SNES

NBA Jam

Even if it's not an exact translation, it's a good one - and the better of the two cartridge versions. Just be prepared to eat a little parquet now and then.

NBA Jam does have a few minor flaws. The turbo is so plentiful that you can practically use it during the entire game, and blocking shots is nearly impossible. Non-dunking players such as John Stockton can slam, destroying what little realism there is. Lastly, the computer has the annoying habit of making full court, last second shots at the end of each half. Two marquee players represent each NBA team, and since the game was made during NBA's "golden age", you get many all-time greats like David Robinson, Karl Malone, Scotty Pippen, Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller, and Clyde Drexler (sorry, no Michael Jordan). Records are saved using a password system. NBA Jam enjoyed a string of sequels, and its frantic, smash-mouth style of play singlehandedly created a new genre of "extreme" sports games.

So, while I can't say, "Go out and buy a copy today!" cuz it's like, pretty damn old, I can say that this game changed the way I looked at basketball video games. Kudos to you, Midway. At least you did something right before you went and made Mortal Kombat.

This sports cart has more action than most action games. It does everything right - and it does it with the blazing speed of an action playoff game.

Excuse the pun, but this game jams! This is one of the few sports title I actually like and I can't stop playing it. It takes a lot for me to like a sports game and Acclaim has produced one of the most addicting sports titles I have ever played. The awesome slams and virtual no-foul rules are a total laugh riot! The fact that you can have you own personal record is cool, too. Again, excuse the pun, but this game jams!