NBA Jam is an arcade-style basketball video game developed and published by Midway (American video game developer and publisher) for the video game arcades in 1993. It was ported to the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive console in 1994.
Basketball video games were not as exciting and funny before this game debuted during the early 1990s. It was a hit in the Philippines because my country adored basketball so much that it is crazy sometimes.
The Story
The ultimate basketball jam comes home! You control the cool moves, surprise blocks, and amazing slam dunks of the NBA's superstars! Sky-walking slam dunks - cannonball, tomahawk, chopper, and more! Do the turbo boost for lightning-fast steals and surprising rejections. It is 4-player adaptable for true arcade competition with friends. The AutoStat saves your records and stats as you go for the Championships. NBA JAM puts you on the court and does it above-the-rim!
The Graphics and Sound
The visuals are a bit smooth although you cannot tell what your players look like. But you get to see their picture when you select them, and the fact that the slam dunks look incredible enough to dismiss the fact that you can't tell if that was your star player dunking or just some NPC. The different effects that you find in the game are also enough to make you dazzle. The best effects in the game come with the different super slam dunks that you do, like when the board shatters.
There is a little game music and all you hear, is the always annoying voice of the announcer calling out that you or your opponent is on fire or whatever. The sound effects are unfortunately limited to the squeaking of shoes on the court floor and the sound of the ball going through the hoop with a swishing sound. Some music and some other sound effects like the crowd cheering would have been sufficient.
The Gameplay
This is the type of old-school gameplay that ages quite well. The gameplay is really simple but you get drawn into it within a minute.
It is two versus two, and you and a player friend can either play against each other or be on the same team. You can also play alone as single player but it is not that fun.
When dribbling the ball, you can pass and shoot. Dunking is a big part of the game, and if you work your turbo mode right you will do the outrageous slam dunks. Defensively, you can do the steal, push and block. There are no free throws. It is back and forth basketball with two people on a team.
You also have a turbo meter, which enables giving you better luck with your shots and prettier dunks. Similarly, if you get shots in a row, the announcer shouts "HE'S ON FIRE!" This means you're powered up by having unlimited turbo and better chances at making your scores. But be careful, because you lose it the moment anyone else makes a good shot.
The controls are good and easy. The replay value is great if you can have a friend to play with. Up to 4 players are possible with extra controllers attached to a multi-tap on the console or if emulated on PC.
My Verdict
NBA Jam is a good basketball game that still is exciting to play today. It is a good additional must-play for any fans of arcade sports games.
Play it on the desirable Sega Genesis/Mega Drive console or play it well on your favorite emulator.