Lakers Versus Celtics

Lakers versus Celtics 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 levels, "exhibition" or "playoffs". 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.

In the MS-DOS version, the teams of the West Conference were the Los Angeles Lakers, the Phoenix Suns, the Seattle Supersonics and the Utah Jazz, while the East Conference featured the Celtics, the Bulls, The Pistons and the New York Knicks.

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 an 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.

Related Games

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

Trivia

• 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.
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was not available in the Sega Genesis version of the game.
• This game is one of very few to have Michael Jordan playable in the Bulls' roster.
• The game is well known for an unstoppable dunk performed by Tom Chambers. The dunk starts from just inside the three point line and is never missed.

External links

• Lakers versus Celtics at MobyGames
• Link to download the game from BestOldGames.net