Jordan Vs Bird review - Sega Megadrive

So, you like playing basketball do you? Well, Jordan Vs Bird is a digital representation of one-on-one - a sort of cut-down version of Basketball where only two players participate attempting to score more baskets than the opposing player.

In this case, only two different players are available, the eponymous Jordan and Bird. Each specialises in different types of basketball plays, be they slam dunks or three-point baskets (that's where they score from outside of the basket area). It's up to you to choose your basketball warrior and go into battle, outwitting and outfoxing the opposition by capitalising on your own strengths and your opponent's weaknesses.

Jordan Vs Bird also gives you the opportunity to develop your basketball skills in a series of practise rounds before you face up to your sporting nemesis in a one-on-one basketball duel!

What the Mean Machines staff thought

This is actually a conversion of a crappy, very limited and boring eight year old C64 computer game called One-on-One Basketball. And even though EA have added a few extra elements and attempted to beed it up, at the end of the day it's still the same old crappy, very limited and boring game. The sound is pretty good, but the animation on the players is appalling (both players run around as though they've got 15 pounds of cack in their trousers) and the gameplay is virtually devoid of excitement - even with two players - due to the frustratingly hopeless control method. The slam dunk competition is laughably easy and really there's little else to keep you playing. If you're a basketball fan either go for Supreme Court Basketball or wait for the forthcoming Bulls Vs Lakers. Both are infinitely better than this tosh.

I thought Electronic Arts could do no wrong and was really looking forward to Jordan Vs Bird. Unfortunately, something has gone drastically wrong. The main part of the game, the one-on-one section is completely devoid of excitement and boasts severely deformed characters with laughably disabled animation. Also, actually scoring a basket seems to be more of a matter of luck than real skill - especially the three-pointers. The Slam Dunk Event is more of a non-event. Running up to the basket and performing manoeuvres is incredibly easy and involves little use of skill. The same can be said for the graphically pleasing Three Point Contest. I scored full marks from all positions on my second attempt! Considering that EA are responsible for the likes of the amazing John Madden '92 and EA Hockey, frankly I'm surprised that they released this sub-standard piece of software. Hopefully, the forthcoming Bulls Vs Lakers will see a return to the usual high standard we expect from Electronic Arts.