Takin' It to the Hoop (USA)
What is Takin' It to the Hoop (USA)?
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.
How to Play Takin' It to the Hoop (USA) 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.
Takin' It to the Hoop (USA) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: I button
- S: II button
- Enter: Run / Start
- V: Select
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