Home – Jaguar – Lynx – 8 Bit
2600/7800 – Faq – Comments

NBA Jams Tournament Edition
Background: Directly from the Arcade comes NBA Jams, Tournament Edition, where you can be one of 27 NBA teams from the 1995 season.  But this is not a standard basketball game, here you control two teammates and have a host of powerups, turbos, hotspots, and multiple player options.The multiple player options include: two player, two player v. computer, practice, and team tap which allows you to have a total of 4 players.

Additional options include saving statistics, turning off powerups, computer assistance, difficulty levels, and a juice mode (where player attributes are increased).

Further, if you beat all 27 teams, expanded rosters and special teams become available.

Game Play: Although I am not a huge basketball fan, I found this game to be fun and energetic. The powerups and turbo really add to the gameplay.  For basketball purists, you can turn off the powerups and increase the difficulty.

The player can go for three points or do a fantastic looking dunk from way out with the commentator giving descriptions along the way.

The graphics are good once you get use to the disproportionately large heads on the players.  The sound effects also keep the game energetic and fast paced.

This game really shines with multiple players. Similar to White Men Can’t Jump, this game allows you to use up to 4 players – a fine addition which makes this game a must have. 

The single player mode may be the most lacking.  There is not really a season with a set schedule, but you can save statistics, track injuries, and beat all 27 NBA teams which makes available special teams and additional players.  Another drawback may be the lack of players available for each team (approximately 3-5).

Even with these above mentioned drawbacks, this game really shines with multiple player options and has the energetic feel of a real NBA game.

Pros: multiple players, fast action, powerups, special teams, many options
Cons: lack of set schedule, only 3 – 5 players from each team


Big heads and great action.


Choose from tons of teams and players.