(Image via https://twitter.com/scott_ward1)
When assessing basketball’s history and the evolution of the sport, gaming has certainly played its part. Numerous iconic titles from over the years have captivated audiences and enabled fans of other sports to experience the entertainment basketball provides. Just like in real life, basketball games serve up pulsating, end-to-end action and offer a truly memorable gaming experience.
These types of games give diehard fans the opportunity to shoot hoops with their favourite stars while also providing them with the chance to coach their favourite team or silence their annoyingly arrogant friend who promises to reign supreme in a one-on-one battle. With the emergence of the sophisticated modern-day smartphone, these types of basketball releases are now accessible on a miniature handheld device. We’re focussing specifically on Android here, but there are a wealth of options that are compatible on iOS devices too. For example, Apple users are able to enjoy the likes of NBA Jam which has won plenty of plaudits for its all-around gaming experience on a mobile phone device. As for Android users, the options appear to be greater. Below is a look at some of them.
NBA 2K Mobile Basketball
It only makes sense to start with one of the best ever basketball games to grace the smartphone gaming space in NBA 2K Mobile Basketball. It isn’t free and does come with some in-app purchase options, but don’t let that put you off what is an excellent gaming experience on mobile. With top graphics and actual basketball play, which gives it an authentic feel, you’ll enjoy this one. The controls could be improved, and it did have some bug issues when released, but updates appear to have stamped them out. The game’s story mode features big-named stars, and the career mode for custom players is worth doing, in particular.
Basketball Battle
A simple but effective basketball title in terms of providing hours of fun, Basketball Battle is an arcade-style release with plenty to offer. The PvP game is free to play, too. The aim of it is to outscore your opponent in an epic battle. It’s that simple.
Basketball Star on Fire
There has been a growing trend of sports gamers turning to sports-themed slot games. Basketball fans are no different, with titles like Microgaming’s Basketball Star on Fire slot game becoming an instant hit with fans of the sport. Giving you the chance to win real money with up to five jackpots on offer, you’ll need to find the high-paying symbols to come out on top, perhaps through the 10 free spins, you receive once you reveal three of the scatter symbols. The game is fun to play and easy to grasp.
NBA Jam
(Image via https://twitter.com/ClubSignage)
We have mentioned it already as an option for Apple users, but NBA Jam is also a popular go-to option for basketball fans with an Android device too. It costs $4.99 at the time of writing, but it’s most definitely worth the money. An old arcade classic many people grew up with, it has made the jump over to mobile immaculately. The usual two-on-two basketball battle is a joy to sample as you steal and dunk your way to a win. The game also boasts a campaign mode and local and online multiplayer support.
Bouncy Basketball
Another free arcade-style release, Bouncy Basketball is another solid option on Android. With four periods lasting up to 90 seconds each, no game lasts longer than six minutes as you aim to make use of the simple controls to see off any tricky opponents. It also comes with a number of characters to unlock, too.