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Takin' It to the Hoop (USA)

56 plays

Takin' It to the Hoop Overview

Takin' It to the Hoop is a straightforward basketball game released for the NEC TurboGrafx-16 in 1990. It was published by NEC Home Electronics and brought arcade-style hoops action to the home console. Unlike many sim-heavy sports titles of the era, this one keeps things fast and accessible, sticking to a simplified five-on-five format. The USA version hit shelves during the TG16's early push into the North American market, aiming to compete with basketball games on other platforms. The player controls a team of five basketball players from a side-view perspective. The goal is to outscore the opposing team by shooting the ball through the hoop while preventing them from doing the same. Movement is handled with the D-pad, and button presses let you pass, shoot, and steal. There is no complex playbook or deep strategy layer - just pick up the ball, drive toward the basket, and take your shot. The game supports a two-player versus mode, so you can challenge a friend head-to-head. Takin' It to the Hoop is worth a look today if you enjoy pick-up-and-play sports games from the late 80s and early 90s. It does not try to simulate real basketball intricacies, which means you can jump in and start playing within seconds. Its place on the TurboGrafx-16 library is as a competent but not groundbreaking arcade sports title. Compared to contemporaries like NBA Jam, it feels more restrained, but it still captures the energy of a quick court match without overwhelming the player with options.

GAME INFO

Platform: NEC TURBOGRAFX-16
Genre: Sports
Publisher: NEC
Released: 1990
Players: 1-2
Region: USA

How to play Takin' It to the Hoop online

Getting Started: When you boot the game, you will see a title screen. Press Start to proceed. The menu offers options like one-player game, two-player versus, and maybe a practice mode. Use the D-pad to highlight your choice and press X to confirm. In single-player mode, you control the team on offense and defense. The computer controls your teammates but you can call for passes using the B button. The core loop is simple: inbound the ball, move your player toward the opponent's basket, pass to open teammates, and shoot when close. On defense, try to intercept passes or block shots. The game runs on a shot clock, so do not stall too long. Matches are divided into quarters; the team with the most points at the end wins. If you are playing two-player, both players share the same screen, taking turns on offense and defense depending on who has the ball.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: I button
S: II button
Enter: Run / Start
V: Select

Takin' It to the Hoop FAQ

Who developed Takin' It to the Hoop?

The original arcade version was developed by Sega, and the TurboGrafx-16 port was handled internally by NEC Home Electronics. Exact developer credits for the port are not widely documented.

Is Takin' It to the Hoop considered easy to pick up or challenging?

It is very easy to pick up. Controls are minimal and the gameplay focuses on fast-paced arcade action rather than deep simulation, making it accessible to newcomers. Skilled players can find some depth in passing and shot timing.

Does Takin' It to the Hoop have a multiplayer or co-op mode?

It includes a two-player versus mode where two players compete head-to-head on the same screen. There is no cooperative team play; multiplayer is strictly competitive.

All NEC TURBOGRAFX-16 games