Genesis

NBA Jam Tournament Edition

Alle Sprites sind blendend animiert und schlagen sämtliche anderen Basketball-Vertreter um Längen. Der Court weist flüssiges 3-D-Scrolling auf; ständige Kommentare heizen die Atmosphäre auf. Warum das Publikum aber immer noch in akustischer Lethargie verfallen ist, das weiß vermutlich nur Acclaim selbst. Fassen wir zusammen: NBA JAM T.E. ist ein mehr als nur respektierlicher Nachfolger, der durch das Hinzufügen spaßiger wie nützlicher Features selbst für Besitzer des ersten Teils interessant ist.

The bottom line is while NBA Jam was great, NBA Jam Tournament Edition is better that great. Simply put, this game is an awesome hoops title that keeps what was good about the first game and adds more players, features, modes, and other stuff to make one of the best arcade-style sports games ever. Plus, its four player capabilities mean more sports fans can get in on the action. Even if you already have the original NBA Jam in your collection, you'll definitely want to pick up this excellent follow-up. This is one cart to slam dunk into your Genesis!

Even so, given all of the game's new features, such as the practice mode, new player ratings for power, steals and "clutch", tough new Special and Superstar teams to player after beating 27 NBA teams and a host of new hidden power-ups and players, Tournament Edition is an excellent sequel that no true NBA Jam fan will want to miss out on.

Despite the impressive additions, casual Jammers might find the action a bit too familiar to actually plunk down the cash. Hardcore hoops fans, though, will face enough challenges to keep them dunkin' and bumpin' for quite some time with this strong arcade conversion.

Either one is a fine addition to your library - but remember, if you already own the original, you may want to rent the follow up once or twice before deciding to shell out the bucks for it.

Now here's an improvement for the Genesis version. Animations are better than before with more high-flyin' dunks and realistic stadium animations. With the new special icons included, the gameplay rises to new heights. More players are involved here as you can sub in your favorites. After seeing this, you'll wonder where the coin slot is located.

NBA Jam T.E. also features a Practice Mode to work on your teamwork, but it's not a big deal. It's just you and your teammate on the court. So the big question is whether this game warrants a purchase if you have the original. Yes, unless you hated NBA Jam, because the extra arcade options make the game more enjoyable. Yet it's a hesitant yes...