EA Sports is the biggest sports videogame publisher in the world, renown for the NFL Maddens and FIFAs which dominate most of the sports genre today. NBA Jam being an IP based on the SNES game from almost two decades ago makes a welcome return to today’s generation of consoles, but is also a bit of a surprise as it doesn’t quite seem to fit the publisher’s track record of big simulation style games. Either way, NBA Jam is back on the court and made a rather big splash even before its release. As opposed to the retail released Wii version, NBA Jam HD was supposed to be downloadable pack-in with the, since canceled, NBA Elite 11. When Elite was shelved for many reasons, EA decided to make this a standalone box retail release for 50 Dollars. Does NBA Jam warrant the higher asking price or is it just an air-ball?
I am sure many of you have played NBA Jam on the SNES and other condoles when it first released in 1993. The over the top arcade playstyle along with one of the most memorable announcers ever (Boomshakalaka!), made the original NBA Jam a hit that warranted a remake in 2010. EA Sports has decided to flesh out this, previously planned downloadable title, into a full game with several game modes including online matches over Xbox LIVE and Playstation Network.
Right off the bat, NBA Jam induces the classic feel of NBA Jam with new, fresh and crisp HD graphics as well as solid audio and of course Tim Kitzrow’s commentating that will put a smile on your face. There are several modes in this remake including the classic and familiar NBA Jam campaign, online multiplayer and the newly added ‘Remix Tour’ which has players compete in several different new challenges such as games with power-ups, ‘Backboard Smash’, ‘21’, ‘Domination Free-for-All’ and ‘Elimination’. While the new modes are fun, they don’t quite add enough to the game which will have most players spend their time playing the classic NBA Jam.
I really, really enjoyed playing the new NBA Jam. The game has the controls down to a perfect sweet spot as they feel very intuitive and satisfying, players will only need a few different buttons to play the game and have fun as they throw down unbelievable dunks and shove the opposition out if the way to score that final bucket while being on fire. Even though EA Sports is introducing the stick based controls many are familiar with from their other franchises, it is not necessary to use them to succeed. Playing 2 v 2 with an AI team mate can be a bit frustrating as he just doesn’t quite seem to get when I clear a lane or go up for an alley-oop. Something that might help overcome this sometimes frustrating problem is playing with another person online or offline, NBA Jam for 360 and PS3 includes seamless online multiplayer over LIVE or PSN, allowing for much customization and quick match making including the new ‘Remix’ game types. NBA Jam also keeps track of your stats and online progression which is a nice touch and has players come back many times, trying to improve their record.
It seems that EA Sports has managed to get the job done with NBA Jam. The game plays perfectly and how players would expect it to, all while looking pretty and with plenty of ‘Boomshakalaka’ through your speakers. I can’t help but feel though, that NBA Jam would have done a bit better as a downloadable title as the new game modes aren’t adding enough meat to the experience. Smashing backboards is fun for a while but does not make me continue to play it. The classic game mode is the best part of NBA Jam and had me playing many games offline and online alike. The amount of smack-talk to be had over LIVE or PSN in a game featuring players with giant heads, legal (and encouraged) shoving and dunking from the free throw line is remarkable. NBA Jam is very reminiscent of the days when we all played couch competitive one on one which often led to some painful bruises or ended friendships.
My final verdict for NBA Jam is bittersweet but overall positive. I would have liked to see this game hit the Playstation Store or the Xbox LIVE Marketplace at a lower price which would have made NBA Jam the possibly best downloadable game ever. However, playing the game brings back so many good memories along with hours and hours of quality content and fun experiences that I would have to recommend this title. NBA Jam is a really refreshing and well executed game made me feel like a kid again.
Score: 8 / 10
NBA Jam was developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports for the Xbox 360 and PS3 on November 16th. A copy of the Xbox 360 version was provided to us by EA Sports for reviewing purposes.
