Magic Johnson’s Fast Break is an arcade-style, 2-on-2 basketball game released for the NES in 1990 by Tradewest. Instead of focusing on deep simulation or official rosters, the game opts for accessible, fast-paced action on a side-scrolling full court. It is particularly notable for being one of the few NES titles to support up to four-player simultaneous gameplay, accompanied by a memorable upbeat soundtrack from composer Tim Follin.
How to Play
The objective is to outscore your opponent across four three-minute quarters. You can compete in single-player against the computer to earn a higher “salary,” or play multiplayer with friends. The controls are simple but highly sensitive:
- Move: Arrow Keys (D-pad)
- Pass (Offense) / Switch Player (Defense): X (B button)
- Shoot (Offense) / Steal (Defense): Z (A button)
- Start Game / Pause: Enter (Start)
- Cycle Options (Title Screen): Shift (Select)
Tips
- Beat the pressure: The AI applies constant full-court pressure. Quick, well-timed passes are essential to avoid frequent turnovers.
- Adjust the difficulty: If you are playing single-player, use the Select button on the title screen to change the skill level from A (Rookie) to E (Professional).
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