In One on One the user is given the chance to play half court one-on-one basketball versus two of the greatest basketball players to ever grace the game. Julius Irving (Dr. J), the high flying circus act that pre dates Michael Jordan, and Larry Bird, the eminent sports man and sniper three point shooter. The game offers the user a chance to play as either of these greats, or challenge a friend.

The game is set in a bottom up half court perspective with the net at the top of the screen at all times. The user moves their selected player about the screen using the control keys or joystick and attempts to evade the defending player while trying to drive to the net or shoot the jump shot. The defensive player, on the other hand, must keep up with the offensive player while trying to steal the basketball away or block any shot attempts. Once the ball has left the hands of the offensive player, and if it doesn't go into the net, the rebound is up for grabs from either player and either player may jump and run to retrieve the ball. If the defensive player comes up with the ball, that user must clear the ball at the bottom of the screen before attempting to score a basket, as in real half court rules.

Games are played with a shot clock f 24 seconds, which requires that the offensive player take a shot within that time or forfeit the ball to the other side. Shot selection in the game consists of jump shots, three point jump shots, dunks and lay ups. The shot taken by the player depends upon the distance form the hoop when the trigger to shot is depressed. One will find Dr. J to be a better dunker while Larry Bird is a better three-point shooter.

Four difficulty levels allow for novice to professional play when battling against the machine. The option to be play two players is coupled with the option to play as either Dr. j or Bird. The user may choose to pause the game at any time, turn of the game and resume it at a later date, return to a saved game, or watch a computer demo. The final option set allows for a winners out or losers outs option, which means, if a player scores a basket, they will receive out of bounds possession, or not, respectively.

The game is divided into four quarters of four minutes each and the general rules of basketball apply for each quarter. Possession is always given to alternating players at the beginning of each quarter.

Fouls are called in the game and include such things as reaching in and travelling. When a foul is called the offending player will have a mark against them and the defensive player, depending if they were in the act of shooting or not, will be given two free throws or possession. ~ Ryan Glover, All Game Guide