NBA Jam: On Fire Edition

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. ZTGD
    Oct 18, 2011
    90
    On Fire Edition is a great game, and at only $14.99, it could be one of the best deals on PSN right now. It will make you wonder how such a simple game can be so addicting. Kitrow may be right. Maybe it is the shoes.
  2. IGN
    Oct 3, 2011
    90
    That this is the definitive version of NBA Jam is undeniable: it plays better, looks better and lasts better than any of the previous games in the series' history. The fact that it's a mere $14.99 USD only makes it an even more irresistible proposition.
  3. XGN
    Nov 22, 2011
    85
    NBA Jam: OFE is so much better than it's predecessor. Seeing how well this game is constructed, we don't even know why the first game was ever launched. This game is pure fun, especially with friends. A great substitute for when there's no basketball on TV.
  5. GameOver.gr
    Oct 14, 2011
    85
    When a game so enjoyable and exciting -as the On Fire Edition of NBA Jam is- is offered in such an affordable price, then you know you're on for a real treat.
  6. Worth Playing
    Oct 5, 2011
    85
    Aside from these issues, I really enjoyed NBA Jam: On Fire Edition. It is certainly reminiscent of old-school NBA Jam, which is what I'm looking for.
  7. Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux
    Dec 29, 2011
    84
    Good news for the pyromaniacs: this On Fire Edition of NBA Jam is a lot better than the Wii-port that was released a while back. This remake offers great value and is a great tribute to the 16 bit-classic. [Nov 2011, p.98]
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  8. PSFocus
    Nov 15, 2011
    84
    There's no Remix modus and that's a shame, but this is by no means a gamebreaker. NBA Jam: On Fire is an accessible and incredibly fun game which will stay in your PS3 for a long time.
  9. Game Revolution
    Oct 5, 2011
    83
    It all gets old a little too quick-even faster if you don't play with friends. But if you do, or you were a fan of the old-school NBA Jam titles (or you're just stuck in the 90s like me), then NBA Jam: On Fire Edition is a slam dunk.
  10. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Mar 6, 2012
    80
    On Fire is a substantial update to an already excellent game, adding a considerable selection of new features, modes, and unlockables that – taken as a whole – make this the definitive version of NBA Jam. [Dec 2011, p79]
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  11. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Dec 3, 2011
    80
    An evolution of last year's game rather than an overhaul. [Christmas 2011, p.109]
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  12. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    Nov 26, 2011
    80
    We dug the re-worked campaign mode, but multiplayer matches for up to four players just can't be beat. [Holiday 2011, p.78]
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  13. Vandal
    Oct 11, 2011
    80
    The rebirth of the NBA Jam series has found his ideal channel of distribution, with a new version which returns to the classic style of the original arcade. It has many changes in comparison with the game of last year, and it drops some of its features, but adds others which compensates for. A very interesting option with a good price.
  14. GamePro
    Oct 5, 2011
    80
    Once you get a game going with friends or online fodder, though, On Fire Edition shows its best side, and could easily turn "one more match" into hours spent cracking jokes and laughing at every comment the announcer makes. And for a b-ball know-nothing like me, that's more than enough justification to find yourself playing a sports game. Just don't take it too seriously.
  15. Digital Chumps
    Oct 10, 2011
    78
    Simple, fast, fun, and even funny gameplay/presentation makes playing a few quick games the perfect way to burn a half an hour.
  16. TotalPlayStation
    Oct 6, 2011
    75
    The game has a lot of appeal. It fixes a lot of problems but there are some cuts that put a ding in the improvements. I like challenges but I hate how frustrating the AI can be. Play with friends online and locally and you'll have barrels of fun.
  17. Play UK
    Dec 1, 2011
    64
    Aside from some ramped-up AI, there isn't much depth here to differentiate one match from another. [Issue#212, p.103]
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Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best PS3 Game of 2011
66
#66 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 29
  3. Negative: 4 out of 29
  1. Aronos
    Oct 20, 2011
    9
    This game really brought me back to the 16 bit days, when performing high altitude dunks meant something than just winning the game.
    This    This game really brought me back to the 16 bit days, when performing high altitude dunks meant something than just winning the game.
    This game is a much needed break from regular sport titles that try to be too simulation-like, and offers an altenative to when having fun can come from just about anything and anywhere.
    I was going to purchase the Wii version, but when I heard this title would be coming out, I waited to see just what it actually includes, in case it wasn't just a nerfed version of the retail copy.
    First, this game doesn't have the "Remix Mode" or boss battles that the retail version does. However this one is only $15 and includes; enhanced gameplay, better AI, improved online features, XP, unlockables, and challenges, and improved rosters.
    This game provides hours and hours or fantastic gameplay, audio, and more. Playing the game with co-op is even better imo, because you can pull off ridiculous moves and unlock tons of content.
    One main reason I see people picking up this version is for the better online. Out of the many games I played, I think I only had like 2-3 that were laggy. Even if you play offline games, you will still be able to earn xp, purchase teams, players, and other stuff, and get the whole experience, minus a few "Arena" challenges.
    Overall, this game is well worth the price to play it, and if the game has DLC or updates down the road, I probably would have no problem paying for those as well. Yes the people who bought the retail version might feel a little bit ripped off, but I urge anyone familiar with NBA Jam or any arcade sports games to give it a shot.
    I'm rating this game a 9/10. As it is very close to being perfect. The reason it's not a 10 is because they removed the "Remix Mode" and boss battles, which imo would have added even more gameplay and hours to the game.    … Full Review »
  2. horne242
    Oct 21, 2011
    10
    I can't remember when I had this much fun with a bball game. oh, wait, I can: genesis/megadrive era. not only does this game clear up some ofI can't remember when I had this much fun with a bball game. oh, wait, I can: genesis/megadrive era. not only does this game clear up some of the minor concerns of its parent property, it is also a strong contender for the most fun I've had with a sports title. oh, and It's incredible value. must have.… Full Review »
  3. thepatient613
    Feb 16, 2016
    9
    This is NBA Jam alright. I'm not a sports game kind of guy but did I ever play the heck out of NBA Jam on the Genesis. I remember the daysThis is NBA Jam alright. I'm not a sports game kind of guy but did I ever play the heck out of NBA Jam on the Genesis. I remember the days where I would set the timer to extra-slow and still beat the living crap out of the other team on extra-hard. With the new installment you can forget about going trough the game so easily, which is exactly what it needed to do in order to make the transition into this generation. I never expected such a smooth transition but this game delivered on nearly every aspect and blows my nostalgic mind away! I can only hope to see new installments in the future.… Full Review »
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