While last year’s release of the revitalized NBA Jam for Xbox 360 was a terrific game, many folks felt burned paying $50 for what is essentially an experience run on quarters. After all, Jam got its start in the arcades, so why not price it like such a product? It’s with this that EA Sports realizes the mistake it made, and has swiftly repackaged the game as a downloadable release for Xbox Live Arcade. This newly realized game, On Fire Edition, is available now – and it’s fantastic. So many changes make up for last year’s small errors. For instance, with Tag Mode, you can now switch off between both members of your team, rather than relying on a lame AI partner to try and score points when you’re not near the basket. This adds a lot to the gameplay, along with the show-off Razzle Dazzle moves, the improved Alley Oop tactics (you can now call for them manually) and the great clutch gameplay.
The AI is still quite suspect, coming back from big deficits to make each game close – in an unfair manner, even – but that’s when you call upon others through Xbox Live to heed the call for crazy multiplayer action. And yes, it still works tremendously. Along with quick arcade matches, you can also take on On Fire and earn points through random match-ups, eventually getting to the point you can unlock goodies, including exclusive players from Dead Space and SSX. Ever see Eddie and Isaac Clarke go at it? You will here. The Online Arena is lots of fun too, if you’re looking for a challenge against others. The game also features a terrific progression system where you can earn rewards quickly, provided you’ve got the mettle to stand up against some tough opponents. Considering the AI quirks, that may be a lot to ask, but with Jam’s smooth style of play, you can easily overcome the odds.
Maybe you’ll even get on Fire, making three shots in a row either on your own or with a teammate. And when the ball is burning up, anything goes. NBA Jam’s graphics haven’t changed much, and mimic the quality of the classic Midway releases, while throwing in a few contemporary touches that shine on. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Jam if Tim Kitzrow wasn’t providing running play-by-play, with humorous comments galore and lots of trash talk. That’s Tim for ya – and we wouldn’t have it any other way. So, despite some cheap moments with computer players and the lack of modes missing from the retail release, NBA Jam: On Fire Edition is a must for Xbox Live-supported players. It’s the kind of basketball you really need right now, and a nice change of pace from the super-simminess of NBA 2K12.
OVERALL: GET IT
