NBA Jam Longplay (Arcade) [4K]
75,271
2022-09-18に共有
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Developer: Midway
Publisher: Midway
Year of Release: 1993
Game Review & Impressions
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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
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Video Notes
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Related Longplays & Videos
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Chapters
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#nbajam #arcadegames #retrogaming
コメント (21)
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Truly one of the best sports games of all time.
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You had to really be alive during this time to really understand how popular this game was...
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Stuff like this and NFL Blitz made these sport games actually fun.
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The fact jordan wasn't in this game was a crime against humanity.
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"Stay in school" 🤣
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That "Here's The Tip!" soundclip is still embedded in my brain all these years later!
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I love how consistent the play by play was between this and NFL Blitz.
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13 friggen years old when this game came out 😮😮😮😮 time flys people
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Ah NBA JAM, one of the first games that told me to stay in school
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Met the man who announces this game down Pittsburgh at a gaming convention. Tim is super cool.
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How my eyes lit up as a middle school kid when I saw this in the corner store. This game blew my mind.
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This is a classic period. Thanks for the video AL
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One of few actually fun sport games. Loved it on SEGA
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This game takes me back to memory lane 😢 good ol times
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The cherry on the cake was breaking the backboard,and you delivered.good job!
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My childhood, I only I have played this game here on SNES, this port is so amazing.
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I remember playing this at the laundromat as a kid.
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I love how insane the statlines can get. My guy Pippen really had the greatest game in NBA history here. 91 points on 40/49 shooting with zero free throws and 56 steals is ludicrous 😭
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I thought my arcade speaker was broken but glad to hear that chirping noise in the background is standard in the game lol
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I don't see much "A.I. rubberbanding" here.
