"Classic jam action, plain and simple"

NBA Jam Tournament Edition is the Saturn's piece of classic jam action, featuring several new features like hotspots and juice mode. Coming at the end of this series' memorable run, it blended the old mechanics with a few new ones. One of the most recognized games out there, how did this edition turn out? Here's my take on it:

GRAPHICS: 7/10
This is kind of a tough category to rate, because the game really doesn't attempt to improve the formula from years before. The developers actually mapped each NBA player's face onto their bodies, which is a nice touch. It does look a little ridiculous when a player always has a smiling face on no matter what, but it's just part of the game. The stadium is pretty much what it has always been, with a 2D crowd and announcers. In terms of animation and frame rate, the game does well. It always runs smooth and maintains a good framerate. The shooting animations and jams look good, even if they are overused. Acclaim even included some full motion video of teams taken from the 94-95 season, and it takes you way back. Acclaim really didn't mess with the graphics much, and you can't blame them. Why fix what isn't broken? Midway took the series 3D with the next installment, and that pretty much killed it.

SOUND: 7/10
First off, the announcer is classic. "Boom-shakalaka, the nail in the coffin...", all the classic one-liners are here. Hearing him say "He's on fire" never gets old. The announcer actually does say every players' name, including the hidden ones. You have to love the technology of the CD. However, the background music is seriously lacking. It is basically just the same track, and it wears on you pretty quick. Menu music ain't bad and it gets the job done. The sound effects are standard, with the squeaking of sneakers and the grunts of the players. Again, it's really all about the announcer. Though simple, he is still one of the classic sounds of gaming.

GAMEPLAY: 7/10
NBA Jam is a fun game of basketball. It's 2-on-2 action with no fouls besides goaltending, and the emphasis is on scoring and outrageous jams. Defenders can steal the ball or just flat out knock the opposition over, usually causing the ball to squirt out. Turbo is also a key feature, as each player has a limited supply and it makes for better dunks, passes, and hits. Dunks are easy to perform. The game also rates each player on ten different categories, ranging for 3-pointers to speed to clutchness. The attempt to create some parity works out well, as guys like Mark Price really can't dunk but can drain the trey. Patrick Ewing is more about rocking the rim. Substitutions are allowed after each quarter, as players do become tired and move slower. The additions of hotspots and juice mode make the game much more interesting, as you could potentially hit a nine point shot. It's a simple yet enjoyable game.

REPLAYABILITY/LASTING VALUE: 8/10
NBA Jam is one of the best party games out there. Playing with a buddy and talking smack is as good as it gets. Single player mode comes down to ultimately having to beat all 27 NBA teams, with the difficulty increasing as you go along. I didn't find it all that difficult, however, but the ride was a good one. There are a ton of codes for the game, and guys like Bill Clinton and the Fresh Prince can be unlocked. The AI really isn't anything special, as the computer rarely puts up a good fight, even on the hardest difficulty setting. Even the championship game was a walk in the park. It's all about the multiplayer here. Playing as the different mascots and hidden characters is usually worth a couple laughs and can make for some good matchups.

WORTH BUYING: YES
It's probably about ten bucks or less now on the internet, and it's worth it for that price. Fans of the classic games won't be disappointed, and newcomers need to pick up this piece of gaming history. There are plenty of unlockables and codes to find and it's as good an arcade sports title as you'll find. Every Saturn owner should have it.

It's a shame that the jam really died out around this time. Midway made another NBA Jam, but they went 3D and it wasn't the same. Still, it had a good run while it lasted, and it still inspires games today like NBA Ballers (even if it didn't get great reviews). I still find it hard to believe that they didn't continue the series, because everyone I know loves it. For the price, you can do much worse, and here's to hoping for another edition someday in the future.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/29/08

Game Release: NBA Jam Tournament Edition (US, 1995)