Original Release: Konami, 1990, Arcade
Konami’s knockoff of Arch Rivals didn’t gain anywhere near the same amount of traction, thanks mostly to limited options and being pricey to play
Punk Shot (Arcade, Konami, 1990)
Where to Buy: eBay
How to Emulate: Arcade Emulation Guide
Review by: C. M0use
Konami hit it big with Double Dribble in the early days of basketball video games, but somehow Punk Shot is a follow-on that slipped through the cracks … I think lack of variety in the gameplay was a factor, but even more so the fact that it just kinda randomly keeps charging you more quarters to play no matter how good or bad you’re doing.
This one is absolutely nothing like Double Dribble, it’s two-on-two street hoops with a very different gameplay feel. Not the least of which is one of the two buttons is, when not used for passing the ball, instead used for legal punches and kicks on the opponent. One good smack usually jars the ball loose, though it may or may not go directly back into your hands.
It makes a nice first impression with its colorful graphics and Japan take on the US inner city scene of the 80s-90s (usually entertaining), but you also quickly start noticing the limitations. One is that there are only four players to choose from, you pick two and you battle the other two into eternity. The gameplay structure is also weird; you play five periods of a few minutes each, but each one roams over a variety of different courts each with their own little obstacles strewn about.
The killer is that, unless I’m missing something, you’re just charged at intervals to continue playing regardless of whether you’re winning or losing or what. It costs like $2 to $2.50 just to complete a game. Obviously with modern emulation that’s not such an issue (though it’s irritating how often it interrupts the game), but you can see how it drove people off in arcades. The game also seems to hustle you too, the computer doesn’t play too well in the opening periods but then pours it on in the last two.
The game is pretty clearly a response to Bally’s Arch Rivals, which came out about a year prior. But while that evolved into the famous NBA Jam, this one just kinda petered out for Konami with seemingly little arcade penetration and not much of a shelf life.
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