NBA Jam

SNES 0 plays 0.0 (0) Sports

NBA Jam is Midway's explosive SNES arcade basketball game with two-on-two action, huge dunks, On Fire streaks, and 54 real NBA stars from all 27 teams.

About NBA Jam (SNES)

NBA Jam is a 1994 arcade basketball game developed by Midway and published by Acclaim Entertainment for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It brings the 1993 arcade phenomenon home with digitized players, huge dunks, and a catchphrase-filled announcer. The SNES version arrived in 1994, at the peak of the game’s arcade fame.

Unlike a simulation, NBA Jam is two-on-two basketball with almost no rules. There are no fouls, players shove each other freely, and dunks can launch from near half court. You pick from all 27 NBA teams of the era and stars such as Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, and John Starks. Fast, loud, and endlessly replayable, it turned basketball into pure arcade fun.

Detailed Gameplay

NBA Jam is a fast two-on-two basketball game played in four short quarters. Score more points than the other team before the clock runs out.

Two-on-Two Arcade Action

Choose any NBA team, then pick two players whose speed, dunking, shooting, and defense fit your style.
Play with no fouls and loose rules, so shoving an opponent is a valid defensive tactic.
Chase rebounds after missed shots, since second chances often decide close games.

Dunks, Threes, and On Fire

Drive to the basket for outrageous dunks, including spins, flips, and long-range tomahawks.
Sink three shots in a row without the other team scoring to catch fire and boost your shooting.
While on fire, your player glows, moves faster, and can score from almost anywhere on the court.
Mix dunks with three-pointers to keep defenders guessing and to build a fire streak quickly.

Defense and Steals

Block shots at the rim, steal passes, and shove ball handlers to break their rhythm.
Switch to the defender nearest the ball, then time your jump for a block instead of jumping early.
Guard the three-point line when the other team is hot, and protect the paint when they drive.
Use your teammate wisely, since the computer controls the player you are not moving.

Modes and Multiplayer

Play a single exhibition game, or battle through teams one by one in a longer session.
Team up with friends in multiplayer, with up to four players using a multitap-style setup.
Enter your initials after a win to record your record against the computer.
Hunt for secret players, including famous non-basketball names hidden behind initials codes.

Game Highlights

On Fire mode: Three straight baskets set your player ablaze for unstoppable scoring runs.
Outrageous dunks: Gravity-defying slams and announcer calls like Boomshakalaka define the game.
Real NBA stars: 54 digitized players from all 27 teams bring era-authentic rosters to the court.
No-foul chaos: Shoves, steals, and blocks keep every possession fast and physical.

Controls

Play NBA Jam on the SNES controller as follows:

D-Pad: Move your player, dribble up court, and aim shots toward the basket.
B: Shoot when you have the ball, or jump to block when defending.
Button A: Pass to your teammate, or steal the ball when defending.
Y: Turbo, giving a burst of speed for drives, chases, and blocks.
X: Not used for core shooting or passing in most situations.
L/R: Switch the player you control on defense in some setups.
Start: Pause the game and view the score and stats.

Tips and Strategies to Win

Pick one strong dunker and one strong shooter so you can score inside and outside.
Use turbo only on key drives and blocks, since it drains quickly if you hold it all game.
Pass out of double teams instead of forcing a contested dunk into two defenders.
Chase your own misses for put-back dunks, especially when your teammate draws defenders away.
When the other team catches fire, slow the game down with passes and high-percentage shots.