NBA Jam
About the Game
A 2010 update of the original NBA Jam , this version was released initially for the Wii, and later as a standalone HD title for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. It retains the series' classic 2-on-2 gameplay with loose rules, plus the inclusion of all 30 teams from the 2010-2011 NBA season, and a new Remix Mode adding even more arcade elements to the on-court action. True to the original, NBA Jam allows players to steal the ball and shove opponents without penalty, hold down a recharging "turbo" modifier to juice up their speed and moves, and become "on fire" after three consecutive baskets.
Gameplay & Core Systems
Extended rosters are also taken from NBA Jam Tournament Edition - giving each team at least three players with varying strengths and stats, who can be substituted at halftime. Injuries are not present in this game, and each team's roster can be expanded with unlockable players earned by completing in-game achievements. Players that grab these icons gain temporary benefits, like instant on-fire, or invulnerability to being shoved. Other modes bring back "hot spots" that grant point bonuses for shots made within them, an "elimination" mode where the lowest-scoring player after each quarter is ejected from the game, a mode where backboards are given a life bar and each team tries to shatter their opponents' board first, and a variation on the classic 21 street ball game. Players can also choose to tackle a Classic campaign, where they guide one team against all other 29 NBA teams, or a Remix campaign, where strong performance grants points used to unlock new divisions, and boss battles against basketball greats await.
Standout Features
- Completing these challenges unlocks new teams and secret cheats.
- For the Wii, players can tilt the remote up, then down to mimic shooting the ball.
- The game uses various digital photos of its players upon animated CG bodies, with their expressions changing (somewhat comically) based on their actions.
- All versions also have the option to use some element of motion controls.
- Online multiplayer is supported for the PS3 and Xbox360.
Modes & Ways to Play
Remix Mode also takes elements from NBA Jam Tournament Edition by reintroducing on-court powerup icons. The Wii, iPad and iPhone versions only support local multiplayer.
Player support includes Same/Split-Screen, Co-Op, and Team.
Presentation & Atmosphere
Graphics are fully HD for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Display support includes Progressive Scan (480p), HDTV 720p, and Widescreen (16 x 9). Audio support includes Dolby Digital.
