“NBA Jam” is a classic arcade basketball game developed by Midway and first released in 1993. The game is known for its over-the-top, exaggerated style of two-on-two basketball.
NBA Jam Facts
- “NBA Jam” was first released in 1993 by Midway for the arcades.
- The game features two-on-two basketball games and exaggerated, over-the-top gameplay.
- “NBA Jam” was one of the first sports games to feature NBA-licensed teams and players. However, certain notable players, such as Michael Jordan, were not included due to licensing issues.
- The game introduced many catchphrases to the gaming culture, such as “He’s on fire!” and “Boomshakalaka!”.
- The original game has a hidden feature where the Chicago Bulls would miss last-second shots against the Detroit Pistons, a nod to the rivalry between the two teams at the time.
- The arcade version of the game used an optical disc to store the large amount of digitized speech, graphics, and sound effects.
- It was the first game to use the term “on fire” to indicate a player who has made three shots in a row without the other team scoring.
- The console versions of “NBA Jam” were some of the best-selling games of their time, with the Super NES and Sega Genesis versions selling millions of copies.
- “NBA Jam” has been updated and remade several times, including “NBA Jam: Tournament Edition”, “NBA Jam 2000”, “NBA Jam 2001”, and “NBA Jam 2002”.
- The creators of the game put several hidden characters in the game, including then-President Bill Clinton.
- The original “NBA Jam” arcade game was known for its large, durable joystick, which could withstand the intense gameplay.
- The game’s success led to several sequels and spin-offs, including “NBA Hangtime” and “NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC”.
- “NBA Jam” was one of the first video games to feature product placements, with advertisements for companies like Acclaim and Midway in the game.
- Despite being a sports game, “NBA Jam” was popular even among non-sports fans due to its fun and accessible gameplay.
- A remake of the game, also called “NBA Jam”, was released for the Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 in 2010, featuring updated graphics and rosters.
NBA Jam Gameplay Tips
- Master the Controls: Familiarize yourself with the controls to execute moves more effectively. Practice dribbling, passing, and shooting to ensure smooth and accurate actions.
- Utilize Turbo Wisely: Turbo is a valuable resource that gives your players a speed boost. Use it strategically when making fast breaks, chasing down loose balls, or attempting powerful dunks.
- Collaborate with Your Teammate: Communication and coordination with your teammate are key. Pass the ball to your partner for open shots, perform alley-oops, and set up opportunities for double-team defense.
- Timing is Crucial: Pay attention to timing, particularly when shooting. Release the shoot button at the peak of your jump to increase the chances of sinking shots. Practice your timing for maximum accuracy.
- Take Advantage of Dunking: Dunks are high-percentage shots in “NBA Jam.” Use them whenever possible, as they are difficult for defenders to block. Aim for powerful dunks to build momentum and energize the crowd.
- Defensive Strategies: Play aggressive defense to block your opponents’ shots and disrupt their offense. Time your jumps to contest shots, and use turbo to quickly close down opponents and steal the ball.
- Monitor Hot Spots: Keep an eye out for hot spots on the court. When a player is “on fire,” they have an increased chance of making shots. Take advantage of this by getting the ball to the hot player for higher scoring opportunities.
- Use Power-ups: Power-ups occasionally appear on the court, such as extra turbo or increased shooting accuracy. Grab these power-ups to gain an advantage over your opponents.
- Pay Attention to Player Matchups: Take note of individual player strengths and weaknesses. Exploit matchups where you have the advantage, such as a strong dunker against a weaker defender.
- Learn Special Moves: Each player has unique special moves, including crossovers and spin moves. Experiment with different players and practice their special moves to surprise your opponents.
- Watch Out for “Big Head” Mode: Occasionally, a power-up can trigger “Big Head” mode, making players’ heads larger. While it may be entertaining, keep in mind that it can temporarily affect your gameplay and shooting accuracy.
NBA Jam Game Controls
PlayStation / Xbox:
- D-Pad / Left Analog Stick: Move your player.
- X / A Button: Pass, steal, block shots.
- Circle / B Button: Shoot, dunk, activate turbo.
- Square / X Button: Turbo boost.
- Triangle / Y Button: Switch players.
- L1 / LB Button: Activates turbo boost.
- R1 / RB Button: Pushes opponents.
