Rating

A

Specific Ratings

GraphicsA-
SoundA+
GameplayA+
Replay ValueA
Learning CurveA

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • More cheats and extras than ever before
  • Plenty of fun game modes
  • Fun either solo or with friends
Cons
  • Different announcing voice than previous versions

NBA Jam (Xbox 360)

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Summary

NBA Jam is a great game.The graphics are much improved over its predecessors, and the multiple game modes are great fun, whether you're playing solo or with up to three friends.

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Description

NBA Jam is an arcade classic that had a huge following on the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo. Almost two decades later, the simple yet fun gameplay of the original remains intact, but a new coat of paint will make this appeal to modern audiences.

Graphics: Though NBA Jam's graphics can't stand up to the ultra-realistic style of Gears of War or Uncharted, they do a great job of bringing the game to life. Players won't be disappointed by the fluid movement and hilarious facial animation of today's NBA greats.

Gameplay: NBA Jam is a great pick-up-and-play type of game. Nearly all of your actions can be pulled off just with the joysticks, so anyone can jump in and be throwing down some serious dunks in no time. The career mode is the meat of the game, but I enjoyed playing the other modes just as much. Remix mode livens things up with shorter quarters and random power-ups. Elimination mode pits three players against each other, with the lowest scorer being eliminated after each round. Domination and 21 are two other decent modes, but Smash mode is great. In this mode, players battle in a high-flying dunk-off as they try to smash each other's backboards to bits.

Extras: Everyone likes that feeling that comes with unlocking new achievements, right? That's why you will be happy with the new achievement/trophy system that ups the game's replay value considerably. Advancing in the game also means unlocking new characters and basketballs to play with. Some of these extras are opened up by winning "Boss Battles," where players have to defeat a boss character that possesses some type of special power. There are dozens of players and secrets to unlock, and fans of the original will be sure to see many familiar faces. And of course, many secrets can be unlocked with the always fun cheat code system. Keep a cheat sheet handy at all times, and the game will be even more entertaining than it already is.

Overall: When remaking a classic game, it's difficult to keep a balance between adding great new content and keeping the same atmosphere and feeling that made the original great. The new NBA Jam strikes a perfect balance between old and new, giving players the same feeling of satisfaction when you hear "He's on fire!" Overall, it's a great game for anyone who is a fan of basketball games or fast-paced arcade action. I highly recommend it.

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