NBA Jam (Wii) Review

BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA! That’s right, it’s been well over a decade since the smash hit NBA Jam graced the SNES and Mega Drive in all its glory (and let’s not forget where it started, at the arcades). The classic version is also a classic game; 2-on-2 basketball using the real players and teams (at the time) of the NBA in America. This was no serious basketball game though; there were essentially no rules, the characters took on a more cartoon-like appearance with particularly big heads, and there was an abundance of cheats that could be applied to the game to make it even more bizarre. Remaking games is often a cheap attempt at trying to increase revenue and profit for those involved in creating the game. However, this isn’t always the case, and sometimes a legend is revived to remind veteran gamers and to educate newer gamers to its former status. This remake of NBA Jam on the Wii does it right. It captures the brilliance of the original title whilst injecting a healthy amount of new material to give it the update into modern times it deserves.

You don’t have to be a massive fan of basketball to enjoy this title. It doesn’t take itself very seriously and does not require the player to have a good understanding of basketball rules. In fact, there is really only one rule in this game, and that is you cannot block a ball from actually being shot through the net (also known as goaltending, and even this can be turned off). Because the rules are so simple, there is much more focus on just competing and it promotes a pick-up-and-play style of gaming that Nintendo themselves have focused on quite a bit. The game steers well away from being a serious sports title and is much more focused on entertainment. Expect some ridiculously over-the-top dunks when you play. The ability to become “on fire” has remained from the original. Score three baskets in the row and your agility will increase and your chances at sinking three point throws will increase. In fact, the gameplay elements of NBA Jam remain largely untouched from the classic version, meaning it is even easier to become accustomed to for anybody who has played it before.

Despite remaining close to the original in many ways, EA has done a great job of injecting some new life into the game. The game can be played in a number of different modes, both single player and multiplayer. You can take part in a classic campaign mode where you try and defeat every NBA team to be crowned king. You can also play the game in various remix modes (alternative modes of play) either in a single player campaign (Remix Campaign) or in single session games. These remix modes include various power-ups that appear randomly on the court and do various things such as increase your speed, increase your size, or make it impossible to be knocked over. Another remix mode is called Domination, and this involves having to score from specific parts of the court. Your score is actually based on how many areas you “own” rather than the actual score from shooting baskets. Smash mode involves trying to completely destroy the opposition’s backboard, which is achieved by performing dunks or alley-oops. Once you decrease the amount of energy the board has and then smash it, you are declared the winner. When playing Remix Campaign, there are also boss battles which involve various famous basketballers such as Shaq. Their AI is amped up quite a bit here and they also have special moves (e.g. Shaq can perform a teleporting dunk) which make the boss battles quite hard, and even a bit unfair, at times. The introduction of various remix modes gives the game a great deal more variety. As mentioned, the game has a ton of different cheats available to unlock, and these range from bonus characters (including the Beastie Boys) to more aesthetic changes (e.g. the classic big head mode).

Gameplay wise, NBA Jam controls very well using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk combination. Shooting, blocking and dunking are all done using Wii Remote gestures which can be confusing at first. However, given some practice, this control method works really well. The game can also be played using the Classic Controller, which will be more akin to how it played on the SNES. Either control method works fine, and it well depend on personal preference and availability as to which you use.

Despite a number of positives, NBA Jam is not without its flaws. Firstly, there is a lack of polish in areas such as in-game menus and a lack of online multiplayer is a major drawback. An online mode for this game could have been easily implemented and would be an absolute blast to be a part of. There is little doubt that EA will invest more in this reinvigorated series in the future, which will hopefully see the inclusion of a fully fledged online mode.

Visually, the game keeps very close to the original with obvious upgrades included (e.g. actual rendered characters versus sprites). The game boasts a very unique style and is super fast with no slow-down to speak of. Another suitable soundtrack from EA with a variety of rap/hip-hop/pop songs. The classic commentator from the original (Tim Kitzrow) also makes a return, which is a massive bonus.

Overall, NBA Jam on the Wii is a great example of how to bring back to life a franchise which has been absent for a long time. EA has done an excellent job of recreating the classic game whilst ensuring that the balance between old and new is right. Fans of the classic game will definitely feel right at home here, and the game is worth picking up for those looking for a brilliant arcade basketball style that forgoes realism and rules for an over-the-top and, at times, ridiculous take on basketball.

Graphics 8.0

Retains the unique style and presentation of the original but gives it the modern upgrades. Animation is super smooth with no slow down.

Gameplay 9.0

The classic game is faithfully recreated. An excellent title that is easy to pick and play and offers hours of fun.

Sound 9.0

Having Tim Kitzrow return for the commentary is a big bonus. The soundtrack is more than suitable.

Tilt 9.0

Its not a game you would play for hours on end but its great to pick up and waste away some time. Multiplayer is great fun and new remix modes add to the package well. Lack of online is disappointing.

Value 9.0

Big points here for managing to take a classic game and bring it back to life in such a wondrous way.