Arch Rivals' game play focuses on two-on-two, no rules basketball. On offense, you just have to dribble the ball to the opposing team's hoop and make the shot. The physics of shooting are a little quirky - shots have a tendency of scoring or missing with about the same probability no matter where you take the shot. A shot from midway between half court and the three-point line has about the same chance as a shot taken from the free throw line. In fact, dunks go down with about the same frequency as a three pointer, even if no one is anywhere near you. This gives the game a more Arcade-like feel, but it also has the effect of completely castrating the game in terms of strategic game play. All you have to do is get to the opposing team's side and get open; it doesn't really matter where you take the shot.If that was Arch Rivals' only problem, it would still be somewhat playable. But in a terrible design decision, the developers programmed in short animated cut-scenes after each score. If the opposing team scores on you, you might see their coach cheering, or when your team scores you might see him yelling. Every so often you'll see cheerleaders or the referee instead. These cut-scenes are fairly well done in a cartoony and slightly humorous sort of way, but they completely disrupt the flow of the game. Instead of being able to smoothly transition into offense or defense, you have to watch a meaningless animation clip. It's very rare that a game is crippled by a severe design flaw that isn't even in the game play, but Arch Rivals shows that it's possible.
Both the graphics and music are of average quality. Aside from the four ugly and slightly deformed players running around fighting for the ball, there's no animation in the game. The crowd doesn't do the wave, cheer, or anything. There's actually no crowd at all, just ten or so bored looking guys (which portends how you'll probably feel about the game). The player animations are adequate, and the screen does manage to scroll back and forth smoothly to keep up with the action. Arch Rivals has no sound effects at all, and uses a bland little tune to cover up that deficiency. That tune happens to be four seconds long, so it gets played over and over. Needless to say, it gets annoying almost immediately.
Unimpressive graphics of average quality.
Sound
The game has no sound effects and repeats its music too often.
Enjoyment
The game play's flow is harshly disrupted by the cut-scenes that play after each score.
Replay Value
There are several teams to choose from, but they don't have much in the way of noticeable differences.
Documentation
Average documentation.
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