NBA Jam Longplay (Arcade) [4K]

Game Info
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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

[evanhanley]

Truly one of the best sports games of all time.

[Paul-wuxd]

You had to really be alive during this time to really understand how popular this game was...

[jodiebagwell]

The fact jordan wasn't in this game was a crime against humanity.

[Baximus]

Stuff like this and NFL Blitz made these sport games actually fun.

[marcuscook]

I love how consistent the play by play was between this and NFL Blitz.

[blackflame]

This is a classic period. Thanks for the video AL

[AchtungBaby]

That "Here's The Tip!" soundclip is still embedded in my brain all these years later!

[steveafanador]

13 friggen years old when this game came out 😮😮😮😮 time flys people

[Blackavelli]

I remember playing this at the laundromat as a kid.

[hittingtax]

I may have only been an infant with this game come out, but i don’t find it real hard to comprehend why it was so popular. Why this game didn’t feature Michael Jordan is beyond me.

[omerbrooklyn]

Ah NBA JAM, one of the first games that told me to stay in school

[Jackfromshack]

One of few actually fun sport games. Loved it on SEGA

[idonjohnson]

I swear I played an arcade machine that had this amazing synthesizers theme song playing that I never found or heard again. Not even on any Mame rom versions.

Until I played an emulator SNES version which has that exact music (totally different from Megadrive version). To this day that arcade music still eludes me.

[goodnewsjimtestingapps]

Met the man who announces this game down Pittsburgh at a gaming convention. Tim is super cool.

[louispodob]

The cherry on the cake was breaking the backboard, and you delivered.good job!

[Wesley_C]

My childhood, I only I have played this game here on SNES, this port is so amazing.

[margaritatrejo]

I remember when I played it...brings me memories

[CHAMP_theBULLDOG]

This game takes me back to memory lane 😢 good ol times

[bobbythespaceghost]

How my eyes lit up as a middle school kid when I saw this in the corner store. This game blew my mind.

[MrCydoo]

one of the best game i have played when i young ^^ A very long play with defeat of all teams will be awmesome !