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NBA Jam 2004 ps2 Game Reviews
NBA Jam 2004
Critic Score
Metascore: 67 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.2 out of 10
based on 18 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 27 votes
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Rate this game

NBA JAM brings the "rim-rocking" highlights of NBA play to life with over the top, arcade-style 3-on-3 Basketball featuring spectacular high-flying dunks, ankle-breaking crossovers and "get that outta here" blocks! All the popular signature NBA JAM features are back - including over-the top gameplay, "On-Fire" & "Big Head" modes, no fouls, Hotspots and surprising hidden characters. Play against over 50 of the NBA's greatest players from the past 50 years in the Legends Tournament, taking you on a journey through the NBA of the 1950s - 1990s with era-specific music, uniforms, hairstyles, commentary and motions. Over 700 new motions, including signature moves for current NBA All-Stars and Legends. Game modes include quick-play Exhibition, NBA JAM Tournament, NBA Legends Tournament & Mini Games. All-new Create-A-Player allows you to build your own master of the court. Select upgraded attributes in the JAM Store. [Acclaim]

PUBLISHER: Acclaim
DEVELOPER: Acclaim Studios Austin
GENRE(S): Sports, Basketball
PLAYERS: 6
ESRB RATING: E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2003

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

88
Next Level Gaming
The Legends Tournament alone is reason to own NBA Jam.
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80
GamePro
The resulting relaunched game is worthy of its weighty legacy. "NBA Street" has a better all-around arcade-style game, but if all you care about are big dunks and big points, NBA Jam will deliver you to highlight heaven.
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77
GameSpot
As a nostalgia piece, this new iteration is a great 3D representation of the classic NBA Jam experience, but when compared with recent arcade basketball offerings, like the "NBA Street" series, it doesn't quite measure up.
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75
GameSpy
My biggest nitpick is that defense and rebounding is still an afterthought.
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72
Inside Gamer Online
Offering decent graphics, decent sound, and a replay value that just doesn’t quite seem to stick, NBA Jam isn’t recommended for any average basketball game fan, only the veterans will have fun with this title.
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70
Cheat Code Central
It makes a great arcade-style game but it can't touch any of the basketball sims. It still comes up a little short on modes and options even when compared to games such as "NBA Street" but it does have its place.
70
IGN
Other titles have taken the formula and advanced it to such a degree the NBA Jam just can't compete...With a weak AI and no online play, there's little to keep you coming back.
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70
Gamestyle
With the return of NBA Jam comes the return of pick-up-and-play gameplay and quick, fast-paced (and exciting) basketball entertainment. However, it is also accompanied by lacklustre AI, repetitive commentary and a short lifespan.
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68
Game Chronicles
While Acclaim has managed to make a game that is better than any of the other attempts at a home edition NBA Jam still doesn't live up to the arcade original and falls short of other arcade hoops like "NBA Street" and "NBA Showtime."
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67
Play Magazine
The game isn't perfect. For starters, the AI could've been more challenging - I was able to break it down fairly easily and score at will. [Nov 2003, p.105]
65
Game Informer
Routed by the gameplay, options, and depth of "NBA Street." [Nov. 2003, p.149]
60
PSM Magazine
Fans may find sentimental value here, but Jam just doesn't have the depth, features, or ambition level of its decendents. [Dec 2003, p.46]
60
Electronic Gaming Monthly
While this latest version succeeds in providing a polished, fast-paced, fun game of over-the-top 3-on-3 hoops, it doesn't really offer anything we haven't seen before. [Dec 2003, p.191]
60
GMR Magazine
Unless you're feeling nostalgic, you're better off stickin' with EA's "NBA Street" series for over-the-top roundball fun. [Dec 2003, p.84]
55
Loaded Inc
It falls short, sadly. What was a wow in the early 90s is merely pedestrian today.
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50
Gaming Age
Online play might have taken NBA Jam off the "rent for nostalgia" list and put it on the "must-have" list. As is, there are better basketball alternatives - several of them.
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50
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
The series should've stayed dead and buried. [Dec 2003, p.182]
50
games(TM)
The slightly clumsy controls and overly enthusiastic (read: nearly unbeatable) AI, plus with a new Hot Spot system that feels very random, makes the whole game feel rather lopsided and not much fun. [Dec 2003, p.125]

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 9.2 (out of 10) based on 27 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Dan K. gave it a 10:
Did he really just do that? I can't believe it! BOOMSHAKALAKA!!!

Rozza W. gave it a 10:
What a game! From a easy 2 pointer to a massive monster jam. What else could you want?

Nick W. gave it an 8:
Great game, but not as good as the originals.

Damian D. gave it a 10:
This game rulz!!

Unknown legend gave it a 10:
It's a really tight game.

Luis C. gave it a 10:
Very goooood ,damn.

Twan Da Great Juan gave it a 10:
This Game is awesome.

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