Retronexus - NBA Jam

This was originally supposed to be a retronexus for Vectorman, but seeing as that game is too damn hard for a shitty gamer like myself (at least for now), I've decided to switch it up and do one for NBA Jam for the Sega Genesis.

Ah, NBA Jam.

What makes this game so great? Is it the non-seriousness of the whole experience, when compared with regular sports games? Is it the two man teams that makes the game easier to pick up and adjust to? Is it the over-the-top dunks and shots and the ability to turn the ball into fire?

Is it "BOOM SHAKA LAKA"?

I'll answer my own question. It's all of the above.

NBA Jam is a rediculously fun experience. One of the best aspects of the game is that anyone can enjoy it, even if you're not a fan of basketball. You have three choices of gameplay: you can either play by yourself against the computer, play against a friend, or play with a friend against a computer. There are no season, dynasty, create-a-player, or tournament modes that are staples in today's sports games. This is a bare-bones game, but it couldn't be any other way.

In the actual gameplay, you play as one of the two players on your team, while the other player is controlled by either the computer or a friend (when the computer has the ball you can't control his movement, but can control when he shoots or passes). When you are in possession of the ball, the A button is to shoot, B is for a speed boost, and C is to pass. When the opponent has the ball, A is to jump, B is still boost, and C is to distract/steal the ball. You can also press B and C at the same time to push the opponent down, which is just hilarious when you see it. Other than that, its played pretty similar to a regular basketball game. With the exception of the crazyness mentioned before. Most of the time when you approach the basket fairly close and press the shoot button, you'll perform one of a series of insane dunks where the player jumps 30-or-so feet in the air. If you manage to get 3 shots in a row, you'll be "on fire", and will be able to take even more insane shots. It's a wildly fun game and is made even better because it doesn't take itself seriously at all. Just listen to the commentator. You'll understand.

Overall I had a great time playing this game again, and I know I'll be playing it again in the near future. I must not be the only one who loves it, because they're putting out a remake which will be available soon on the new-gen consoles! I can't wait, and I'm sure I am not the only one.

-James C.