The roar of the crowd, the squeak of sneakers on a polished floor, and the unforgettable clash of two legendary rivals – if you were a gamer in the early '90s, this wasn't just happening on your TV, it was happening on your PC or Sega Genesis. We're talking about Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs, a title that holds a special place in the history books of sports video games, particularly for retro enthusiasts.
This wasn't just another arcade-style button-masher. Released by Electronic Arts, this game was a groundbreaking step forward, essentially launching the now-massive EA Sports brand. It was one of the first times you could lace up virtual sneakers as real NBA stars with actual player names, a big deal back then! And yes, it prominently featured that iconic rivalry, the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Boston Celtics, while also letting you duke it out through the grueling NBA Playoffs.
The Dawn of EA Sports Basketball
Before Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs hit the scene, licensed sports games with real players were a bit hit-or-miss. EA stepped up, securing the rights to feature actual NBA stars. Imagine seeing Magic Johnson's no-look passes or Larry Bird's clutch shots rendered in glorious 16-bit graphics (or chunky PC pixels)!
This game wasn't just about the players; it brought a level of presentation that felt revolutionary at the time. We're talking TV-style introductions, halftime updates, and even signature moves for the biggest names. It set a standard for sports simulations to come, moving beyond simple arcade action towards something that felt a bit more like watching a broadcast, albeit a pixelated one. The "EASN" logo you'd see? That was the early seed of what would become the global powerhouse, EA Sports.
Stepping Onto the Virtual Hardwood
So, what was it like to actually play Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs? Pretty cool for its era! You got your standard modes – head-to-head against a friend or the computer, and of course, the titular NBA Playoffs mode where you could guide a team through multiple rounds to claim the championship trophy.
Gameplay was 5-on-5, offering a more simulation-style feel compared to arcade giants like NBA Jam (which would come later). You had dribbling, shooting, rebounding, and yes, even fouling. One of the most talked-about features was the inclusion of signature moves. Seeing Charles Barkley unleash a specific dunk animation or Michael Jordan pull off a fadeaway added a layer of authenticity that blew our young minds. Controls could be a bit clunky by today's standards, especially if you were stuck using a keyboard instead of a proper joystick, but mastering them felt rewarding.
The Iconic Rosters
While the title highlights the Lakers and Celtics, the game wasn't limited to just those two. Depending on whether you played the MS-DOS version (based on the 1989 playoffs) or the Sega Genesis version (based on 1990), you had access to a selection of the top 8 teams from the previous year's playoffs.
This meant you could play with teams like the Detroit Pistons' "Bad Boys," the Chicago Bulls with a young MJ, the Phoenix Suns, and more. Plus, a neat addition was the inclusion of both Eastern and Western Conference All-Star teams, allowing you to pit dream rosters featuring players not on the standard playoff teams against each other. It was a fantastic way to play with virtually every major star of that golden NBA era.
Reliving the Glory Days: Playing Today
Feeling a wave of nostalgia and want to revisit the pixelated hardwood of Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs? Luckily, the magic isn't lost to time.
For the PC version, DOSBox is your best friend. This emulator lets you run old DOS games on modern computers with relative ease. You might need a little tinkering to get controls working perfectly, especially with modern gamepads, which can sometimes be trickier than the old-school joysticks the game was designed for. Resources like Archive.org often host abandonware titles (check local laws regarding availability) that can be run directly in a browser-based DOSBox setup, offering a quick fix.
For the Sega Genesis version, various Genesis emulators are available across different platforms. Finding ROMs requires navigating the often legally grey area of abandonware, but the emulation scene is robust.
Whether through DOSBox or a Genesis emulator, getting this game running today is a fantastic trip back in time to witness the birth of a sports gaming dynasty and relive those classic NBA rivalries.
Final Score
Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs might look primitive compared to today's hyper-realistic sports simulations, but its impact is undeniable. It wasn't just a game; it was a foundation. It brought real NBA stars into our homes in a meaningful way and paved the way for decades of EA Sports titles. For retro gamers and basketball fans alike, firing up this classic is a perfect way to appreciate where modern sports gaming came from, one pixelated fast break at a time.
FAQ
Q: What platforms was Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs released on?
A: The game was primarily released for MS-DOS and Sega Genesis, with slight differences between the versions, particularly regarding the playoff year represented.
Q: Was this the first EA Sports game?
A: While EA had published sports titles before, Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs is widely considered the game that established the EA Sports brand, originating from the "EASN" logo seen in the game.
Q: Can I play this game on modern computers? A: Yes, you can play the MS-DOS version using an emulator like DOSBox. The Sega Genesis version can be played using various Genesis emulators available for modern systems.
Q: Did the game feature real NBA players? A: Yes, it was notable for being one of the first games to secure rights to feature real NBA players with their actual names, including major stars like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Patrick Ewing.
