EA Sports NBA Jam | Review

Synopsis: Boomshakalaka! EA Sports bring back the phrase that will make almost any game reminiscent to playing the four player basketball arcade game, this time however, Wii gamers get the first chance to this secret filled sports title, while 360 and PS3 gamers have to wait until the non-descript holiday season. The new entry includes the classic 2 on 2 gameplay that the original sported in the nineties, but will also keep gameplay fresh with the addition of new characters, modes, and depth. With new game modes, comes the Wii control modes as well, whether you like gaming on the classic controller or taking advantage of the motion controls, you will take control of the current NBA roster to overcome challenges and to take on all the other teams. Will this throwback to an arcade classic, get its long overdue comeback or fall flat on the hardwood?

Praise: It is NBA Jam, need I say more? If I do have to, where do I start? There is a huge roster of current NBA stars along with a massive amount of unlockable characters, modes, and politicians. It is the same tried and true gameplay that is full of huge dunks, leveling shoves, and on fire three pointers. To say that I was skeptical about the lack of online multiplayer is an understatement, so when I got this, the first thing I did was have a couple friends over I played this with in the arcade and put it to work. Four hours later, the lack of multiplayer was forgotten and I was frantically playing the remix modes and campaign to see what else I can unlock. This is more difficult than the original, which I prefer as the original does not provide much of a challenge anymore and the unlockable content is where the replay value is at.

Gripes: In regards to controls, I was not so fond of the motion controls as getting whipped in the face by the cord when you shoot is less than fun, but when using the classic controller, it felt like I was a teenager again playing on the Genesis. It is fun without being able to play online multiplayer but this is a game where most of the fun comes from playing against friends, but unless you live in a frat house or have a bunch of roommates into basketball games, you will not get a lot of multiplayer games in. This is solely my opinion and I am sure many will disagree, but some of the bugs and glitches from the arcade or original would have been nice, especially in regards to being on fire, as it is a lot easier to lose your fire streak. Some challenges can be incredibly hard to the point where you play over and over waiting for the computer to make a mistake so you complete the challenge and move on to the next.

Overall, NBA Jam is a lot of fun, online or not. Knowing that online will be available on the 360 or PS3 versions, it would be hard to switch consoles and start over again after putting in the numerous hours on the Wii version to unlock all that’s available. However, don’t write off this version of the remake as once you start unlocking teams, characters, and modes, it will be hard to turn off, especially if the Wii is your main gaming console.

Mashbuttons.com gives EA Sports NBA Jam an 8 out of 10.

EA Sports NBA Jam is available now for the Nintendo Wii.

NBA 2K11 Review

Though I would love to say that the NBA is dead to me after moving my beloved Super Sonics to, of all places, Oklahoma City, I just can’t quit it. Luckily, not living in Seattle any more I have adopted the Phoenix Suns as my new team and all is right with the world. NBA 2k11 is the latest installment in the brilliant 2k basketball series. The main feature of this game is the focus around Michael Jordan and reliving the moments that defined his career.

The Good: This game starts off forcing you to play one of the Jordan challenges (Bull vs Lakers finals in 91’), so you are immediately immersed in nostalgia. The idea to not only bring back the greatest basketball players of time but almost all of the other players and teams that were involved was epic. Most importantly, one of the teams brought back was the 96’ Super Sonics! That’s right, Kemp, Payton, Hawkins and Schrempf. The graphics get sharper and more life like every year and this year is no exception. This year also brings dynamic commentary that is updated to keep it fresh game in and game out. They have improved the GM AI logic, so if you are used to Madden-like rip off trades, you will be disappointed. But I feel it a good thing because computer controlled teams will make realistic roster moves.

The Bad: The online mode is a bit frustrating, having to deal lag and slow downs through out a game. Anytime you have a game that plays so smooth offline and then is choppy online, it can make the problem seem worse than it really is. The only other negative I could find was the passing in the game, lots of times the pass doesn’t go to who you want it to go to and instead you end up throwing the ball right to the other team. This could be remedied by using the right bumper and selecting who to pass to, but I guess my skills aren’t mad enough.

Overall: Anytime you play a game and have to look for things to complain about, it’s a good thing. This is a game that you will look forward to playing over and over.

I give NBA 2K11 9 out of 10.

NBA 2k11 Developer Call Wrap-Up

Short-shorts, David Stern and the tongue! Ok, my wrap-up is a little bit more detailed than that. This call left me more excited for a basketball game than I ever been. Classic teams, new animation and smarter (and more logical) AI for franchise mode.

As everyone knows Michael Jordan will be featured in the game but it goes much further beyond that. Michael Jordan will be available to add to any team you would like but first you must complete 10 Jordan challenges. These challenges are scenarios from classic Jordan career achievements; but does that mean he will play against/with modern rosters or generic player? Nope, each challenge will be accurate down the short-shorts, uniforms and players. So you will get to see the likes of Larry Bird, John Stockton and Dominique Wilkens.

The Franchise mode got a boost in AI logic for trades, daft and other roster movements. So you won’t see the Hornets pursuing a high profile PG with Paul and Collison already on the roster. Also, instead of the generic spread sheet draft format they now have the draft in Madison Square Garden with Clay Bennett’s boyfriend David Stern.

Some other features they are boasting for this year’s installment are gameplay improvement, new animations and improved players, coaches and refs faces. The animation overhaul was a huge one with between 2,500 to 3,500 new ones (including Michael Jordan’s tongue). The improvement in the face graphics is aimed to make the players look real and less cartoony. NBA 2K11 hits stores October 5^th.

If you haven't pre-ordered NBA 2K11, here is another reason

So the news is out that Michael Jordan is in NBA 2K11, this isn't new news. However, if you preorder through GameStop, you will receive a Jordan Bulls jersey for your avatar. PS3 gamers will receive the white home jersey, while the Xbox 360 gamers will get the official red road jersey.

NBA2K11 Box is bringing it back

That is right, you are looking at the box art for the upcoming NBA title from 2K Sports, and yes, that is Michael Jordan sporting the big 23. Expect this title to hit store shelves this October. First, NBA Jam is coming and now this, what's next?

NCAA Basketball 10 | Sports Review

When it comes to sports video games there are two camps, EA and 2k; I have to admit I am very split between the two. With EA I am (was) a huge fan of Madden, NCAA football and MVP baseball (RIP) and with 2k I am (was) a huge fan of NBA 2k, The BIGS and College Basketball 2k (RIP). But 2k has dropped out of the College Basketball game so I was left with EA’s version.

EA has made some very promising strides in the presentation and gameplay since I last played the series (2008). Having an ESPN and CBS broadcast is a nice touch, having two different broadcast teams and the different TV presentation is really cool. During a season you can simulate a game using GameCast, which allows you to see the progress of the game and even jump into the action if your team isn’t faring well. The gameplay really captures the energy of a college game and the in game animations are really sharp.

However, there were still some areas where I wasn’t as impressed. Playing NCAA football and Madden, I always notice a different feel to the gameplay. This, however, is not the case between NCAA basketball and NBA Live, were the gameplay is almost identical.

Overall I wasn’t blown away by the game but at the same time elements to the game that make it fun to play. I give this game 7 out of 10, but with a few changes in the gameplay to set it apart from NBA Live and a more dynamic recruiting element (like what they do with NCAA Football) this could easily be a 9 out of 10.