NBA Jam: On Fire Edition Xbox 360
Metascore
85 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. X360 Magazine UK
    Dec 8, 2011
    90
    It's so enjoyable that we'd be hard pressed to recommend a better casual sports game for just about anyone. [Issue#79, p.103]
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  2. Eurogamer Italy
    Oct 14, 2011
    90
    If you prefer arcade to simulations… if you love this game… this is the perfect NBA Jam experience! In your face!
  3. DarkStation
    Oct 14, 2011
    90
    EA seems to have figured out what NBA Jam was missing last year and went ahead and fixed it this time. Though battling the AI is fun, it's centered so heavily around playing with people, comparing scores and just having an arcade-style experience from the comfort of your living room that they finally seem to understand it- and if they can fix some niggling issues and get online working right, this game runs very close to perfect.
  4. Multiplayer.it
    Oct 13, 2011
    90
    EA Canada makes the first true NBA Jam sequel since the old-school arcade games appears so far. And it is still frenetic, fast and funny, but most of all: SO HOT!
  5. Da Gameboyz
    Oct 5, 2011
    90
    If you are a fan of the previous NBA Jam games you can download this one without hesitation but even for those new to the scene, NBA Jam: On Fire Edition is money well spent.
  6. IGN
    Oct 3, 2011
    90
    That this is the definitive version of NBA Jam is undeniable: it plays better, looks better and lasts better than any of the previous games in the series' history. The fact that it's a mere 1200 Microsoft Points only makes it an even more irresistible proposition.
  7. GameFocus
    Oct 17, 2011
    88
    This is easily the best version of NBA Jam to date.
  8. GamingXP
    Nov 7, 2011
    86
    An arcade retro basketball game with dynamic AI, an intense 2 on 2 gameplay and players from the past. I love it.
  9. XGN
    Nov 22, 2011
    85
    NBA Jam: OFE is so much better than it's predecessor. Seeing how well this game is constructed, we don't even know why the first game was ever launched. This game is pure fun, especially with friends. A great substitute for when there's no basketball on TV.
  10. Machinima
    Oct 16, 2011
    85
    I expected some goofy fun from NBA Jam: OFE and got a thoroughly well-developed, competitive game that's both faithful to the Jam legacy and has legs to last.
  11. GameOver.gr
    Oct 14, 2011
    85
    When a game so enjoyable and exciting -as the On Fire Edition of NBA Jam is- is offered in such an affordable price, then you know you're on for a real treat.
  12. Worth Playing
    Oct 5, 2011
    85
    Aside from these issues, I really enjoyed NBA Jam: On Fire Edition. It is certainly reminiscent of old-school NBA Jam, which is what I'm looking for.
  13. GameShark
    Oct 10, 2011
    83
    NBA Jam: On Fire Edition's online, downloadable release and lessened price point will make it an easier pill to swallow for budget gamers and make it a no-brainer for fans of the series. It's the defininitive version of NBA Jam.
  14. Gaming Age
    Oct 6, 2011
    83
    That is a lot of boom for a very little bit of Shakalaka if you know what I'm saying. This is the definitive version of the series, not only as it has up-to-date visuals, rosters, and modes, but it is about as complete as you could hope from this series.
  15. Gamereactor Sweden
    Oct 17, 2011
    80
    Playing NBA Jam: On Fire Edition alone isn't that much fun, but invite a couple of friends and this transforms to one of the best party themed sports games ever released.
  16. GamesRadar
    Oct 16, 2011
    80
    Between the price, the modes, and the online play, it's a gem.
  17. Vandal Online
    Oct 11, 2011
    80
    The rebirth of the NBA Jam series has found his ideal channel of distribution, with a new version which returns to the classic style of the original arcade. It has many changes in comparison with the game of last year, and it drops some of its features, but adds others which compensates for. A very interesting option with a good price.
  18. Official Xbox Magazine
    Oct 5, 2011
    80
    The 2010 version's numbskull partner A.I., for instance? Fixed. And the even more frustrating opponent A.I. that still makes us angry just thinking about it? Also rectified, although all their old dirty tricks emerge during the masochistic Jambot matches you must complete to earn Platinum medals.
  19. GamePro
    Oct 5, 2011
    80
    Once you get a game going with friends or online fodder, though, On Fire Edition shows its best side, and could easily turn "one more match" into hours spent cracking jokes and laughing at every comment the announcer makes. And for a b-ball know-nothing like me, that's more than enough justification to find yourself playing a sports game. Just don't take it too seriously.
  20. GameTrailers
    Oct 13, 2011
    78
    While it could have benefitted from a few new modes, a create-player feature, or mini-games, NBA Jam: On-Fire is still a shoulder-charging steal at $15.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. tlynde11
    9
    This is everything I want out of a quirky, arcade-style basketball game and more. Setting the bar last year with their first release of an NBA Jam game in almost 15 years, the team at EA score big with this new update from last year's already solid title. Tim Kitzrow is back to make me laugh so hard at his commentary I have to occasionally stop and pause the game until I recover from laughing at his one-liners. Also returning, as the title suggests, are the most recent NBA rosters and players from today and from years past, returning as "Legends", who will play with a slew of wacky unlockable teams that are sure to keep you busy well until the NBA season will end (despite the lingering blackout...). New this year are improved graphics, with smoother animations and even sweeter visual effects (being on fire, new trick & dunk moves) that blow last year out of the water. Also updated are a few game changers: on top of being "on fire" by scoring 3 baskets in a row, Team Fire now sets you and your teammate "on fire" when you successfully complete 3 alley-oops in a row without letting the opposing team score. There's now also "Razzle Dazzle" moves implemented in the game, which take trick moves, shots and shoves and add a little flare to them in-game, such as rolling the ball on your shoulders or shooting the ball granny-style (which is absolutely gut-busting seeing for the first time). Campaign has now been renamed and redone, being named "Road Trip", in which you must beat each team in the NBA, with Bronze, Silver and Gold medals to win for each team depending on how many times you play that team. Being able to choose a team that fits your needs for each game you play is a step in a good direction from last year, which only allowed you to play as one team for every franchise file you saved, which tended to get boring. The last major addition is Jam Central, which contains a store to buy players and customizations for your game card, challenges to help you level up and use points in the store, and friend leaderboards. There are so many ways to level up in this game, it'll be hard to be stuck not knowing how to level up next.
    Feeling like you're a part of the player with and without the ball in a basketball game is essential, and it seems as though EA has learned a thing or two from last year. Despite the AI still being a bit on the soft side for more hardcore fans, there's plenty here to go around for everyone. For those who love being able to play basketball, but aren't interested in the learning curve that NBA 2K12 may have on new players, NBA Jam OFE has one of those "easy to learn, hard to master" attributes, which appeal to newcomers and experts alike, and for $15 on PSN and Xbox Live alike, the price is a hell of a lot better than what it was at a year ago, and so much more has been put in this year. If you liked the experience last year with NBA Jam, you owe it to yourself to at least try OFE as a trial, but if you're like me, you won't need to even try it. This is an impulse buy, and a needed one at that for a much more reasonable price.    … Full Review »
  2. cstrickland
    9
    There wasn't a time during this game when playing co-op online with my cousin that we didn't have fun (We played as the utah jazz bear and I was rumble the bison from the OKC thunder.) this is one of those silly arcade sports games that most of us love, they're no rule fun and anarchy that make us laugh and bring us back to a time when everything wasn't about shooting someone in the face or sitting in a box because you tripped someone (NHL).

    If you're looking for a game with a lot of content built in or just a game to keep you and your kids entertained you can't go wrong with this game, it's easy to pick up and there's lots of unlockables.

    OR if you're in a rush they have a "Cheat" pack on the marketplace that gives you almost everything plus some in game money but don't get it the wrong way it doesn't unlock everything it just gives you a lot of cool stuff right off the bat.    … Full Review »
  3. OASkittles
    9
    I used to play the original NBA Jam on SNES. I loved that game . It was the only basketball game that was not boring. The generation after SNES and Genesis brought us NBA Jam Tournament Edition. That game...... well....... saddened me. The graphics were horrible and the difficulty was wayy to hard. It killed my hope for this franchise to be the end all be all basketball game. After years and years of playing other basketball games during the PS2/Xbox era, I came across NBA Jam On Fire Edition. I was scared to try it out , but like Gibbs on NCIS, "trust your gut." Well it payed off. IN SPADES!!! The feel of the game and the fun of the game has been resurrected. It is just like the first game. The rosters are up to date as of the 2011/2012 season. So you will get a chance to play as Lebron, D Wade, Derrick Rose, Dirk, etc. The campaign mode is simple. You go to through six divisions and have 4 levels for each team in those divisions (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum [unlocked when you finish all the golds in region]). Each level has different game rules like: 3's are twos and 2's are threes, ally oops and dunks are worth one point, etc. Tip: When it comes to the dunks worth 3 pts. rule, get centers! My team was the Magic with Shaq and Dwight Howard. I beat my opponent, who were the Raptors with Vince Carter (in his prime) and some other guy ( I don't remember his name. Sorry.) Which brings me to the unlockable characters. You earn currency from playing and the coins are used to unlock stuff. By the way, the unlockables are awesome. You can unlock the mascots and players from the first game and legends like: Scottie Pippen, Shawn Kemp, Shaq, Karl Malone, Dr. J, etc. The online play is fun and you gotta really be on the ball (no pun intended) to play your opponents. The only grip I have with this game is the graphics for their heads. The heads of the players are pretty much photos taken from trading cards. With this day and age of high tech graphics, you could take advantage of what is available to not make it look 2D. It is very colorful which is a vast improvement from other Jam games. This game is just amazing. I usually play this game inbetween playing FPS's or RPG's. I give this game a 9 out of 10. I would recommend this game to anyone who loves basketball and wants and out of the ordinary game. I would also even give non basketball fans a chance at this. It is way too much fun. This game gave me a smile on my face which will never go away. HOPE RESTORED!!!!!!… Full Review »
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