NBA Jam

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
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  1. Game Over Online
    Dec 21, 2010
    85
    Though this game is a visceral and grand experience, I can't get away from the fact that it was supposed to be a free pack-in, and instead they've slapped a $50 price tag on it. It would've surely been the best pack-in of all time. As a stand-alone retail game, I can still recommend it, but only for fans of the NBA Jam series.
  2. GameFocus
    Nov 19, 2010
    85
    If you were waiting for all available versions of NBA Jam to hit stores, the addition of Online make this the version of choice. On the other hand, if you don't plan on playing online, I would recommend picking-up the Wii-version and experiencing the game how it was initially meant to be played.
  3. PSX Extreme
    Nov 23, 2010
    83
    If you loved the old-fashioned 2-on-2 style pioneered by the very first Jam titles, and didn't like any of the series departures since then, you'll love this one. Yes, regardless of price.
  5. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Jan 25, 2011
    80
    NBA Jam always succeeded by being better with friends, and that hasn't changed. There's an updated remix mode with a few new modes that are more gimmick and curious distractions than serious contenders for your time. You'll get the most amount of playtime out of the standard mode, especially when you're really dominating a game against your mates. [February 2011 p78]
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  6. ZTGD
    Dec 19, 2010
    80
    EA Sports NBA Jam is a great revival of a classic franchise. If you were a fan then there is no reason to pass up on this offering as it brings just enough to the table to make it worth your while.
  7. RealGamer
    Dec 17, 2010
    80
    This is a highly recommended, high-octane, action-paced sports game that will definitely satisfy basketball fans but also sports fans in general.
  8. Gamestyle
    Dec 16, 2010
    80
    At a budget price you get exactly what you pay for. It is the original NBA Jam given a lick of HD paint, while retaining all the charisma of the original. If you want a Basketball fix but find the likes of NBA 2K11 too complicated and complex to pick up an play then you can't go wrong with this.
  9. Giant Bomb
    Nov 23, 2010
    80
    The standard gameplay in NBA Jam is insanely entertaining, and if you've got a group of players ready to play at your side, you'll easily get $50 of enjoyment out of it.
  10. GamingXP
    Nov 29, 2010
    76
    NBA Jam is a good remake on the PlayStation 3 that is easy to learn and really entertaining.
  11. PALGN
    Dec 27, 2010
    75
    NBA Jam does an excellent job of bringing the classic title up-to-date for the modern gaming audience, though its simplistic gameplay may ultimately detract those looking for a deeper basketball experience.
  12. Gamer 2.0
    Nov 23, 2010
    75
    NBA Jam is not only a great nostalgic look at the court, but it offers an enjoyable experience for those who just love breaking the rules.
  13. Meristation
    Nov 20, 2010
    75
    NBA Jam is on fire! The classic arcade basket game has returned and better and ever. The variety of game modes add much more depth to the fun and simple game we always loved in the 90s and it even includes multiplayer through Xbox Live and PSN. Incredible dunks and amazing jumps are waiting for you in their 2 vs 2 matches, you only have to say... BOOM SHAKA LAKA!
  14. 1UP
    Nov 19, 2010
    75
    If you have friends to play with and any measure of nostalgia for the arcade original, there's no doubt that you'll get every penny's worth from NBA Jam. If you have plans to play it alone or against random strangers, there are better options out there -- and it doesn't even take calculus to figure that out.
  15. IGN
    Nov 17, 2010
    75
    NBA Jam is a disappointing retail package, mainly because it would've been one of the greatest Xbox Live or PlayStation Network releases of all-time. As it stands, this $50 disc adds a few modes to the Jam that you know and love, but at the end of the day the reason that you'll invest is the classic gameplay, not the Remix Modes.

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 3 out of 15
  1. Wainy10
    Dec 26, 2010
    8
    Boomshakalaka!
    The game is set in the comic-realistic world of the NBA. You are given an option to choose from two different versions. The    Boomshakalaka!
    The game is set in the comic-realistic world of the NBA. You are given an option to choose from two different versions. The retro version which is basically that of the older NBA jam games and a brand new remixed version of the older games modes including some exciting power ups such as Strength, Agility and much more these power-up's can really make or break the game. My idea of the remixed mode is that you can have very mixed opinions on this because of the computer being easily able to attain the power-up's due to its precise movements.

    Does it live up to its hype you may say?...What hype. Because of games like 'Call Of Duty', games like 'NBA jam' are very under-looked even if it does have a legion of fans following it.

    The game is simplistic at its best and is easy for any one to pick up and play. The controls vary from that of buttons to the mish-mash of analogue sticks and the analogue stick controls can take some time getting used to, so it was good that they included tutorials using stick men as the overall figure which i find quite original and unusual.

    The game-play is some of the finest to this date, from the fluidity of the characters movements to the over-the-top dunks and slams, to the wacky variety of characters including politicians from the democratic side and the republican side, The feeling of accomplishment when finally managing to get a goal streak 3 exceeds your expectations because then your basketball ignites and this is when the ball gets rolling...after five or more-so shots the flames are extinguished and that feeling of anguish will hit you like a fire ball (pardon the pun) but there is always an upside to that because of yourself having the ability to extinguish your opponents flames and it is so much better if your opponent is sat right next to you in the same room.

    The graphic's can be visually compared to rag-doll kung fu due to that having the same quirkiness yet cartoony look. It is pretty damn great how much they have perfected the visuals from the old predecessor's. It basically looks like a whole new game even holding the same mechanics as the first one.

    The soundtrack is brilliant and can still hold a candle to the old retro 16 bit popcorn tracks. One thing i miss is the old distortion in the soundtrack and the commentators voice it just gave me that old retro feel again and i wish that they could of made an option to include both the new and improved sounds and the original retro sounds.

    The character roster in this game is built up of that of dreams such legends as 'Magic Johnson and Larry Bird' join the new and phenomenal crowd of characters. Even the Beastie Boy's make a return as well as some new teams like the stickmen and the sprite team; just to name a new.

    The multiplayer and the easy to access Online modes are a great addition as well as some new modes such as '21, elimination and domination'; It's a shame the online is sparsely populated.

    To conclude this review i would say that this game is the best arcade basketball game to date and could even hold its own with the said 'NBA 2k' series. If you're a newcomer or even an experienced gamer, i would highly recommend you to pick up this title, You won't regret it.    … Full Review »
  2. moifoi
    Jul 8, 2011
    1
    The games catch up mode is horrible. The npc cheat like mad. When you get 10 points infront the npc gains a level, when you get 20 pointsThe games catch up mode is horrible. The npc cheat like mad. When you get 10 points infront the npc gains a level, when you get 20 points infront they gain 2 levels and then they just become unbeatable. It ruins the game.… Full Review »
  3. Justblazex
    Apr 6, 2011
    8
    Being a fan of the old SNES one I knew what I was getting into. Obviously its not as intense of a basketball game you might want but its not aBeing a fan of the old SNES one I knew what I was getting into. Obviously its not as intense of a basketball game you might want but its not a basketball simulator its an Arcade game. Its fun for what it is. Some of your favorite players to choose from a bunch of different modes. The AI is a little cheap if you're beating them badly they really turn up the heat in the 4th quarter. The online mode is alright if you get teamed up with someone good or matched against someone bad :P I can see where people are complaining about the price a full 50 would be a bit outrageous but it has gone down in price by now only like 30-40 dollars which its definitely worth it. Plus EA announced future roster updates and a DLC coming in October so something to look forward to.… Full Review »
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