'Twas but one week ago a little birdie told ESPN that NBA Jam would be making a comeback, so color us not-so-surprised to hear that EA has made it official that they've got a new Jam in the pipes for this year.
Apart from the obvious graphical overhaul, which is said to bring "visible player emotion" to the table (e.g. eye popping), expect new modes and characters on top of the original "classic experience" when it slams into Wiis from downtown.
We can only hope that developer EA Canada, whose sports game credentials include the Skate series and a load of Need For Speed games, nail the corny 90's humor of the original. And since that one had Bill Clinton as an extra character, maybe Barack Obama is in the cards now? We hear he's got game.
No screens as of yet, but there's this nifty press release:
GUILDFORD, UK,. – 11th Jan, 2010 – Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq: ERTS) announced today that EA SPORTS™ is developing one of the most popular and culturally influential arcade basketball games ever made -- NBA JAM -- for the Nintendo Wii™. EA SPORTS NBA JAM revives the classic franchise with vintage NBA JAM gameplay, and all-new features that deliver a fresh new take on the game. Featuring the sights and sounds that fans of the franchise will instantly recognize, EA SPORTS NBA JAM mixes the old school with the new, to deliver a one-of-a-kind sports presentation on the Wii.
“NBA JAM is one of the most recognizable franchises in videogame history,” said Peter Moore, President, EA SPORTS. “Diehard fans of the original game have been asking for a remake for more than a decade. We’re very excited to give them their wish this year with the return of this iconic franchise.”
Featuring gameplay that is true to the original, NBA JAM will have players spinning with ankle breaking moves to the basket and on the way to high-flying, backboard-smashing dunks. In addition to the classic experience, EA SPORTS NBA JAM will also introduce new game modes, characters and gameplay depth.
NBA JAM brought an all-new visual style to the sports videogame genre when it debuted in 1993. Now, the new EA SPORTS NBA JAM re-defines the visuals for a sports game yet again by bringing true-to-life body types, updated physics, and visible player emotion to the over- the - top experience.
EA SPORTS NBA JAM is currently in development at EA Canada in Vancouver, BC and will be available for the Nintendo Wii videogame system in 2010. The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB or PEGI.
For more information, visit www.nba-jam.easports.com, or join the EA SPORTS NBA JAM Facebook group at: www.facebook.com/NBAJAM/
Comments 24
AWESOME! Can't wait, I loved the original.
Fond memories of the 16 bit era NBA JAM and T.E. I never did try the last updated one that was on the XBOX and PS2. That was released by Acclaim.
"And since that one had Bill Clinton as an extra character, maybe Barack Obama is in the cards now? We hear he's got game."
WE GO PLAY HOOP.
I suppose licensing would still stop the original games being released on the VC and besides which, EA don't like the VC.
Not really sure if I'm happy or not. Anyone wanna persuade me?
@ V8 Ninja, if you have to ask, you'll never know.
I remember my cousin having NBA Jm and me being determined to hate it, until about 30 seconds of play then I was hooked! I hope they don't try too hard to mimick the original, as when things try too hard they seem a bit souless.
The best version belongs to atari jaguar 64 console
E.A should start liking the V.C, I can't believe they won't support it. But I will get over it...
Nice.... now this is a good addition to the Wii lineup
It must be the shoes.
Nice, now also bring the original to vc!
Great news. I hope it's over-the-top arcade-like and not simulator-ish.
As long as there's no licensing issues with using older teams and players, I bet the original arcade is unlockable. But whatever, I'm just excited to see what a modern update of NBA JAM will be like.
Superb game, can't wait for the new version.
Woohoo!
Can't wait to dunk a ball over people's heads in the awesomest way possible!
This makes me happy. I hope their isn't a harsh rubberband AI in this one though.
Cool! This should be very interesting!
HE'S ON FIRE!!
Wow. I never imagined that NBA Jam would return <_<
well if it has a more arcade style game with great controls (like NBA JAM meets Wii sports resort) then I may give it a try. But if is as boring as NBA Live I'd pass.
I absolutely loved NBA Hangtime. Hopefully, EA Sports can replicate it's magic.
This is the best news! Can't wait. Hopefully they don't try and tack on motion controls for the sake of it- that will ruin the game.
Anyway, I'm gonna do some NBA Jam TE practise in preparation.
I normally sucked at sports games, but when my friend in junior high convinced me to play it, I enjoyed it and actually did fairly well, scoring about 2/3 the points that my friend did. Not bad for a first try
If they can replicate the magic of the SNES version (only version I played) then I'm sold.
i hope it remains wii exclusive forever.
Found this short video today
[youtube:v/hXHwxDP6rxo]
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