling Arcade Hoops to Consoles Five Years After Steam The retro inspired arcade basketball game uses three button controls and 5 on 5 pick up and play matches, and costs $9.99 on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Read more
neutral · AI labelView post →Basketball Classics is a love letter to the golden era of basketball video games, developed by Namo Gamo and published by Acclaim, Inc., that deliberately sidesteps modern photorealism in favor of timeless arcade energy and mechanical clarity. Rather than chasing the complexity and simulation-heavy design of contemporary sports titles, the game focuses on capturing the immediate thrill of fast-paced hoops, blending pixel-art nostalgia with modern refinements that give it surprising depth. From…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game has no right being this fun. It's nice to have a sports game that just fun to play, not overly complex, no pay to win currencies, etc. It's just fun.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I feel like I was duped by the reviews on this game. Bots? Pros: - The custom art is excellent and easily the best part of this game. I love the large sprites. This artist obviously loves the game of basketball and did a fantastic job of capturing the likenesses of NBA legends, without crossing copyright lines... Unfortunately, the art direction is also a con (will elaborate later). - Fully customizable rosters. - Multiple game modes. The game mode where you create a team of legends by means…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game is pretty cool but it needs more ability to work inside of the paint without the player going straight into a dunk. I'd also like the ability to change how many games are played in a season. The game is pretty repetitive and I d think it needs 15 games in the regular season. 12 at most.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Runs great on the Steam Deck! It's like Double Dribble, but adds another button for switching players, and also adds tricks and blocks to your dunks.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Other than the art direction's ode to classic retro basketball games like "Double Dribble", there's almost no depth to "Basketball Classics". In particular, the scoring and blocking is far too easy (I p[layed on hard and easily beat the CPU 42-17 on my first try) and the player movement too fast and tight. It barely feels like a basketball game. Things that irk me include the fact that If you don't pass to a forward player before hitting the half court, you are forced to run a set play, which…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game takes me right back to 1995. Fantastic job!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is quite possibly the best basketball game I have ever played. It's as realistic as a classic 8-bit basketball game could possibly get! The dunk system is awesome, the shot meter and shooting itself is amazing, defense is hard but rewarding once you know how to get contests and block/steal the ball! Superstar caliber players and all-star caliber players actually feel different, not like they're the same player copy pasted. Role players play like role players! They are good at their role…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →My first basketball game, and first game ever was NBA JAM T.E., so initially this type of game wouldn't appeal to me. Reminds me of Kobe Bryant's 3 on 3 on the Gameboy color. And i know it will strike people's memory with Double Dribble. It's fun for what it is. Love the OG Knicks Squads and Spike Lee in the front row is godlike. Want more animations especially when it's a dunk with nobody in front of you. So that's basically it
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →So I did trailer music for #basketballclassics and the game just launched for consoles! IGN posted the trailer on YouTube and it’s blowing up. ❤️ #acclaim #namogamo youtu.be/AMSbzG9NlGs?...
neutral · AI labelView post →#NintendoSwitch Review Video: #BasketballClassics - Don’t let its retro looks fool you, this is a smart sports game with a great arcade feel and smart features that boost the play experience #IndieGames youtu.be/Ha0CHnSgBxM
neutral · AI labelView post →As part of #SteamSportsFest, retro sports game fans can check out Namo Gamo and @playacclaim.bsky.social's Basketball Classics on Steam with a hearty discount. www.gamersheroes.com/gaming-news/...
neutral · AI labelView post →This game rips. Feels like playing an old school basketball game. Gives off heavy NBA Live 98 vibes. The fixed play system seemed like a gimmick at first but it does provide a lot of cool ways to score. It's just a great game to pick up and play. Couldn't recommend it enough.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →10/10 Arcade basketball experience but it's way more than just an arcade game. Multiple eras of NBA basketball are brought to you through a very unique and nostalgic arcade style/3 button control gameplay. Very fun and old school Story Mode where you face off against 2 generations of the greatest basketball players and teams, picking up Star players for your own squad a long the way. Definitely have me hooked with the Season Mode, whether it's winning Pistol Pete's first ever NBA…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →NBA 2K on Nokia
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i just downloaded the game and am absolutely enjoying it! Hopefully down the road you will implement an editor of sorts. This game is a testament to your passion of gaming. Keep up the amazing job and really looking forward to seeing what you will be creating next! Edit: They added an Editor!!! Makes this great game even greater : )
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The best basketball game for sure
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really cool retro basketball game made with love
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you love retro sports games you need to try this! Awesome game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is way better than 2K
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →One of the best modern retro games I've ever played and the developers are amazing. Great game for a great price. Strongly recommend. Also great fun with a friend!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I got to play Basketball Classics from @playacclaim.bsky.social on PS5 recently. And things can get HYPE, especially for classic sports game fans. youtu.be/MMY7ieS4KDs Check out my gameplay impressions of Basketball Classics on the channel. Hope you enjoy watching! #gaming
positive · AI labelView post →Legitimately better than Double Dribble Simple to pick up with surprising depth including playcalling. A lot of fun multiplayer.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →its one of the most unique basketball games ive played and I hope in the future there will be a career mode where you can have your own legacy
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I wanted to like this game, but in the end, a game like Baseball Stars or even NES Hoops beats this out. I appreciate all of the references (recognized them all, very very cool) BUT THE GAMEPLAY IS NOT FUN. Get Super Blood Hockey instead.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is an arcade basketball game that pays MASSIVE respect to the NBA. I was astonished to see rosters from every era of the league. Showtime Lakers, MJ Bulls, Heat LeBron, 2016 Warriors, they're all there. Even the lesser accomplished teams are available, like the 8 seed Orlando Magic from 2020. Outside of your standard quickplay mode, there is a story mode, a season mode, and a roster editor. The story mode consists of playing against legendary teams to recruit legendary players to your…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I am actually not a huge basketball fan but know some players like Garnett, Jordan, Lebron, Barkley etc. This game takes it back to being really simple and fun. Its just really casual and with how so many major sports games for sports like NBA & NHL and football(soccer) being scammy p2w casinos. This game is a fresh through back. Also the dev support team is really nice, they replied to an enquiry email I sent within 6 hours of sending an email to them.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →tremendous old school fun
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is fun. In some ways it's lesser than I wanted, in other way way more. I like the way the game forces you to want to dunk. 3 pointers are a thing but harder than on TV by professionals. I think you'll like this game too, if you like basketball. Cons: Play calling SUX. Pros: Dunks, Open court Motion Offense, Team ability stats, special teams to play and play against, Charlotte Hornets with Grand MaMa
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Alton Lister is finally as OP as he should have been in 1985.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is a joy to play. Easy to understand controls, recognizable characters, fun mechanics. The game might seem simple at times but you can pull off strategic plays like pump faking to trick the CPU, driving to the basket but then switch it to a fade, going on a fast break and sacrifice an easy dunk to pass it to an open man at 3 behind you instead, teammates that actually cut for an easy dunk and of course the calls you can make "isolation, pick and roll, and off ball pick". Its been a…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →"He who taketh of the ball, Search forth the small and tall, Forge a brotherhood of funk, To splash, trash, and dunk, Finding that only the chosen, Shall leave the guards frozen, Spinning both ball and mind, To begin your journey through time.” It is simply not possible for a game to start out with poetry this wicked and not be amazing. Basketball Classics is a smash hit in what it tries to do. It’s a love-letter to the retro, arcade sports games of days gone, with the high-fidelity pixel art…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Such a fantastic, fun retro basketball game. Can't recommend enough.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Glitvhes constantly but its a very fun game if you can actually get to playing it
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Great game and a worthy successor to Double Dribble. The gameplay is simple but has lots of depth and the each teams have their strength and weaknesses exactly like their IRL counterparts. Classic Basketball fans should give this a go.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →More fun than most next generation hoop games. Even though it looks like a retro game, it's feels more upbeat than the majority of basketball games.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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