NBA Jam: On Fire Edition Brings The Heat This Fall
Last year's NBA Jam rebirth was a rousing success, thanks to creative director Trey Smith's genuine love for the storied franchise (and input from Jam creator Mark Turmell) that saw the title achieve the same insane level of high-flying fun as its arcade predecessors. Although NBA Jam's resurrection was praised by both fans and critics alike, there were a few niggles that dampened the experience a bit. Enter NBA Jam: On Fire Edition.
NBA Jam: On Fire Edition is a $15 download that will be available on PS3 and Xbox 360 this fall that aims to address this issue and improve the all-around balling experience. The biggest new change is the ability to switch between players on the fly—one of the most requested features from Jam fans. This dramatically changes the game; in my hands-on time with the game at a recent EA event, I found that relying on my own instincts to switch on and off was far more effective than hoping the computer-controlled teammate would fit into my offensive and defensive schemes. Not only can you control your ally, but you can call for alley-oops and shoves (which can act as extremely hardcore picks).
Jam wouldn't be Jam without its over the top elements, and the On Fire Edition serves up even more shenanigans. There are new showboating moves, and "Team Fire." The latter occurs when you score three consecutive alley-oops, igniting both of your teammates in blue flames. "Team Fire" has a potentially shorter lifespan than an individual player being on fire. It dissipates after 20 seconds, or after a rival scores an alley-oop, whichever comes first. Still, it's quite deadly; I eliminated a 15 point deficit in the fourth quarter by downing three from deep behind the arc. You can also throw down locally, or online.
NBA Jam: On Fire Edition promises to be the most player-packed game in the series, featuring all 30 NBA teams and even more returning classic players (none of which were available to play in the demo build I sat down with). Smith was tight-lipped on the new faces, but he stated that NBA fans will not be disappointed with the new roster additions, which includes stars from older Jams that didn't make it into last year's remake.
