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NBA Jam review: Make new modes, but keep the old
Let's acknowledge something you've probably already realized if you've been keeping up with the numerous trailers and previews for EA Canada's reboot of the NBA Jam franchise: Your enjoyment of the game will be exponentially enriched if you're familiar with the culture of the original. Midway's NBA Jam didn't just introduce standards that most modern basketball games still include in some manner or another -- it created a language which only the game's players could fully comprehend. There's nothing wrong with the fact that EA Sports clearly targeted this community with the new NBA Jam by acknowledging the catchphrases, over-the-top maneuvers and arcadey gameplay of Jam the First. In fact, it's a testament to the undying strength of that original formula that EA Canada's attempts to tack new material on to it largely fall flat. %Gallery-89317%
EA Canada racing to add features to NBA Jam on PS3, Xbox 360
"We got this bomb dropped on us just a couple days ago, as well," NBA Jam creative director Trey Smith told Toronto sports radio show Got Game (interview begins as 00:15:38 mark), about EA's last-minute decision to turn the HD console version of the game into a standalone retail product. "So we're shuffling to get everything together, but we got a great team; we got a lot of stuff up and working; we're gonna polish it up; we're gonna get it out there before holidays." Smith and his team at EA Canada have completed the full-featured Wii version of NBA Jam (which will be released tomorrow) and "had online up" -- Smith characterized it as a "really basic online feature set" -- for the planned stripped-down, digital release of Jam on PS3 and Xbox 360. This bonus downloadable version, which was to be included with new copies of the now delayed NBA Elite 11, was to include just the Play Now, Classic Campaign and Online Vs. modes -- "we're trying to blow that out," Smith stressed. The Wii game includes the Remix Tour, which encompasses a number of new modes and takes EA Canada's "best testers" 38 hours to complete, according to Smith, who also confirmed "you get Remix" in the PS3 and Xbox 360 version, as well. At least, that's the new plan. "We're doing everything in our power to get as much on there as possible," Smith assured. "We're trying to throw it all in there."
Pachter: NBA Elite 11 delay to cost EA 1.1 million sales this year; NBA Jam no savior
In a recent investor communique, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter noted his belief that Electronic Arts would lose 1.1 million sales due to NBA Elite 11's delay and reduced the company's holiday quarter earnings estimate by $60 million. Also, because the sports sim will miss the beginning of basketball season with its 2011 release, he predicts that by the end of the company's fiscal year next March, Elite 11 will have only sold around 500,000 units -- if it doesn't succumb to the "possibility of being canceled." Pachter's note briefly mentions the standalone versions of NBA Jam as "not a true substitute," so we followed up with the analyst extraordinaire to find out why he believes EA's other NBA game can't make up the difference. "The standalone versions on PS3 and 360 might sell well, but I question whether they will be priced as $60 games, when the company had previously said it was giving them away with NBA Elite." He continued, "More likely, they'll be discounted to $50 or lower, and gamers will still balk at the price, given that it was going to be bundled with NBA Elite -- and likely will be, if the latter game ever comes out. So I'd say another 200,000 units, maybe." As for the Wii version, he explained that the game was coming out anyway for the console, so the lack of NBA Elite may give it a "very small" bump of 100,000 units.
NBA Elite 11 delayed, NBA Jam coming as standalone product for 360 and PS3
Well, it seems like the details regarding the release of the NBA Jam reboot on the 360 and PS3 have changed yet again. EA Sports just announced that its upcoming basketball title, NBA Elite 11, has been delayed beyond its release next month to an undisclosed launch window. You know, NBA Elite 11 -- that game that would come with a download voucher for NBA Jam, serving as "the ONLY way" players could grab Jam on Microsoft or Sony's home consoles? Seems that line's changed too. The delay announcement also revealed that "we're going to ship NBA Jam as a standalone product on the Xbox 360 and PS3 in time for the holidays. Watch for more news soon on the exact timing of that release." We're going to hound EA to find out more about these plans -- will it be a retail release (the use of the word "ship" certainly seems to indicate as much). If so, will it carry a $60 price tag? Will NBA Elite 11 still come with a free copy of Jam, or has that offer been summarily revoked? Is this a test? Are you testing us?
NBA Jam East rosters revealed, legends included
"Mr. NBA 2K11" is still noticeably absent from NBA Jam's Eastern Conference roster, which does boast the likes of Bird, Dr. J and Jordan sidekick Scottie Pippen. Even Drazen Petrovic, who is said to haunt the original arcade game and was removed from console versions following his death in a car accident, has been resurrected as a Nets legend. Of course, the new NBA Jam will feature plenty of current players, including the Miami Thrice, when it's released next month for Wii and as a downloadable bonus with new copies of NBA Elite 11 for Xbox 360 and PS3. Each team has 3–4 active players, as determined by fan voting (with the exception of Gilbert Arenas, who made the cut but was left out of the voting after that handgun fiasco), explains ESPN, which obtained the complete game roster -- the West's stars to be posted next week [update: West rosters]. Additionally, most teams have a "legend" or two -- or three for the Knicks: Ewing, LJ and Starks (hey, they need help!) -- on hand, with a preference for the original arcade's stars (sorry Zo!). Some teams don't have a long or storied enough history to feature a legend, in which case EA has added the team's mascot to the bench -- or in the Pacers' case (a contractual hiccup with Reggie Miller), there's simply ... Schrempf. Some late summer trades also contribute to a few oddities in the final rosters, with Courtney Lee (now a Houston Rocket) still on the Nets and Al Harrington (now in Denver) still a Knick. It's unlikely the Wii version will be patched after release, and EA Sports community manager Alain Quinto recently confirmed (in response to the question) that it wouldn't feature online multiplayer either. Head past the break for the full Eastern Conference breakdown.
NBA Jam developer diary mixes the old with the new
The NBA Jam developer diary posted below shows the considerations that went into solving the game's many artistic dilemmas. Like, how to make the game look new, but old? Rich, yet simple? Fun, yet serious? Modern, yet timeless? Basketball, yet golf? No, wait. Everything but that last one.
NBA Jam video takes aim at 'The Turmell Hit List'
It's easy to take jamming for granted. In NBA Jam, lighting one's self on fire and pulling off "the mad crazy dunks" looks so simple. It seems like all you need are some colorful shoes and a deep determination to dish rocks but, as creative director Trey Smith informs us in the video past the break, it takes more than that -- specifically, it takes knowledge. And that's the inspiration behind bringing back Mark Turmell, the lead designer and programmer on the original game. It's allowed EA Canada to identify what has been internally referred to as "The Turmell Hit List," a list of initially overlooked issues Turmell brought to the table.
NBA Jam download included with new copies of NBA Elite 11 on 360 and PS3 [update]
EA announced this morning that customers will receive a download code for NBA Jam on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 with every new copy of its upcoming (and far more serious) basketball game, NBA Elite 11. To some of you, it may be best to think of it as a free NBA Elite 11 with every NBA Jam. The way EA explains it: if you drop $60 on NBA Elite 11, due on October 5, the game will offer a "one-time download code" for three modes of NBA Jam, including Play Now, Classic Campaign and Online. The "Remix Tour" mode remains exclusive to the Wii version. By now, brilliant reader, you've likely caught on that there seems to be something missing here, like an individual release date or price for a standalone NBA Jam. We're following up with EA on that, but this deal already serves as an explanation for NBA Jam's appearance on several ratings boards -- sans official confirmation that the game would launch on anything else but the Nintendo Wii. (Also, would this be the wrong time to bring up that a large portion of a Wii game just got Project Ten Dollar'd?) Update 2: Official word from EA: "NBA Jam has been optimized for the Wii, but the content of the Classic Campaign and Play Now modes will be the same as the Wii version. Jam is only available with the purchase NBA Elite 11. There are no plans to sell it as a standalone product on the X360 or PS3 at this time." Update: On the PlayStation Blog, NBA EA Canada community manager Yaw Obiri-Yeboah emphasizes: "Another important note to share with all of you - the ONLY way you will be able to play NBA JAM for the PS3 is to buy NBA ELITE 11." ESPN reports the same goes for Xbox 360.
More legendary players revealed in NBA Jam
NBA Jam is itself an NBA classic, so it's only fitting that the revamped Wii version brings back some classic players. A new trailer posted by MTV Multiplayer unveils six NBA stars who will return in big-headed glory: Clyde Drexler, Kevin MacHale, Dennis Rodman, Hakeem Olajuwan, Detlef Schrempf, and James Worthy. They'll join the previously confirmed Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. See the trailer after the break. An ESPN interview with creative director Trey Smith provides some additional info about the nature of the game's "boss fights" -- one-on-one matches with these legendary players. For example, Magic Johnson can now perform, well, magic, teleporting around the court. "You think he's cheating, but that's a boss battle," Smith said. Players will have to watch for patterns, "And then, it's all about executing."
ESRB outs NBA Jam on Xbox 360 and PS3
Though EA continues to dance around a version of NBA Jam for consoles beyond Wii, the United States' ESRB is the latest ratings agency to announce the game for Xbox 360 and PS3. The German USK listed the cherished basketball game for high-def consoles earlier this month. We're -- once again -- following up for official comment from EA. We know the ratings boards can't be the only ones looking for the game on more systems. Update: The ESRB has pulled the rating -- still no word from EA. %Gallery-89317%
NBA Jam screens give us a taste of the James, Bosh, Wade trifecta
You've already seen a near photo-realistic rendering of LeBron James in a Miami Heat uniform, and now you can see a comically over-the-top version, courtesy of NBA Jam. These shots give us but a taste of what's to come from new teammates Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and Lebron James, but also provide a look at the Chicago Bulls' new forward: Carlos Boozer. Take a shot on our gallery below for the new screens. %Gallery-97509%
German ratings board classifies NBA Jam for Xbox 360, PS3
Der (die?, das?) boomshakalaka of NBA Jam has been classified by the German USK for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The PlayStation 3 classification passed on June 24, while the Xbox 360 version went through July 5. Curiously, the Wii version of the game -- the only one to have been officially announced -- has not yet been classified by the agency. We're currently following up for comment from EA on the ratings and will update as soon as we hear something. %Gallery-89317%
Preview: NBA Jam
I played a quick half of an NBA Jam game at EA's booth between a couple of E3 appointments. In that short session, I had a great time -- but I think my AI partner had a much better time than I did. That's not to say I didn't enjoy myself: in my admittedly brief experience with EA Canada's renewed version of the classic arcade basketball game, I found that pretty much everything about the game is scientifically designed to deliver maximum fun. %Gallery-89317%
NBA Jam contest winners get their one-liners in the game
EA has launched a promotional contest for NBA Jam in which entrants submit their best -- or best worst -- one-liners for a chance to have them used by classic NBA Jam announcer Tim Kitzrow in the Wii game. We imagine winning is akin to being Zack Morris for the rest of your life. As the instructional video above, uh, instructs, you'll need to submit your one-liners on the NBA Jam contest page on Facebook. The contest is already underway, and the entry period closes May 19. Oh, need one to get you started? How about: "Need some fries with that BOOMSHAKE-A-LAKE-A-LAKE?" (Hmm, maybe you should just come up with one of your own.)
EA talks big head mode, faces for NBA Jam
Speaking with Multiplayer, NBA Jam creative director Trey Smith shared the inspiration behind the digitized faces of the upcoming Wii remake. According to Smith, tne of the key features of the original NBA Jam was the ability to tell who each individual player was from a distance. "You could tell who each [player] was," said Smith, "and that was something really key to us." He added that the team behind the new Jam worked closely with series creator Mark Turmell, who currently works with EA Tiburon. "He spent time with the team, and really kind of talked to us about it," said Smith, adding that Turmell shared "a lot of the stories" about the visual style of the first game. And, if you like the crazy, 2D faces used for each player model as much as we do, there's more good news. Smith confirmed that NBA Jam will include a big head mode. "Wait until you see big head mode, because that's where we really start playing around with it." He concludes that the team wanted to be "as true to the original NBA Jam as possible, but using all the bells and whistles we have in the last 17 years since it came out." Whatever the team is doing, it seems to be working.
NBA Jam brings Larry Bird and Magic Johnson back to the hardwood
If you thought your excitement for NBA Jam couldn't get any higher after reading our preview, know that MTV Multiplayer has confirmed that classic ballers Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are in the game. Creative director Trey Smith said that the second-to-last team that players will face in the Classic Campaign mode -- the game's "worst-to-first ladder tournament," which pits players against a series of teams -- will be decided based on who wins the 2010 NBA championships. Then, the final match will feature the iconic duo. There's no word on other possible unlockable characters, but, frankly, we're going to flip out if we don't get to play as Chow Chow or Bill Clinton. Get on it, EA!
Hands-on: NBA Jam
You need to get the preconception that NBA Jam is part of the rigid "sports game" genre out of your mind right this second. I can understand why you might possess this notion: for gamers whose youths were spent mastering the original game's showboating mechanics, Jam is one of the few franchises they can call up when accused of not playing sports games. For folks unfamiliar with the franchise, one might logically associate a bouncy, orange sphere with its eponymous sport: "basketball." Yet, based on my time with EA Canada's Wii-make of NBA Jam earlier this month, I don't think the "sports game" archetype -- a turn-off for many non-sports enthusiasts -- is an accurate descriptor for what's going on here. Jam is a "party game" and will likely overtake Rock Band and Boom Blox as my entertainment of choice while hosting a social gathering. Provided, of course, attendees are prepared to get buffeted with an unstoppable deluge of smack talk. %Gallery-89317%
Newest NBA Jam trailer brings plenty of extra heat
As you might imagine, the vast majority of the "heat" that the newest trailer for NBA Jam brings with it is through the various players running up and down the court fully ablaze (it certainly doesn't hurt when the screen catches fire as well). Don't get us wrong -- it's full of gameplay that puts us right back on the couch in 1994, trying to desperately remember the code so that we can play as our favorite US president. That said, the announcer probably says "Kaboom!" four or five times. And yeah, somewhere in the middle there, we realized that NBA Jam just doesn't have that many catchphrases. But that's okay with us -- the gameplay looks fantastic! We'll have our impressions of the game up in a few weeks, but for now you can peep the trailer yourself just a few inches up.
EA tells NCAA Basketball games to hit the showers, 'reviewing' future of franchise
"We do not have an NCAA Basketball game in development at this time, and we're currently reviewing the future of our NCAA Basketball business," said EA Sports' senior director of communications David Tinson in a recent Game Informer interview. "This was a difficult decision, but we remain a committed partner to the NCAA and its member institutions." It's an odd move, considering EA's biggest rival, 2K Sports' NCAA College Hoops series, hasn't seen any new releases since its 2K8 installment, leaving the market wide open. Tinson confirmed that the team responsible for the series won't be laid off, but rather assimilated into the NBA Jam and NBA Live teams at EA Canada, dashing our hopes that an EA-developed Harlem Globetrotters game could come from this.
Crysis 2, Sims 3 on consoles, NBA Jam due Holiday 2010
Thanks to today's EA earnings report (EArnings?) we're starting to get an idea of how the company's holiday season is going to shape up. This is all subject to change, of course, but as of right now it would appear you can look forward to Crysis 2, NBA Jam and EA Sports MMA sometime between October and December of 2010. Filling out the holiday quarter are some yet-to-be-formally-announced titles like The Sims 3 on consoles, a new Need For Speed game (perhaps the Criterion-developed one?) and a new Harry Potter game (likely tied to this November's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I). Want to come up with your own wild speculation? Peruse the list here.
