NBA Jam | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | EA Canada |
Publisher(s) | EA Sports |
Producer(s) | Nick Channon Nathan McDonald |
Designer(s) | Jeremy Tiner |
Programmer(s) | Andrew Pojar |
Artist(s) | Rob Hilson |
Series | NBA Jam |
Platform(s) | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, iOS, Windows Phone, Android, Mac OS X |
Release | October 5, 2010 |
Genre(s) | Sports |
Mode(s) | Single-player or multiplayer |
NBA Jam is a basketball video game developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports. It is the latest installment in the NBA Jam video game franchise, released in 2010. The game was initially planned to be available as a full retail release for the Wii, with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions available for download via a coupon upon purchasing NBA Elite 11 . Following the delay and eventual cancelation of Elite, [4] the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions were released as standalone titles in November 2010. [1]
The game has a unique visual style, using 3D models with high-resolution photographs for the heads of each of the players. Several aspects such as the outrageous slam dunks and the ball catching on fire return from the original games. [5] [6] Original NBA Jam creator Mark Turmell served as a consultant. [7] Tim Kitzrow, the announcer from the original NBA Jam also returned, re-recording all the lines from previous NBA Jam titles. All NBA Rosters are accurate as of April 7, 2010. The Mac version of the game is also available for Mac OS X through the Mac version of the Mac App Store, making it the only official computer version of the game.
NBA Jam is a 2-on-2 basketball game with a unique art style. In the game, the bodies take on a 3D look, while their heads take on a 2D look, which have realistic digitized likenesses.
The game retains its usual exaggerated nature of play - players jump many times their own height, making slam dunks that defy both human capabilities and the laws of physics. There are no fouls, free throws, or violations except defensive goaltending and shot clock violations. This means the player is able to freely shove or elbow his opponent out of the way. Additionally, the game has an "on fire" feature, where if one player makes three baskets in a row, he becomes "on fire" and has unlimited turbo, no goaltending, and increased shooting ability, until the other team scores (or the player has scored nine consecutive baskets while "on fire").
Some new features in NBA Jam include Campaign, which has 1-on-1 boss battles; Elimination, which includes up to four players and the player with the lowest number of points is the loser; 21, which is a 1-on-1 match where the first one to get 21 points is the winner; and Domination.
The game is filled with Easter Eggs, special features and players activated by initials or button/joystick combinations. For example, players can enter special codes to unlock hidden players. Some characters can only be unlocked by completing certain challenges.
The Wii version of the game is split into two modes, a classic mode which plays like a traditional NBA Jam experience, and a Remix Tour which features all new camera angles, power-ups and boss battles. Players are able to choose between Wii Remote, Wii Remote and Nunchuck, Classic Controller, and Classic Controller Pro control styles. Online play is not supported. [8]
At the end of the game, players have to battle NBA legends Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson. [9] The game also features more than 30 other legends including: Manute Bol, Clyde Drexler, Julius Erving, Kevin McHale, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dennis Rodman, Detlef Schrempf, Isiah Thomas, Spud Webb, and James Worthy. [10] [11]
In November 2010 a standalone game was released from EA Sports. A downloadable HD version of NBA Jam for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 was planned to be bundled with copies of NBA Elite 11 . This version initially lacked the Wii version's Remix Tour mode, but included online multiplayer. However, due to the delay of NBA Elite 11 (followed by its eventual cancellation [12] ), the HD versions of NBA Jam would now be standalone products; they were released in November 2010, and included the Remix Tour mode. [13] EA Sports President Peter Moore stated that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions would be released "before the holidays" in 2010, [14] and the game would be released on retail disc. [15] On October 21 EA announced they would release full retail copies of the game on both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on November 17, and would retail for $49.99. These enhanced versions would feature upgraded HD visuals and online play, and would receive further online updates in December.[ citation needed ]
An enhanced On Fire edition of NBA Jam was released for the Xbox 360 and PS3 in October 2011 as a downloadable title. NBA Jam: On Fire Edition compensates for this with improved gameplay mechanics, graphics, and sound.
Aggregator | Score | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
iOS | PS3 | Wii | Xbox 360 | |
Metacritic | 87/100 [16] | 71/100 [17] | 79/100 [18] | 75/100 [19] |
Publication | Score | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
iOS | PS3 | Wii | Xbox 360 | |
Destructoid | N/A | N/A | 7.5/10 [20] | N/A |
Eurogamer | N/A | 7/10 [21] | N/A | 7/10 [21] |
Game Informer | N/A | N/A | 8.25/10 [22] | N/A |
GamePro | [23] | N/A | [24] | N/A |
GameSpot | N/A | 7/10 [25] | 7/10 [26] | 7/10 [25] |
GameTrailers | N/A | N/A | 7.5/10 [27] | N/A |
Giant Bomb | N/A | [28] | [28] | [28] |
IGN | 8.5/10 [29] [30] | 7.5/10 [31] | 8.5/10 [32] | 7.5/10 [31] |
Joystiq | N/A | N/A | [33] | N/A |
Nintendo Power | N/A | N/A | 9/10 [34] | N/A |
Official Xbox Magazine (US) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7/10 [35] |
Pocket Gamer | [36] | N/A | N/A | N/A |
PlayStation: The Official Magazine | N/A | 6/10 [37] | N/A | N/A |
TouchArcade | [38] | N/A | N/A | N/A |
411Mania | N/A | 7.5/10 [39] | 8.8/10 [40] | 7.5/10 [39] |
Metro | N/A | N/A | 7/10 [41] | N/A |
NBA Jam received "generally favorable reviews" on all platforms except the PlayStation 3 version, which received "average" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. [16] [17] [18] [19] IGN called the Wii version "an incredibly fun pick-up-and-play game with an insane competitive edge." [32] Game Informer said that the same console version's only major flaw is its lack of online multiplayer. GameTrailers said that the lack of online play in the same console version hurts its value as a retail product. GameZone gave the same console version seven out of ten and stated, "With an all too familiar feeling, NBA Jam serves as homage to the games we have lost from yesteryear. What it boils down to is: the gameplay hasn't changed all that much and aside from unlocking the plethora of classic players such as Detlef Schrempf and Chris Mullin, there's little reason to return to NBA Jam after a few hours of play." [42] PlayStation Official Magazine – Australia gave the PS3 version eight out of ten, saying that it "always succeeded by being better with friends, and that hasn't changed. There's an updated remix mode with a few new modes that are more gimmick and curious distractions than serious contenders for your time. You'll get the most amount of playtime out of the standard mode, especially when you're really dominating a game against your mates." [43] However, PlayStation Official Magazine – UK gave it six out of ten, saying that "it'll keep you amused for an hour every few weeks." [44]
Aggregator | Score | |
---|---|---|
PS3 | Xbox 360 | |
Metacritic | 81/100 [45] | 85/100 [46] |
Publication | Score | |
---|---|---|
PS3 | Xbox 360 | |
GamePro | [47] | [47] |
GameRevolution | B+ [48] | N/A |
GameSpot | 8.5/10 [49] | 8.5/10 [49] |
GameTrailers | N/A | 7.8/10 [50] |
GameZone | 9/10 [51] | 9/10 [51] |
IGN | 9/10 [52] | 9/10 [52] |
PlayStation Official Magazine – Australia | 8/10 [53] | N/A |
PlayStation Official Magazine – UK | 8/10 [54] | N/A |
Official Xbox Magazine (US) | N/A | 8/10 [55] |
PlayStation: The Official Magazine | 8/10 [56] | N/A |
411Mania | N/A | 9.2/10 [57] |
The On Fire Edition received "favorable" reviews on both platforms according to Metacritic. [45] [46]
During the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated NBA Jam: On Fire Edition for "Sports Game of the Year". [58]
Alone in the Dark is a survival horror video game published by Atari Interactive and is the fifth installment of the series under the same name. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360 and Wii in Europe, North America, and Australia in June 2008. The PlayStation 3 version, titled Alone in the Dark: Inferno, was released in November 2008 and includes several enhancements from the other versions. The Windows, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions were released by Electronic Arts in Japan on December 25, 2008.
Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII is a flight combat video game for Microsoft Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii. It was developed by Ubisoft Bucharest during the second fiscal quarter of 2006 for both the North American and European regions. The game features 46 different World War II fighter planes and allows the player or players to take part in several World War II events as a fictional squadron. Online support allows 16 players to take part in head-to-head and co-operative battles.
Madden NFL 07 is an American football video game based on the NFL that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the first in the video game series to debut for the PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles as launch titles and the last Madden game to be released on the Game Boy Advance. Former Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is on the cover.
The Bigs is an arcade-style baseball video game for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii and PlayStation Portable. It was released in June 2007 in North America, and in October in the PAL region. A sequel, The Bigs 2, was released on July 7, 2009.
Top Spin 3 is the third title in the Top Spin series of video games. The game was developed by PAM Development and published by 2K. New game elements include real-time weather effects, more options of professional tennis players, an in-depth character creation tool and new unparalleled gameplay mechanics. It also features impressive advancements in an audio/visual sense with improved Dolby Digital surround sound and "Evolutionary" visuals. Top Spin 4 was released as a sequel about three years later.
Madden NFL 09 is an American football video game based on the NFL that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the 20th annual installment in the Madden NFL video game franchise. The game was released for the Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360, and mobile phones. It was the last video game for the original Xbox produced and released in North America and the last Madden game to be released for the Nintendo DS.
UEFA Euro 2008 is the official video game of the Euro 2008 football tournament, published by EA Sports. It was developed collaboratively by EA Canada and HB Studios and was released in Europe and North America on 18 April 2008 and 19 May 2008 respectively. The commentary was provided by Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend.
FIFA 09 is a football simulation video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts under the EA Sports label. It was released in October 2008 for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360 and Zeebo. It was later in November 2008 released for the N-Gage 2.0 and mobile phones.
The Bigs 2 is a baseball sports video game developed by Blue Castle Games and published by 2K for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, and PlayStation Portable. The game serves as the direct sequel to The Bigs. The first trailer for the game was released revealing players like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Roberto Clemente, and Reggie Jackson and a number of other Hall of Famers. Milwaukee Brewers All-Star first baseman Prince Fielder is the cover athlete chosen by 2K Sports. For the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii editions of the game, the English play-by-play announcer is Damon Bruce while the Japanese announcer is Kasey Ryne Mazak. It was released in 2009. The game was indirectly followed-up by Nicktoons MLB.
NCAA Basketball 10 is a basketball video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts. It was released on November 17, 2009 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Former University of Oklahoma and Former NBA forward Blake Griffin is featured on the cover.
FIFA 11, titled FIFA Soccer 11 in North America, is a football simulation video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts worldwide under the EA Sports label. It was released on 28 September 2010 in North America, 30 September 2010 in Australia, and 1 October 2010 in Europe for all platforms, except the Wii and Nintendo DS. The Wii version was released on 1 October 2010 in North America and Europe and the DS version on 8 October 2010. The Windows version of FIFA 11 is the first in the series to use the same game engine as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions. The game received positive reviews and was awarded 'Sports Game of the Year' at the Golden Joystick Awards after a record-breaking 2.05 million votes. This was the last FIFA title to be released for the Nintendo DS.
UFC Undisputed 2010 is a mixed martial arts fighting game featuring Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) properties and fighters developed by Yuke's and published by THQ in 2010 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PlayStation Portable. It is the second game to be released under THQ's 2007 agreement with the UFC and it is a sequel to the successful UFC 2009 Undisputed. Another sequel, UFC Undisputed 3, was released in 2012.
Rock of the Dead is a music video game. It was developed by Epicenter Studios and distributed by Conspiracy Entertainment and UFO Interactive Games. The game was released in 2010 for iOS, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
Top Spin 4 is a tennis video game developed by 2K Czech and published by 2K released on the PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360 consoles. The game features licensed professional players, venues and equipment. The game was released on March 15, 2011 in America, and was released on March 18 in the PAL region. The PS3 version supports the PlayStation Move and is also compatible in 3D. The Xbox 360 version does not support the Kinect but is 3D compatible.
UFC Personal Trainer: The Ultimate Fitness System is a fighting and fitness video game created by THQ, based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The game requires the Kinect accessory for the Xbox 360 version and the PlayStation Move and PlayStation Eye Camera for the PlayStation 3 version. The Wii version does not require any additional accessories to play.
Thor: God of Thunder is an action hack and slash video game based on the Marvel Studios film Thor. The game was developed by Liquid Entertainment and co-written by Matt Fraction. Thor: God of Thunder marks Thor's first standalone appearance in a video game and features the voices of Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and Jaimie Alexander, who reprise their roles from the film. The game was released in 2011 for Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360 and Nintendo 3DS. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game can be played in 3D on 3DTVs and on 2DTVs via TriOviz Inificolor 3D glasses. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were met with unfavorable reviews, while the Wii, DS, and 3DS versions were met with mixed reviews.
Madden NFL 12 is an American football video game based on the National Football League published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It was released on August 30, 2011 in North America and Asia, September 1, 2011 in Australia, and September 2, 2011 in Europe. It was available on August 27, 2011 to EA Sports Season Ticket subscribers for a three-day trial. It was the last Madden NFL game to be released on the PlayStation Portable and the PlayStation 2.
How to Train Your Dragon is an action-adventure game based on the movie of the same name. It was developed by Étranges Libellules and published by Activision on March 23, 2010, for the Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo DS. The game enables players to create their own dragons and move through a series of levels, or to fight amongst friends. It has received generally mixed reviews from critics.
Just Dance 4 is a 2012 music rhythm game developed and published by Ubisoft as the fourth main installment of the Just Dance series. Announced at E3 2012 by Flo Rida and Aisha Tyler, it was released on the Wii, the Wii U, the PlayStation 3, and the Xbox 360. The Wii, PlayStation Move and Kinect versions were released on October 2, 2012 in Europe and Australia and on October 9, 2012 in North America, The Wii U version was released on November 18, 2012 in North America and on November 30, 2012 in Europe and Australia, as a launch title for the console.