NBA Jam (ＮＢＡ ジャム) is the first in a series of basketball games which carry the NBA license. Unlike the later NBA Live or NBA 2K series, the NBA Jam series is known for being more "arcade style", with faster gameplay and fewer players on screen, along with highly exaggerated dunks. The first game was released in 1993 in arcades and then ported (among other consoles) to the Sega Mega Drive, Sega Game Gear and Sega Mega CD. A Sega Master System version was also planned at one stage, but was cancelled.
Later, a sequel to NBA Jam named NBA Jam Tournament Edition was released on Sega consoles.
Gameplay
The game puts two players per team on the basketball court. There are no fouls and most restrictive rules are not used with the exception of goal tending, which is not allowed, and the shot clock. Three buttons are used and their use varies depending on if on offense or defense. One button will activate turbo, another will shoot/dunk when on offense or block on defense, another will pass on offense or steal/shove on defense. Making three shots in a row leads to the player being "on fire" which gives the player unlimited turbo, no goaltending, and increase shooting ability.
Unlike later games it is not possible to swap players at halftime.
Physical Scans
Mega Drive Version
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90
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Sega Retro Average
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| Based on 3 reviews
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| Mega Drive, US
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| Mega Drive, EU
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| Mega Drive, JP
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| Mega Drive, SE (rental)
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Mega CD Version
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87
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Sega Retro Average
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| Based on 2 reviews
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Game Gear Version
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83
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Sega Retro Average
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| Based on 3 reviews
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| Game Gear, US
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Cover
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| Game Gear, EU
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| Game Gear, JP
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