Game Company’s Description: Lacing up its high tops and taking to the air with its legendary NBA video game action, Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ.SC: AKLM) today announced that it has shipped its eagerly anticipated title, NBA JAM, for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft. Developed by Acclaim Studios Austin, NBA JAM returns with its trademark over-the-top, arcade-style 3-on-3 gameplay, “On Fire,” “Big Head” mode and hot spots, as well as all-new rim-rocking moves specifically designed for the next-generation gaming systems.
“NBA JAM is back and it’s bigger and better than ever,” said David Knies, Director of Brand for Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. “We’ve designed a game that delivers all of the trademark characteristics that have made NBA JAM a multimillion unit-selling brand, and offer tons of new features that are sure to have fans of all ages screaming BOOMSHAKALAKA!”
All of the popular NBA JAM trademark features, including over-the-top 3-on-3 gameplay, “On-Fire” and “Big Head” modes, no fouls, Hotspots, monster dunks and surprising hidden characters and teams;
• All 29 current NBA teams, players and arenas, plus many famous retired NBA arenas and outdoor playground courts;
• Over 70 of the NBA’s greatest players from the past 50 years in the all-new Legends Tournament. Including Magic Johnson, Julius Irving, Larry Bird and many others;
• Journey through the NBA of the 1950’s – 1990’s with era-specific music, uniforms, hairstyles, commentary and moves;
• Over 700 new motion captured animations, including signature moves for current NBA All-Stars and Legends;
• Numerous game modes, including quick-play Exhibition, NBA JAM Tournament, and NBA Legends Tournament;
• All-new Create-A-Player which allows players to build their very own court warrior;
• Purchase upgraded attributes, apparel, cheat codes and other surprises in the all-new JAM Store;
• Commentary by Tim Kitzrow, the original “boomshakalaka” voice of NBA JAM;
• Up to four player multi-player option on Xbox and six player multi-player option on PlayStation®2;
• Three original tracks created by Grammy-winning recording legend Bootsy Collins, as well as his color commentary during Legends’ Mode;
• Downloadable secret characters available exclusively on Xbox(TM) Live.
Look: The 3D graphics are combined with a cartoon look, sort of like Homer Simpson going pro. The players do look like their professional counterpart.
Feel: Anyone who has played NBA Jam in the arcade or on the SNES won’t be surprised to find the cartoon atmosphere with gravity defying moves. Acclaim didn’t stray from the formula that made the original NBA Jam successful – that has its downfalls. There isn’t much variety and it’s easy to get bored of the same dunks and alley-oops. Not to mention it’s easy to blow past the competition. Defense is much too easy. Then there is the way the CPU can always catch up no matter how beaten they are. I guess that makes it a challenge but can’t make up for the initial problem with AI. The only really cool feature is unlocking legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Larry Bird.
Hear: You probably don’t know who Tim Kitzrow is, but he was the original commentator for NBA Jam and is back for this go around. Kitzrow changes his commentary depending upon the era. Nice touch. Then there is Bootsy Collins to give us the fi-slamma-jamma commentary for the ‘70s.
Frankly: NBA Jam is fun for a while, much more fun with a friend. The fun doesn’t last forever. It’s not like EA or Sega releases where there is endless depth and seasons. Jam on your friends otherwise the computer might put you to sleep.
+ Rick Carey
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