Hoops

Hit the pavement and take on the competition in Hoops, a street-basketball game for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Developed by Aicom and published by Jaleco, the game arrived in North America in June 1989. In Japan, it was released under the title Moero!! Junior Basket: Two on Two, as part of the broader Moero!! sports series.

Unlike full-court basketball simulations, Hoops focuses on fast-paced half-court matches. Players can compete in one-on-one or two-on-two games, making every possession a close contest of timing, positioning, and quick decisions. You can choose between Eastern and Western courts and select from eight distinctive playground players, each identified by a nickname such as Mr. Doc, Jammer, Legs, Bomber, and Wiz.

The game gives players control over a range of familiar basketball actions. On offense, you can pass the ball, drive toward the basket, and attempt powerful slam dunks. On defense, you can steal the ball and block shots to disrupt your opponent’s attack. The action is presented in an arcade style, keeping the focus on scoring and outplaying the other team rather than managing a long professional season.

Hoops supports solo play against the computer as well as two-player competition. Friends can face each other directly or cooperate against computer-controlled opponents, making it a good fit for quick multiplayer sessions. Its rules also include options that change the pace of a match, while an “Around the World” shooting mode offers a different way to test your accuracy.

With its street-court atmosphere, compact matches, and emphasis on head-to-head action, Hoops stands out among late-1980s NES sports games. It offers a simple, accessible take on playground basketball for players who enjoy classic 8-bit sports titles.