• Publisher: Acclaim
  • Release Date: Sep 23, 2003
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 17
  2. Negative: 1 out of 17
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  1. 70
    The game is fun for a while, and definitely worth a rental if you're going to play against some friends, but if ever a game and it's weak AI called for online play, it was this one.
  2. If you still want to feel that retro-love pick up NBA Jam, but don't expect to be blown away by its features or anything new, for there is truly a lack of both (except in terms of dunks? there will always be lots of dunks).
  3. Game Informer
    65
    From a gameplay perpective, NBA Jam doesn't hold a candle to "NBA Street." [Nov 2003, p.171]
  4. Official Xbox Magazine
    61
    Compared to this new generation of arcade hoopsters, Jam feels unambitious and uninvolving. [Dec 2003, p.146]
  5. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    60
    While this latest version succeeds in providing a polished, fast-paced, fun game of over-the-top 3-on-3 hoops, it doesn't really offer anything we haven't seen before. [Dec 2003, p.191]
  6. Play Magazine
    67
    The game isn't perfect. For starters, the AI could've been more challenging - I was able to break it down fairly easily and score at will. [Nov 2003, p.105]
  7. Online play might have taken NBA Jam off the "rent for nostalgia" list and put it on the "must-have" list. As is, there are better basketball alternatives - several of them.
  8. Xbox Nation Magazine
    50
    It simply can't contend with the 400-pound gorilla that is Electronic Arts' "NBA Street." [Dec/Jan 2004, p.85]
  9. games(TM)
    50
    The slightly clumsy controls and overly enthusiastic (read: nearly unbeatable) AI, plus with a new Hot Spot system that feels very random, makes the whole game feel rather lopsided and not much fun. [Dec 2003, p.125]
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. JohnA.
    Jan 9, 2004
    10
    This game is great you get the alley-oops and you could do ist as many times as you like. the dunks are fresh, and the dribbles are off the hizzle.
  2. BobG.
    Nov 27, 2003
    6
    Great game to rent from the local video store, but fails to maintain much interest past that. Is relatively one-dimensional and the user can Great game to rent from the local video store, but fails to maintain much interest past that. Is relatively one-dimensional and the user can conquer all the moves in less than a few hours, if not minutes. The other detrimental aspect of this game is the AI. Jam tournament is beatable but nearly impossible to get through legends tournament. Full Review »
  3. ANdrewS.
    Sep 28, 2003
    10
    An awesome remake of the origanal NBA Jam.