NBA Jam The Definitive Analysis | 32X Jaguar Genesis Arcade Saturn PSX SNES DOS Comparison.

Episode 67 - Why is there so many NBA Jam game? Why did the series lose popularity? Why version really is the best? Is the 32X version worth owning? How about the rare Atari Jaguar release? If the PSX version a better coaster or game? The Definitive Analysis is a look at all these things and more to showcase what versions are worth playing and why the Original Series started to decline in popularity after the release of MKII. We will take an in-depth look at the SNES, Genesis, Saturn, PSX, 32X, Jaguar, Dos, and Arcade releases.
Check out NBA Jam the Book by Reyan Ali
amzn.to/2KZIJW9
Follow me on twitter to keep up to date on the latest happenings concerning this channel. Also for those post containing the occasional farm animal.
/ jenovi
-Jenovi
Retro Impressions
Follow me on twitter to keep up to date on the latest happenings concerning this channel. Also, for those posts containing the occasional farm animal.
/ jenovi
-Jenovi (Shaun)
Some Sources
1. www.usgamer.net/articles/port...
2. variety.com/1994/biz/news/rum...
3. news.google.com/newspapers?id...
4. NBA Jam the Book
amzn.to/2KZIJW9
Segments were used from the following videos.
• Vintage NFL Blitz TV S...
• Tim Kitzrow at work
#nbajam
#Analysis

[@A31Chris]

The Jaguar version was ported from the code of the 32x version by one man. Amazing job. I'll forward the video to him.

[@Jenovi]

What!? That's incredible!

[@A31Chris]

@@Jenovi yeah, The mighty Adisak Pochanayon! As you mentioned is now working on the MK franchise as lead tech director. Here is a Jag NBA Jam related interview www.3do.cdinteractive.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3374

[@A31Chris]

It would be interesting to count the dev team sizes in the credits 32X vs Jag.

[@st1ka]

I had no idea about the NBA jam legal name battle. No wonder the series died so quickly

[@KoolKeithProductions]

I knew something was up back then, because after loving NBA Jam and TE on Genesis, and NBA Jam TE on Saturn, AND College Slam on Saturn, I found NBA Jam Extreme to be SOOOO awful. Look up the Saturn version if you wanna see what I'm talking about. It's the only game I could think of that I bought it on Saturday and told my mom to take it back to the damn store on Sunday lol So when NBA Hangtime came out and it was so great, I thought they just changed the name cuz Extreme killed the brand 😅

[@cosbyje4200]

This was fantastic. I have kept my Saturn hooked up most of my life to always have access to NBA Jam TE on the system. I always thought it was the best version and still do but I say that having not had the ability to play jaguar version. Great video! I'll check that book out. NBA Jam is such a cultural touchstone of a game, I am glad people are investing time analyzing it. Sidenote- I loved the new EA NBA Jam games (NBA Jam wii and On Fire Edition for 360)

[@Jenovi]

Thank you for the comment. A Saturn that long! Not many can say that. What are some of your favorite games for it?

[@KoolKeithProductions]

@@Jenovi I loved the Saturn version, but I think it's important to point out when talking about the graphics aspect, the flashing camera lights from the crowds on super dunks had been removed. This may not seen like a huge deal, but its there on pretty much every other console, and a player soaring through the air with those lights flashing is the KEY thing I remembered about the arcade as a kid, and was the only thing I was looking forward to seeing on my home console. The Genesis retained it, but for some reason the vastly more powerful Saturn did not 🤔

[@AyeYoYoYooo]

@@KoolKeithProductionsIt’s the only truly detracting thing about the the Saturn version. Sega Saturn has the best versions of so many arcade titles due to larger sprites lol

[@RememberTheGreatsSports]

Awesome video, this holds a spot in everyone's heart who grew up in that era. I remember being in study hall in middle school asking someone to write down NBA JAM codes for me so I could use them at the arcade machine at the pizza hut. Also love you used the Spurs for a lot of your games. I remember ROB Aug 6 as a code to use David Robinson on any team, my favorite player! Thanks for sharing great video.

[@Jenovi]

I certainly have a special place in my heart for sports games. I appreciate you sharing your story. Thanks for that, and thanks for watching.

[@RememberTheGreatsSports]

@@Jenovi I plan on adding a little more sports video game content to my channel in the future, I dabble a little in NBA 2k series now, but want to expand little more. I focus mainly on sports cards and sports now but always am trying to think of new content. Thanks again and glad I found your channel, we bonded through sports!

[@kubev]

I have to say, I only first played NBA Hangtime within the past few years, and I was really impressed with how smooth the animation is in the Genesis version. Given how rough the NBA Jam games looked in comparison, it seems impossible that NBA Hangtime could run so smoothly on Genesis. It's a shame NBA Hangtime wasn't more popular.

[@TechRyze]

Yep - I totally lost track of NBA Jam after TE. It's such a shame that Midway seemed incapable of marketing their home games. By the end of the 90s, the Arcades were basically non-existent for me, as they all turned into gambling slot machines, apart from a few Neo Geo, Street Fighter and Sega Virtua Striker cabinets. Therefore I never saw the final generation of 90s Arcade games in person. Such a shame that we missed out on Hangtime. I remember seeing the NBA Showtime game in stores for the Dreamcast, but I never owned one, and never saw any media stating that it was from the NBA Jam team. Such a shame that it lead to the franchise seemingly disappearing. I don't recall seeing all of those NBA Jam sequels either, despite having a PS2 from 2001. Glad I wasn't tempted by them. I remember NBA Jam Extreme getting poor magazine reviews for the Saturn, and after that, I just moved on and played other games.

[@maxxdahl6062]

@@TechRyze It's because midway didn't handle their home games until mortal kombat trilogy.

[@GisherJohn24]

Best version is on the n64. Check that one out.

[@p0host]

I thought NBA Hangtime was great. If NBA Jam TE is #1, NBA Hangtime is #1a. Great graphics and game play, love the alley oops, more players, more fun.

[@A31Chris]

I didn't know there was an NBA Jam book. I'll check that out!

[@Jenovi]

It's dirt cheap too considering the work invested in putting it together.

[@ExplodingMusicSyndrome]

snes NBA Jam still one of my go to games when playing with mates

[@Jenovi]

It's a solid choice. I also put a ton of time into NHL Hitz. Quality party game.

[@SmashJT]

Dude this was fantastic!! Great job. Making videos I didn’t even think I’d care anything about and was completely enthralled!

[@Jenovi]

Thanks Smash. Happy to see you here and appreciate the kind words and feedback.

[@craigjanssen371]

As someone who grew up playing the non TE version of NBA Jam, seeing practice mode footage in this video blew my mind. That was a thing!?

[@Jenovi]

A worth while tool to practicing dunks without interference.

[@viewtifuljoe99]

I've been reading the great boss fights book about Nba jam so i'm definitely in the mood for a comprehensive video like this!

[@eggsalad007]

When I was a kid....Genesis killed the SNES version. As an adult - “ wow, whatta is this MAME”?!?!

[@Jenovi]

So true, though in a number of cases the home versions added content making them a very viable choice.

[@MrCalverino]

I love the cheesy music in the Genesis version 😃

[@Jenovi]

It’s really solid.

[@iPlaySEGA]

At least there was music... XD

[@MEGAD-nb9uu]

@@iPlaySEGA and it sucked lol

[@vince19games]

I haven't stopped by in a while but had to check out this NBA Jam video as it's an old favorite of mine. You have made a lot of production improvements in videos since last time I watched. Good job!

[@Jenovi]

It's been too long Vince! Thanks for checking this out and letting me know you still walk among the living.

[@jameswalt1]

Vince! I miss your videos 😭

[@TheGunmanChannel]

Very well researched and presentation again my man. Keep up the brilliant work.

[@Jenovi]

Hey my friend. Good to see you, even if it's just in the comments.

[@socialmedia7812]

*Im on vacation from work then i see JENOVI uploads a video.. Was gonna go run errands but ill just make a cup of coffee and enjoy the show.. Thank for making my day even better JENOVI👍🏽*

[@Jenovi]

This makes me happy. Thank you.

[@dennisanderson8663]

Clearly the original GameBoy version is the most dope.

[@Jenovi]

It's surprisingly good.

[@deltatango-six7941]

I love to see your definitive analysis videos. Well done!

[@Jenovi]

Thank you Delta. I much appreciate the support and feedback.

[@CasperEgas]

I have a lot of them. Don't have the snes, psx and dos versions. And of course no arcade... I like the Jaguar version best too. Maybe I would rather play the 32X version over the Saturn version.

[@knfbnny]

very well done video, i appreciate your work -- additionally, big ups for mentioning the nba jam book

[@Jenovi]

Thanks! I appreciate the comment. 😁

[@LeftyPem]

Another great episode. I’ve put in hundreds of hours on NBA Jam over the years, and it was even one of my first 2 GB games when we finally bought one in 94. Keep up the amazing work!

[@jonbelf2981]

As always, awesome job!! I am happy to see you make more content!!

[@Jenovi]

Thanks Jon. I hope to have one more video out before the years done.

[@lustechsource5197]

Great work. I enjoyed seeing your detailed analysis of ports. NBA Jam is one of my all time favorite sports games.

[@Jenovi]

My sister and I played though on the SNES and beat every team. time well spent together.

[@jobbidiar]

Great video! I was hoping the Jaguar version would get mid to high on the rankings of the best version and I was a little surprised to say the least, I'm glad I have a copy of it to keep and treasure :)

[@DemiGodX]

one feature that i notice is missing in most of the home ports is the ability to deliver facial dunks. that's the effect where opponents will fall to floor when coming in contact with a monster jam. this feature is in the Sega Genesis, 32x and Jaguar ports but it's missing in the Snes, PSX, Saturn, and Dos ports. I'm currently working on a patch to restore it for the PS1 version and i'm planning on releasing it later this month

[@Anthony-Testicali]

Great video great presentation bg music...great info..just perfect...keep up the great work

[@Jenovi]

Glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@bigunclegskunkxxl9173]

Nba hang time on n64. Killed that game back in the day and Jam UE on the snes. I play my Xbox 360 version from around 2010

[@selimberrehouma3684]

Just discovered your YT. It s really cool and I learned so many things. Thx bro A french fan

[@Onomoki]

I cant believe your channel hasnt explodes yet. Everything you do is SO well researched. Just hang in there, eventually Kotaku or an outlet will report on some of your findings, they always do, a huge influx will come in cojtact with your channel, and when they find out the dirth and depth of your catalogue, your popularity will explode.

[@Jenovi]

Thank you for the support and kind words.

[@Swift016]

Bruhhhh I don't give a shit about basketball but when you started talking about sports games that non-sports people like, I immediately also thought of NBA Ballers. I had NO IDEA it was made by the same people. Unreal.

[@townlinetim876]

NBA Jam one of my all time favorite games. I played the heck out of the arcade game and the Genesis &Snes versions. And once again your impeccable analysis is spot on. It’s getting harder and harder to choose my favorite Jenovi video because he’s on Fire 🔥

[@Jenovi]

Comment of the year right here Tim!

[@jsrex69]

Great vid! Had the pleasure of meeting you in person the other day. Keep up the good work Shaun looking forward to the next video 👍🏻

[@Jenovi]

Thank you for saying hello, it was a shockingly pleasant surprise. Wish a had a few more moments to chit chat.

[@cancelme4200]

the best "nba jam" port is nba hangtime for n64. that version was like having the arcade in your home. i still love that version.

[@cancelme4200]

showtime for dreamcast is excellent too.

[@Jenovi]

Hangtime is something special.

[@NotaPizzaGRL]

@@cancelme4200 I remember the reviewers hating on Showtime so I avoided it after being burnt by NBA Jam Xtreme but someday I might give it a shot now that I know the original team was involved with it. Acclaim sucks for stealing NBA Jam from Midway.

[@theresurgence2.081]

I always enjoy these videos. Keep up the great work.

[@Jenovi]

Happy to hear, thank you.

[@SaveDataTeam]

Wow, like you say in the beginning, I'm not a huge sports game fan, but I love NBA Jam. I had no idea there were so many games in the series (and adjacent to it). Really great comparison, and the data is laid out well! Wonderful vid!

[@Jenovi]

Thanks my friend.

[@shotgunl]

Absolutely great video, as always. I first played NBA Jam when a friend got it on the SNES. We had a lot of fun with that, but no place near me had the arcade version. However, the closest bowling alley did get an NBA Jam T.E. machine not long after it's release. Now, that was great fun. I ended up getting the Genesis and later the 32X version of T.E. Again, it's just simply so much fun when playing with friends. Still, as much as I like NBA Jam & NBA Jam T.E., I've barely played them ever since NBA Jam Hangtime got a home release on the Genesis and then N64. Up until just a couple of years ago, a local theater still had an NBA Maximum Hangtime machine installed. Hangtime is absolutely my favorite arcade-style sports game of all time. The only game I enjoyed out of the stuff Acclaim put out without Midway's involvement was College Slam, which I mostly enjoyed probably because of my, at-the-time large nterest in college basketball. I have experience with the DOS release of that game though.

[@Jenovi]

Thank you for sharing. I've always enjoyed Hangtime, but never saw the arcade machine growing up. NBA Jam on the other hand though was all over the place.

[@YouAwakeYet]

I absolutely love NBA Showtime, I remember playing that game in the arcade all the time, the create a character was my favorite feature

[@malcolmar]

Again, very well done! NBA Jam is my "jam". It is just a fun game that I play now. I love playing the 32X version. (Props for having a complete 32X library). I also have to say when connecting via composite cables, the graphics and colors on the 32X and the Genesis as well as the Sega CD NBA Jam games are smoother and better blended.

[@martinalther6661]

Hey, I bought the DOS version of Jam TE on EBay and have a couple rather major corrections to your video: 1. The DOS version DOES have controller support. Granted, you'll need to modify the Dosbox.conf file a bit to get Dosbox to read your controller. And, if you're using a modern controller (like a PS4 or XBox controller), you might want to fiddle a bit with the DosBox controller mapper to make sure every button is mapped to your liking. But, once you've jumped through those hoops, the game actually plays quite well IMO. It even has the benefit of analog movement - something no other home version of the game has. It isn't perfect - the play is a bit choppy, and bizarrely there is no option to pause during gameplay (you CAN somewhat mitigate this, however, with DosBox's "emulation pause" and "cold shutdown" features) - but it's still very functional IMO. 2. The "screen flickering" is not inherent to the game. It's there if you have your CPU Cycles set too high in DosBox.conf. If you reduce them to around 10,000, the screen flickering goes away. Just wanted to chime in with those two corrections. Otherwise, great video! :)

[@DemiGodX]

the DOS ver was also ported by Acclaim Iguana, not Midway like he says

[@maxxdahl6062]

There is a pause button in game. The pause key, same thing as mortal kombat 1 and 2 use I believe.

[@darkwingdave79]

Hey man, this 27:37 minutes video... didn't even seem long at all. The video flowed smoothly. NBA Jams is one of my favorites for sure. I loved how you did your homework as it was The Final for the year. This video was AWESOME. With that, I hope that you DON'T mind if I subscribe. Keep up the great work, Buddy. I'm sending this video to my buddy that I played this game religiously with... we're 40 years young too. See you next video, Brother.

[@sega_kid4288]

I grew up envying the SNES version, playing them now I can't stand the SNES version. That reverb was awesome back in the day, but now give me the 32x or Genesis version. The arcade version is awesome as well still a blast to play on an arcade. machine. Speaking of 32x midway games, how do we feel about MKII on the 32x, because next to the arcade it's my favorite port others look and sound better, but the 32x plays better I think.

[@Jenovi]

Thanks for the comment. 32X Mortal Kombat II is the best. I did a video on it just like this one here, check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIKVd5l7ltF6pcU

[@sega_kid4288]

@@Jenovi embarrassingly I had not only seen your great video, it's the reason that I bought MKII for the 32x, lol. I'm gonna subscribe so things like this don't happen again 👍

[@Lightblue2222]

Awesome. Great breakdowns.

[@Jenovi]

Thanks LightBlue. It's good to see you in the comments.

[@NBAGreatestGamesonClassicCourt]

Oustanding Infos and Comparison. Thank you for the Video

[@HistoricNerd]

Interesting i would have thought the 32X version would score higher.

[@Jenovi]

That was always my understanding. For what it’s worth, the 32X is still a great release.

[@HistoricNerd]

@@Jenovi I gotcha, This might sound odd but out of all the versions I've played the 32X has always felt the smoothest in terms oh how it played to me.

[@Lightblue2222]

I love the in between quarter music in the 32x version. It revives my energy nicely between rounds lol. Different tracks than the other releases. Different music for each quarter.

[@HistoricNerd]

@Professor Mike AmericanuckRadio doing good. How you been

[@onlysublime]

thank you for giving the Jag version a fair shake! a lot of reviewers automatically dismissed it because it was the Jag version. But I was a diehard NBA Jam TE fan and I thought the Jag was the best version from the tight controls to the smooth fast frame rate. the sound samples were clear and I actually liked the music more.

[@galacticzombie1942]

Interesting video. Nice analysis. I have always felt the 32X version of NBA Jam and Mortal Kombat II were both pretty well done. It's nice to see the 32X Jam get some respect. I never knew the Jag version was so good. I never knew anyone with that system, so my knowledge of it is lacking.

[@Jenovi]

It’s hard to find on the Jag as are Jags. The system sold about 80% less units than the 32X.

[@elbryan42]

I used to own the dos version back in the day. And yes, it ran that fast. But that made it more addicting imho. I loved the keyboard controls, but mainly played it single player. It was far easier to play it multiplayer on console. The earlier pc days with large keyboard buffers it was fine, just inconvenient. But I shutter how it would be trying to play it multiplayer when keyboard buffers were lowered. Nothing kills gameplay more than eaten control inputs. Figured I'd give my two cents. :P Great video as always!

[@Jenovi]

Admittedly, I played the DOS version for a few hours and.... well it was a bit hard returning to the other games. That said, it was also a shock coming to this from any other release. The feeling of this "Turbo edition" is well executed and I had success in winning games. Kind of makes me wish all versions had a turbo option like Street Fighter did. BTW, I appreciate the comment. Thank you for sharing.

[@maxxdahl6062]

DOS version supported Gravis Grip, it was a set up of 4 gamepads you could use for multiplayer, and you could Also use normal gamepads for 2 players.

[@joesshows6793]

Only knew the SNES version so I’m shocked how low it is!!

[@Jenovi]

Same here. I later owned the Sega CD release, though it's just the standard game and not T.E. so the SNES was still my go to.

[@TechRyze]

Fantastic video, and I'm so glad that other people love NBA Jam TE as much as I have since it launched, way back in the 90s. My choice versions are the Saturn, 32X and DOS version. My DOS experience was different to what I'm seeing in this video. I absolutely didn't use the keyboard to my knowledge - but I did own a control pad that looked just like a (clear) PlayStation controller that came with software to map keyboard keys to the various buttons. Maybe I had used that. I used to play the DOS version on my Pentium PC - but haven't played it in 25 years. No idea where the game disc is these days. I'll see if I can track down a copy, and run it on the same machine - I used to absolutely love the DOS version, and I'm VERY picky where it comes to game performance and Arcade ports. I don't think that the DOS version was choppy back when I was playing it in around 1997, but I can't remember how fast it ran on a P120 or P200 that I still own. If it was slow, then I wouldn't have tolerated it, given the fact that I had the 32X since 1994/5, and also had a Saturn. Let's see if I can get it running on DOS sometime soon...

[@MKKTeam]

Ah! Awesome video! I subbed instantly for the quality of the info! Please, if you can do someday Primal Rage, wich also had A LOT of different ports, it would be godlike!

[@Jenovi]

This have been in the works for a long time. I need to own all the games before I do the video and I have the Jaguar version left to acquire. I'm sure you'll see it before Summer hits.

[@p0host]

This was absolutely excellent. The arcade version will always be the gold standard because it had the best graphics, game play speed and sound. I think rebounding is easier on the arcade version, I remember the home ports on SNES and Genesis having inferior rebounding. And even though computer assistance on the arcade version remains infuriating, you feel like you accomplish something by surviving the onslaught and winning. But I've also been on the other end of that equation many times. Had the SNES one growing up. Played the hell out of it. Totally forgot that it didn't have a soundtrack during play. NBA Jam TE arcade is still a blast to play 30 years later. Thanks Midway guys....

[@DaiAndOh]

Regarding the arcade version, I believe that if you entered your initials and continue that game, pop-up boxes won't come up at all. Regardless of that, except before the tip-off, if you're playing the game well (using turbo, not disappearing off screen at inappropriate times etc.) They should come up a lot less frequently, if ever.

[@Jenovi]

That’s a great tip.

[@Reaperman4711]

Thanks for this. I don't really do sports games, so the whole Midway 'losing the license' bit was foreign to me. It turns out that I have many of the Midway NBA-JAM-alikes and haven't even played them. I am also surprised to see how well the jag did vs the 32x port. I have both, but since I have never done them back to back, and sports aren't my main thing, I never noticed the VAST differences before.

[@Jenovi]

I always find sports games fascinating during this era. Some of the best talent would work on these games and then release them across many platforms with vastly different capabilities.

[@Twigg4075]

I'm not sure how it would be possible but I would LOVE if Arcade 1UP could create a NBA Jam cabinet.

[@Jenovi]

I think it's a .01% chance do to player licensing.

[@mazor13]

This channel is dope. You just got a Sub and like :D

[@Jenovi]

Thank! 😁

[@Videogamelover58]

Wonderful video

[@joesshows6793]

Awesome stuff sir

[@Jenovi]

Thank you Joe.

[@tubebandits4439]

My friend, do you also have a podcast or something? Greetings from Germany! Love your content!

[@Jenovi]

Thank you! Nothing as of this moment, though a friend and I have been discussing something. It would be very niche in appeal though.

[@Islandswamp]

This is a decent channel. Seems like you should have more subscribers

[@Jenovi]

Thanks! Very kind words.

[@RichardTroupe]

Great video! I never thought that the Jaguar version would come out on top, especially since I'm a big Jaguar fan. Now I just need to track down a copy of the game! Hah!

[@Jenovi]

Having the Pro Controller makes a HUGE difference. Thanks for the comment and best of luck tracking a copy down.

[@roljamas]

As a kid, I had the game boy version and played the heck out of it. Great video!

[@Jenovi]

Thanks! I was quite impressed by the handheld ports.

[@GameRiff]

Love your videos and this is one is another great one. Can’t imagine how many hours I put into NBA Jam. I have to ask though, because I was quite fond of it, why did you omit the SEGA CD version? I felt it had some upgrades over the Genesis version. Maybe I’m wrong.

[@Jenovi]

I originally thought I would cover them all, but cut quit a bit due to the video length. All in all, the Sega CD is really just he MD version + redbook audio and some added hidden characters. Not much else.

[@jameswalt1]

I clicked so fast I broke my screen and can't watch now 😉 Thanks for another great video!

[@Jenovi]

🤣 Retro Impressions is not responsible for any damage one might incure from the certain unbridled excitement of seeing new content.

[@arioca]

Great video comparison! Coincidentally I'm currently playing this game on PSX and I do have the Jag version as well and don't enjoy it as much. I wonder if it's because I'm using the regular controller since I don't have the Pro Controller. Can you use the right trigger to run on the Pro? I feel this game controls much better on the PSX since I use R1 for running so that really helps to run and push players to steal the ball. In addition the PSX graphics are the closest to the arcade (same proportional player sprites, more realistic look, colors are similar) and there are also full motion videos + it's the only port with the "idiot boxes" from the arcade but you can turn them off. NBA Hang Time comparison next?

[@Jenovi]

Yeah, the Pro Controller is a must. Then again, I'm not a fan of the three button controller. With the Pro, both trigger buttons are assigned to Turbo. You can map shoot and pass to any of the other buttons on the controller..... Any other button if it's A B or C. Discussing Hang Time seems like a logical video for the future.

[@arioca]

@@Jenovi Thanks for the reply. I wanted to get my hands on a Pro Controller but they are very expensive... maybe I'll buy that new replica that seems to be very accurate.

[@Milkiy-Hazard]

Atari Jaguar

[@zacharygirgenti3790]

NBA Jam is awesome. Great work on this video man.

[@Jenovi]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@woofyhound]

As a kid, I grew up with the Genesis version, though, it was the original version (not T.E.) developed by Arena. I don't know if I'm crazy or not, but I feel the visuals in that version after looking up some gameplay of it (I don't have a working Genesis to look at my copy) are somewhat better than the T.E. version; specifically that the color pallet looks more vibrant. Amazing video by the way; I had no idea there was such a deep rabbit hole behind this game, nor did I know so many ports of this game existed.

[@wilkiedriver]

If Adam Silver, teams, and players union are bold enough to change NBA's season structure, then it takes nothing to bring back NBA Jam.

[@kenrickeason]

Nah.. They don't need to change anything.. Adam Silver is messing up NBA history and I don't like that..

[@willkelmanpenapena3551]

New viewer, love the content

[@DeaDGoD_XIV]

Never heard the term "idiot box" before (outside of what the TV was called), is that what unskippable tutorial pop-ups are called? Either way, I can see how annoying that would be.

[@Jenovi]

Yep. Odd name, but there were added to the game after people became confused with the game during public testing.

[@SameNameDifferentGame]

I finally got to watch this! I don't feel like you totally invalidated my video this time! I focused on other aspects, like the rosters and hidden characters, I also didn't have access to DOS or Jag, but I tend to agree in broad strokes. Saturn and 32x are generally stronger than the 16-bit ports, but that's what folks remember. Just too bad that only early arcade versions have the Mortal Kombat characters and fatalities (yes, I'm serious).

[@Jenovi]

Your video is great. I know I told you before, but I had this video well under way three years ago and scrapped it when you released yours. I was impressed with what you did + I didn't want you thinking I was ripping you off. I think it was for the best in hind sight as I've certainly found my voice and channel direction, or at least I'm closer to it than I ever way back then.

[@SameNameDifferentGame]

@@Jenovi Thanks, man, I appreciate it. I think you didn't need to scrap it just because Eric and I did something similar, but I'm very flattered, and you've really put something great together here.

[@Lamtitude]

What about the Sega CD version? That is my favorite version of the original NBA Jam. Idk if they have T.E. on Sega CD.

[@Jenovi]

That was the issue, it's just NBA Jam Regular edition. Great OST though. I own it and have always felt it was a quality port.

[@BryanTruong]

Another awesome deep dive. I know it's not TE but any thoughts on the Sega CD? Is it simply the Genesis with better audio and awful FMV clips?

[@Jenovi]

Great question. It's fine by non regular NBA Jam standards. If I recall correctly, it's the MD version with some added hidden content and limited Redbook audio.

[@Hiryu666]

@@Jenovi I was never interested in NBA Jam because I hate sports games (although I did love Arch Rivals in the arcade back in the day)... But my friend brought his Genesis copy over, somehow forced me to play, and.. I was hooked... So I went and bought the Sega CD version because it had to be the same thing but better, right? While it certainly sounds a lot better... There were some big deficiencies. For example, I couldn't break the backboards anymore, which was really fun on the Genesis version. There was other weird stuff missing too... I think maybe I couldn't get the ball on fire too, but I can't remember for sure. The end result is that while I had some fun with the Sega CD version, it felt lacking and a bit lifeless compared to the Genesis release. Maybe there were ways to enable these features on the Sega CD release, but I never figured it out, and this was well before the age of the internet (so maybe I should go back and see if I was doing anything wrong). I eventually got a 32x... Too bad I never learned that NBA Jam for the 32x is actually really good or I'd have likely obtained a copy. Although I did end up buying a copy a few years ago, but I haven't been able to get my Genesis/32x setup to try it yet. Too bad I also I didn't learn the Saturn version was so great until this video... The Saturn actually had really great audio hardware (certainly eclipsing the PS1). So good in fact that the hardware was also used in Sega's model 3 arcade board albeit with more memory. This generally this didn't matter much due to redbook audio. However, I think in this case the culprit that made the difference here is that the Saturn had a slight bit more RAM than the PS1. I ended up here, because I've decided I want to buy a Jaguar in 2021, and going through the game list to find games I want to play... The library is pretty lacking, but NBA Jam stood out to me so I looked up a review to see if the Jag version was any good and found yours. In part due to your review, I'll be playing NBA Jam for Jaguar with the kids in no time. Fortunately, flash carts for the Jag are cheaper than buying an original copy. :)

[@show-me-retro]

One of my favorite game series ever... outstanding video!!! Surprisingly, my favorite lately is the Wii version!

[@Jenovi]

I didn’t get to deep into it, but that version is based on the first two games only. Mark Turmel gave the team feedback and advice throughout the process, all of which they implemented into the game. It’s about the closest we’ve come to a true sequel.

[@show-me-retro]

@@Jenovi Dude you covered lots... extremely thorough. BTW, I gave you a shout out in my latest video. Your channel is leaps and bounds ahead of most channels I watch. Keep it up brother!

[@tsunamirider9895]

How's the Wii version compared to the PS3 version? If it's much better I might have to track down a copy.

[@show-me-retro]

@@tsunamirider9895 it's more about the controls... some folks hate the motion controls but I kinda like them. And it looks amazing running through quality component cables

[@Lex-up6mg]

Great video. Great voice.

[@Jenovi]

Thank you Lex.

[@060303030]

Hello how are you? I have a question, does BROKE THE BACKBOARD exist on the Sega 32x? since I have been wanting to see it for a long time and it has never happened to me and I have not found it on KZbin.

[@casedistorted]

I was playing Total Carnage a lot back in Madison, Wi in the 90s.. we NEVER got a console port of that game and I was always pissed that the game devs never brought it home. Apparently there WAS an Snes port later but I never ever saw it anywhere and didn’t know it existed. Total Carnage was one of my fav arcade game’s of all time. Really wish we had a modern port of Total Carnage AND NBA Jam so I could play it with the kids these days. Also Jesus Acclaim really screwed Midway. Midway made some great games, Acclaim never gave me my total carnage port. I had the Atari Jaguar in college but never played the NBA Jam port. The default controller for the Jaguar was pretty hard to play any game with

[@Jenovi]

You really need the Pro Controller for the Jag, it's quite good. Also, Total Carnage is on the Jag, great game.

[@casedistorted]

@@Jenovi It's on the Jaguar?? Man I really wish I hadn't of sold it. I knew after I sold it I needed the pro controller to really enjoy AvP on that console (it is terrible to control without it), but I had no clue Total Carnage or NBA Jam was on Jaguar back then. It was hard enough finding a Jaguar on Ebay back then with AVP included for a decent price. Now I'm sure it's next to impossible.

[@22hannit]

Just curious as to why you never included the Sega/Mega CD version of the game.

[@Jenovi]

That was the original intention, however without including other non Tournament Edition versions, it would have ranked dead last.

[@22hannit]

@@Jenovi ah ok, as for gameplay and accessing the hidden cheats like big head was so much fun playing with friends

[@cheesewheel]

I really liked the video and the comparisons, nice structure and good narration. That being said, I have to disagree with your ranking of the arcade version. The boxes that you say are a big nuisance don't reappear if you are using your initials. Once you see the boxes pop up once, they won't reappear. I have put in tons of hours into both vanilla and TE via emulation, and I find that I cannot go back to any of the ports and enjoy them as much as the arcade versions. The AI in arcades is also much more interesting than any console versions I've played (Although all the AI is cheap and reads inputs). So while I can't necessarily rank all the games because I haven't played them all, I still think the arcade version should at least be much higher than it is. Also, I need to buy that book... I didnt know it came out! I've been wanting to get it since I heard about it but that was a long time ago.

[@Jenovi]

Thank for the comments and for sharing your opinion on the subject. I always enjoy hearing other peoples take. I played the arcade at Portland Retro Game Expo quite a bit and took notes. I then came home and recoded the footage needed. Not once did I input my initials, sooooo.... yeah. I guess that's on me. Great tip my friend.

[@seantaylor861]

Fantastic video. Was the Sega CD version just too similar to the Genesis version?

[@davidstring8301]

Love my Saturn version. Looks gorgeous through HDMI

[@Michiganfan105]

Dennis Rodman didn't have neon green hair in the arcade version because he wasn't routinely dying his hair yet in January 1994! People easily forget how much later on the home ports were released. The Playstation, Saturn, and Jaguar versions were all released nearly 2 years after the original Arcade game! Also thought i should mention that you definitely can play co-op games on the PlayStation port, and you don't need a mult-tap. The version that i had allowed you to choose head-to-head or team game. I thought I was going crazy, so i looked up several playthroughs on KZbin of the PlayStation version and every single one of them also had the team game option, so you definitely were not playing the real or authentic PlayStation version of the game.

[@jonnyelpoiss7]

I know it's a different game, but where would you place the sega CD version of NBA jam OG compared to them?

[@Steambull1]

The two instructional pop-ups on the Arcade version don't re-occur after the first game if you play with previously used initials.

[@jacklazzaro9820]

I saw the video in my subscription page, and didn't get the notification until like 15 seconds later

[@Jenovi]

Hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for stoping by.

[@joshlepley1306]

Sorry but the arcade version is #1 in every way. This video is pretty dang cool. I forgot all about that DOS version. I have it somewhere still.

[@ThatOldSchoolMagic]

32X & Jaguar Rodman is going to give me nightmares now. Thanks a lot.

[@Jenovi]

🤣

[@sargesmash1]

The PC version looks a lot choppier than I remember it being. I'm wondering if there's something setup-related going on. As for gamepads, they definitely worked for me, so I'm not sure why it's not giving you the option. How are you running the DOS version?

[@meowmeow1232]

sargesmash1 MS Sidewinder... the best

[@Jenovi]

I use a program called boxer. Never have had issued with controllers in any other game using it, so I'm thinking it's this game. There's not even an option for controllers in the game itself, just keyboard settings.

[@sargesmash1]

I just gave it a run in DOSBox. While it has some issues with the video emulation (lots of flicker where there shouldn't be any), if your joystick is detected correctly, it hits you with a calibration prompt right off the bat when booting the game, and it saves those settings into a JOYSTICK.CAL file. Also, I just installed on my old Windows XP machine, and it didn't detect the joystick because I don't have an old school game port on there. It does, however, run much more smoothly than in DOSBox and without graphical errors.

[@maxxdahl6062]

@@Jenovi It supports gamepads you just have to have all of the settings set up correctly.

[@maxxdahl6062]

@@sargesmash1Yeah it runs way better on my real dos machine than it does in dosbox. But DOSBOX-X seems to perform a lot better with NBA JAM.

[@VMClassic]

I always preferred playing the arcade version. Reggie Lewis/ Kevin McHale on the Celtics was my jam

[@aznpikachu215]

I honestly think Arcade should be #1 rank since you probably didn't play it as much. The pauses should only happen during your first 3 games during the time when you enter your initials. Plus, there were secret characters that you could have mentioned during the versions 1-4 of the arcade port. But you earned a sub for talking about NBA Jam. P.S. Gary Payton has 3 of the ports of NBA Jam where it has Michael Jordan in it.

[@Jenovi]

I fully understand how you may feel that way. I played the arcade a bit growing up and at PRGE in October for a few hours. The Arcade didn't rank higher because while it's great, a few versions are just better. Graphicaly it's on par with the PSX and Saturn, the Jag has it's own look. Game play, mostly all on par. Sound? The Arcade is worse. Extras? They all have 20+ hidden characters and exclusives, but only the home ports have the power ups. It's an interesting game to look at because it's the start of an era where the Arcade wasn't always the better option. PS. I hear a few of those were custom made for NBA Players. It's just a matter of time until one finds it's way into the wild.

[@aznpikachu215]

​@@Jenovi True, but there are powerups, just not the powerups that you might enjoy. I think the Arcade could have been better, I'm sure there were things going on behind the scenes that made it limited. And home consoles were slowly on the rise.

[@pliniomsann]

The master system version was completed , but not launched. It is available for download though

[@Nicomanism]

Never played NBA Jam. Always wanted to. Which is the best version to play this?

[@ian1753]

I have the 32X, Jag, PS1, SNES, and Sega Genesis versions. Love the Jag and 32X versions best... but... currently because of this video playing the prototype Master System version haha. OMG trying to do Turbo is maddening

[@Jenovi]

It's so cool these things are brought to light years later. Glad you got to check it out.

[@RobsMemoryLane]

I wish you had gone into more details on the behind the scenes move to take the license

[@Jenovi]

The book is great covering the history, though I think there's no clear answer in that matter.

[@jensboffin7225]

Sorry for the late chime-in... I'm actually loving this video. But I do have some feedback that could, depending on a gamer's priorities, toss the order of best version up a little bit. Here goes... I'm saying the Saturn and Arcade versions are a tie. You're absolutely right that the Saturn version sounds so clean, doesn't pain the ears. BUT, there are 2 major drawbacks in it. I noticed a very mixed volume on the comments, some are barely audible while others are like the arcade. One thing both the Saturn and PSX versions lack compared to the arcade, is that major "oooooooow sound" that gives a very ambiant hyped feeling. I'm sorry but I miss it heavily. Graphically, the Saturn version does look more polished while the arcade maintains to be crisp. However, playing as a kid people kept telling me you couldn't break the glass backboard in TE like in regular Jam. I never could and assumed this to be a rule. Today, I was playing around with the Nani version of TE just to see if I noticed any oddities and whoop there it was: the glass board broke again. I couldn't pull this off in PSX or Saturn (is it really me?). The arcade does repeat the player names more often, while my Saturn version is no stranger to it either. But this can be easily fixed (small rom hack). Another thing why the arcade catches up to its Saturn counterpart is the gameplay. For example, in the arcade your cpu buddy has a superior AI. While on Saturn (and even more on psx), he has the tendency to pass the ball right after a steal, giving some annoying losses of ball posession. So in short, I'm a Saturn version believer but.... the arcade still has stuff that can't be gone without.

[@Jenovi]

Great points and I much appreciate the write up. You know, I've seen the backboard break, but never really though about it. I really don't recall what versions I saw it happen in.

[@jensboffin7225]

@@Jenovi thanks for the appreciation. Well, to my knowledge, the glass breaking was in all the regular Jam ports, excluding handhelds, but in none of the TE ports. So it remains an arcade exclusive feature sort of. I also did some more checkups as I get more and more intrigued. The PSX and Saturn ports are even missing the crowd yelling airball. The arcade also has that "organ music" now and then. But the Saturn remains the cleanest, but more shallow than arcade. It's actually kind of annoying that each version offers something the other doesn't. I'll have a rundown on College Slam tonight to see what got added or recycled. It's actually an acclaim clone with oddly some differences. For example they have a tip in dunk rather than a tip in layup from Jam.

[@jensboffin7225]

As promised I did a rundown of College Slam. I'm just going to tear it down, we know it's a Jam clone. The good: it adds a few features that be considered refreshing such as time-outs, a super boost and a whirlwind defense through code. Gameplay is 100% the same without the difference of the tip in dunk. Needless to say that time-outs can make you change strategy, for as far as it ever was existent. It has a few new quotes from the announcer that do fine. The damn right ugly: the music only comes in intervals so it's not really relaxing at all. We're playing halfs because that was college ball back then I assume. And despite being a fan of College ball, there's no way of knowing if you're team will have for example a good dunker until you already committed to that team... The AI has the same issues as before...

[@DemiGodX]

why every video comparison ive watched rank the saturn version higher than the psx ver and the comments tend to say the same. here are reasons why the PSX ver is better: 1. When players do a super dunk where they go up into the air, in the psx ver the camera pans up into the ceiling and there's cameras flashing. In the Saturn ver the player just goes off the screen and the camera only pans up a certain height and there's no camera flashes 2. the player font text in the PSX ver resembles the arcade ver more. in the Saturn ver there's a spacer in between the "Press start" txt which makes it look sloppy. The camera is more zoomed in on the Saturn ver making the Player names and Giant ball indicator obstruct the action on the floor more. 3. PSX ver has two FMV clips during gameplay, one for Halftime and another for Post game. The saturn version uses the same halftime FMV clip for both Halftime and Postgame. 4. the announcer commentary is buggy in the Saturn version. Tim constantly call the players names everytime they touch the ball and rarely do you hear two clips going together when a player goes in for a bucket and makes a bucket. in the PSX ver there's usually two audio clips. 5. Bigger sprites dont mean better graphics. The game has a sprite scaling feature, u can make them 20 ft tall if you want to. Look at the security guard in the back, his head reaches the top of the screen. That's zoomed in way too much. Also he's not transparent. there's a black background color behind him. The Saturn ver is just lazy and sloppy. They made the game specifically for the Playstation then for the Saturn they tried to do a cheap conversion where they tried to make a finish product work within Saturn's hardware instead of designing the game for the hardware. everyone saying the Saturn ver is superior are just fanboys who have a bias and think everything sega is better. These same sega fanboys criticize Sony for not including a Dual shock in a Playstation classic but perfectly fine with Sega not including a 6 button controller for the Genesis mini. What's crazy is i didnt play either versions until a year ago and I bought into the the consensus too that the Saturn ver must be better if all these comparison videos and commenters saying so. I aint believing nothing yall say anymore until i test it myself. just goes to show that you shouldnt follow along with what everybody else says. this hivemind shit is crazy. influencers and all that dumb shit can persuade anyone to buy into some collective conscious that may not even be accurate or true, people tend to agree with something just because they see everyone else saying it I personally find the Arcade sound to be the best. The way it sounds when the ball bounce, rattle around the rim, sneakers squeaking, and the Announcer sounds way better. Sure it may not sound as "clean" but a clean unfiltered audio doesnt mean it sound better. its like some people prefer retro pixel style art because it resembles a videogame opposed to a smartphone game where it just look like images. And some like chiptunes or those classic sounds more than a clean sounding audio. They modified Tim's voice in the Arcade to make it sound more like a NBA broadcast game. The home ports were just his raw voice and it doesnt have the same effect

[@StarForceBelmont321]

Oh hello XD

[@StarForceBelmont321]

BTW I prefer longer games I want arcade fun with real timers long games shouldn't be counted against the ports arcades wanted fast games for more quarters home consoles they WANT you to be playing long games.

[@jensboffin7225]

Here comes a shocker: we recently dumped arcade, PS1 and Saturn rom assets and here's the shocker: the ports trimmed some presentation elements like mugshots and reduced the court in width due to home port resolution limits. But, the big conclusion : the player animations and heads are 1/1 equal in size. This means that we only perceive them differently due the console output itself.

[@DrGamelove]

The DOS version looks okay but I noticed the crowd has no parallax scrolling or animation. Is that your settings?

[@Jenovi]

If it does otherwise, then it’s me. I couldn’t find an adjustment for just about anything.

[@mercster]

Wow so for the arcade, if a game is 10 minutes, how does it regulate quarters? I remember NBA jam being a huge "deluxe" arcade cabinet, so maybe you put $0.50 to $1 in... would that get you the whole 10 minutes?? Or maybe put a quarter in for each quarter? I'm very curious and I don't remember!

[@Jenovi]

Depends. More than one player, Winner gets a free game. One player games? $.50 per half(might be per quarter..

[@Rando1975]

It's been many years since I played the arcade version, but I seem to remember it was $0.50 for the first quarter, then $0.25 for the other quarters. So $1.25 for a whole game per person.

[@mercster]

@@Rando1975 Interesting, thanks.

[@stephenchase7711]

My favorite version is on the Genesis!!

[@Jenovi]

Woot! Solid version for sure.

[@mayamanign]

Another masterpiece from the James Lipton of video games. 😁