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Cute and Fast Action Basketball Fun

Cute and Fast Action Basketball Fun

Vote: (2 votes)

Program license: Paid

Developer: Djinnworks GmbH

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(2 votes)

Paid

Developer

Djinnworks GmbH

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • A truly stacked selection of game play modes means there's always plenty to do
  • Affordably priced and completely bereft of in app purchases
  • Two separate control modes that both work exceedingly well

Cons

  • Simplistic graphics could turn off players looking for a more authentic basketball experience
  • Little in the way of online multiplayer modes

Stickman Basketball 2017 doesn't offer the most nuanced or accurate version of modern day basketball, and it doesn't have any licensing from official leagues like the NBA, but you will find a game that distills the core components of basketball into an authentically arcade experience and captures the heart of the sport. Developer Djinnworks has built a strong reputation for developing the sorts of arcade sports games that were in vogue in the 80s and 90s, and they've taken their impressive skills and applied them to creating a new hit. And while it isn't free to play, the range of options available, lack of in app purchases, and tight core game play make it well worth its modest price.

Adapting an established game genre into a mobile format isn't always easy. Taking a style of game play that's been perfected and iterated on increasingly more complex hardware and distilling its essence into a mobile format that provides both visceral thrills and a sense of long term investment can be a real challenge, but Djinnworks has created a tight control system that's as responsive as it is minimalistic. It's also a system that rewards experienced players while still offering a fun time to those who've never played before. The basic control system trades in a digital control pad for more basic controls in which players can rely on basic taps and swipes to achieve their objectives. A simple tap of a player will initiate a pass, while tapping elsewhere on the screen results in an attempt at a shot. Juggling a full lineup of players could be a real chore, but this intuitive approach to the game allows for a more strategic sense of flow. If you're looking for a more comprehensive control system, you can opt instead for virtual buttons and directional pads that let you manually control the movements of your players and execute more precise control of the court.

The controls in Stickman Basketball are generally sound, and they make the game a delight to play, but Djinnworks understands that variety is a necessity in modern gaming, and they've packed this game to the gills in terms of modes. If you're just looking to jump in play a match, quick games are a nice choice. But there are more detailed modes available as well. These include seasons, cups, and knockouts. A nice change of form you won't find in a lot of mobile basketball games is the inclusion of a street basketball mode. Djinnworks offers a steady progression curve that provides a constant flow of new options without overloading you with choices, and it includes a number of cool social media sharing options.

Pros

  • A truly stacked selection of game play modes means there's always plenty to do
  • Affordably priced and completely bereft of in app purchases
  • Two separate control modes that both work exceedingly well

Cons

  • Simplistic graphics could turn off players looking for a more authentic basketball experience
  • Little in the way of online multiplayer modes