Platform: GC, PS2, XB

Genre: Sports

Publisher: Acclaim

Developer: Acclaim Studios Austin

ETA: October 2003

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NBA JAM 2004

NBA JAM is a legendary franchise that continues to be a perennial favorite among gamers of all ages, selling over 6 million copies since 1993. With its signature style of gameplay, it is Acclaim's intention to take it to an entirely new level by exploiting the power of the next-generation consoles. (Yes, it will be available on your platform).

NBA JAM 2004 is not a "true" basketball simulator by any means, but rather an entertaining caricature of the parts that make it fun - it's arcade basketball, big, bright and showy. You have have the entire NBA to choose from, as well as roster of famous all-stars in Legends mode. Not enough? A new feature allows you to create your own players. The action is fluid and dynamic, capturing the essence of the game, with fake-outs, boosts of speeds, monster dunks and the roar of the crowd. It's the sort of game that will have you turning to your best friend and shouting "in your face!" (and he'll appreciate it, because in just a minute or two, he's knows he's going to do it to you).

Of course, NBA JAM 2004 contains all of the classic elements that you'd expect of an NBA Jam title: 3-on-3 gameplay, "On Fire" and "Big Head" modes, and the gameplay is punctuated by dramatic dunks and over-the-top action. Commentary is once again expertly provided by Tim Kitzrow, and even the crowd gets in on the act, responding realistically to what's happening on the court. Add it up, and you have a pretty sweet basketball game. And for those of you who may wonder, this is no cheap rehashing of an older title - it has an abundance of new features:

* All 29 current NBA teams with over 300 players, plus all current and many famous old arenas
* Legends mode -- face off against over 60 of the NBA's greatest players from the past 50 years
* On-fire returns -- no fouls, no rules, three-on-three arcade action
* Signature moves for current NBA all-stars and legendary players
* Numerous game modes including Exhibition, Jam, Legends Tournament, and Mini-Games
* All-new Create-A-Player allows you to build your own court warrior
* Plenty of stylized in-game color commentary
* Unlock players, arenas, bonus footage and more

The big question is how will NBA Jam 2004 stack up against Electronic Art's NBA Street series? Acclaim has been playing it close to the vest, releasing just a few video clips and screenshots, but the NBA JAM 2004 shows real promise. Time will tell: it's slated for an October 2003 release.


-Skipernicus

June 15, 2003