Game Info
---------------------------------------------------
Developer: Midway
Publisher: Midway
Year of Release: 1993
Game Review & Impressions
---------------------------------------------------
Throughout the 90s, Midway was on the up. The coin-op developer had achieved global fame (and a degree of infamy) with its blood-soaked beat 'em up, Mortal Kombat, but that wasn't their only major success during this period.
NBA Jam, a hyper-stylised take on 2-on-2 basketball proved to be an equally iconic release, perhaps more-so for the slew of home console conversions than the actual arcade game. I never got to see the arcade machine back then, let alone play it. I rented the Sega Genesis version at some point, and I still have the original cartridge for my Sega Game Gear; that version was really good fun too, as I recall.
Trying the arcade version for the first time, it's remarkable just how well the game holds up. The control scheme is extremely simple to pick up -- there's even a brief tutorial the first time you play -- and the digitised graphics, now a staple feature of Midway games of this era, still look cool, even with the player's oversized heads stitched somewhat incongruously atop their bodies. Crucially, the decision to license the major teams and key players from the NBA at time was a big deal; being able to play as your favourite team and dunk some hoops, complete with over-the-top commentary was a major selling point. The machine also keeps track of your wins and losses through when registering your initials, which would have added a genuine sense of competition if you found a cabinet at your local hang-out.
As for the game itself, it's a slick interpretation of basketball, albeit with the limit of two players per team. It features most of the rules of the real sport, including shot clock, goal tending, 3-pointers and more. Fouls are most definitely allowed here, however, which is just as well - shoving really is the key to victory here, and players are encouraged to be as unsporting as possible.
By default, the CPU takes charge of the second player on the team, taking care of movement around the court. When in possession of the ball, you can instruct the CPU to pass or shoot by tapping the appropriate button. All too often, sports games fall down due to incompetent AI, but giving the human player a degree of control over their teammate makes a big difference here.
There's really little negative to say about NBA Jam, other than it would have robbed you blind on the stock settings. Costing 8 credits to play through a whole match, you'd need deep pockets if you wanted to play every single team in the NBA, that's for sure.
Aside from the unscrupulous shakedown, NBA Jam remains an excellent arcade title, and great basketball game - BOOMSHAKALA!
Information & Trivia
---------------------------------------------------
Video Notes
---------------------------------------------------
Related Longplays & Videos
---------------------------------------------------
Chapters
---------------------------------------------------
#nbajam #arcadegames #retrogaming
Информация по комментариям в разработке