Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Arcade, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, PlayStation
- Developers: Eurocom Entertainment Software, Midway
- Publishers: Midway
NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC (1999): The Arcade Basketball Classic
Introduction
NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC is an arcade-style basketball game developed by Midway Games and released in 1999. It is the third installment in the NBA Jam series, following NBA Jam (1993) and NBA Hangtime (1996). NBA Showtime was a critical and commercial success, praised for its fast-paced gameplay, over-the-top dunks, and intense competition.
Gameplay
NBA Showtime features two-on-two basketball gameplay with exaggerated physics and over-the-top moves. Players can perform a variety of dunks, including the signature “Showtime” dunk, which involves jumping off the backboard and dunking the ball. The game also features a variety of power-ups, such as speed boosts and temporary invincibility.
NBA Showtime can be played with up to four players, either competitively or cooperatively. The game features a variety of modes, including a single-player campaign, a two-player versus mode, and a four-player tournament mode.
Teams and Players
NBA Showtime features all 29 NBA teams and over 150 NBA players from the 1998-99 season. Players are rated based on their real-life stats, and each team has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Some of the most popular teams in NBA Showtime include the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Portland Trail Blazers. These teams feature some of the best players in the league, such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Scottie Pippen.
Graphics and Sound
NBA Showtime features colorful and vibrant graphics that capture the excitement of arcade basketball. The game’s character models are well-animated, and the arenas are packed with detail.
The game’s sound effects are also top-notch, with realistic crowd noise and energetic commentary. The game’s music is a mix of hip-hop and rock, and it helps to create a high-energy atmosphere.
Legacy
NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC is considered to be one of the greatest arcade basketball games of all time. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, over-the-top dunks, and intense competition have made it a favorite among fans of arcade basketball.
NBA Showtime has also been praised for its innovative use of power-ups and its unique art style. The game’s exaggerated physics and colorful graphics helped to set it apart from other basketball games at the time.
NBA Showtime has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and over-the-top dunks have been imitated by many other basketball games, and its unique art style has influenced the look of many other arcade games.
Conclusion
NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC is a classic arcade basketball game that delivers fast-paced action, over-the-top dunks, and intense competition. The game’s unique gameplay, colorful graphics, and energetic sound effects make it a must-play for fans of arcade basketball.
Review Score
8.5/10
