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Review of NBA Jam Tournament Edition on PlayStation

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Sep 1995
Cover image of NBA Jam Tournament Edition on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 09 Sep 1995
Genre: Sports
Developer: Midway
Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment

Introduction

Get ready to experience basketball like never before with NBA Jam: Tournament Edition-the game that turns your friends into furious competitors and your couch into a makeshift arena! Midway's 90s classic just got even better, giving you the chance to experience arcade-style basketball right from the comfort of your PlayStation. Expect explosive dunks, exaggerated moves, and more trash-talks than at your local playground.

Gameplay

At its core, NBA Jam: Tournament Edition is all about two-on-two basketball, but this is no ordinary rendition. Forget about fouls, free throws, or the concept of common decency; this is a basketball world where players can defy physics with insane dunks that would make superhuman powers jealous. Players can perform turbo boosts, slam dunk from ridiculous heights, and when 'on fire'-a state achieved after three consecutive baskets-anything goes! Be ready for swift changes in momentum as shooting precision skyrockets and your opponents' egos drop faster than a basketball off the rim after hitting the backboard. Also included are a smorgasbord of unlockable characters, hidden teams, and codes to make gameplay as weird and fun as possible. Time to dust off that joystick and prepare for some controversial shoves!

Graphics

Graphically, NBA Jam: Tournament Edition stands out for its time, featuring digitized sprites of real NBA players, even if some look more like they just rolled out of bed. The game's aesthetic sports a vibrant color palette that reflects the energy of the arcade experience, with smooth animations that bring to life both the dunks and the delightful chaos of every match. The PlayStation's capabilities allow for more character detail compared to previous versions, yet it doesn't quite carry the same picturesque charm as the flashy arcade original. But hey, you can't get too picky when you're busy pumping up your score and yelling 'Boomshakalaka!' at your screen!

Conclusion

All in all, NBA Jam: Tournament Edition is a thrilling addition to your PlayStation library, offering an enjoyable experience that combines the excitement of arcade gaming with the competitive spirit of the NBA. With its outrageous gameplay, vibrant visuals, and a plethora of secrets waiting to be uncovered, it's a direct ticket back to the golden era of sports gaming. Through the magic of its outlandish and gloriously entertaining gameplay, you'll probably end up clearing your schedule for a few late-night rematches. So grab your controller, summon your inner basketball legend, and get ready to dunk your way to glory! In the immortal words of Tim Kitzrow, 'He's heating up!'

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