Reactions: The price is right for NBA Jam: On Fire Edition

NBA Jam has already seen releases on the Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 as a full-priced retail product. It’s a fun pick-up-and-play game, but probably isn’t worth the bones to a lot of people. That’s why I’m so delighted to inform you of NBA Jam: On Fire Edition, a $15 XBLA and PSN remastering that actually improves on the well-received retail product.

According to Joystiq:

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition is slated for PSN and Xbox Live Arcade this fall and aims to offer the most comprehensive version of the game yet, as a $15 download. It’s got a new taunting system, online features and the ability to switch between ballers when playing solo.

There are two different core taunts: a mocking gesture (called a razzle-dazzle in the game) that’s meant to harass your opponent; and a self-explanatory poke. The poke isn’t as strong as the shove, but it’s pretty hilarious to see in action — the cartoon sound bite helps to sell it.

Other new additions include a team fire capability, where three successful alley-oops will set your entire team on fire. You can now switch between players on demand, and the game claims to have an overhauled, more aggressive AI. There’s also a new online tournament mode and online co-op campaign, if you’re into that whole teamwork thing.

This is the sort of basketball game I can get behind. Actually, I can get behind any game that features poking. Too bad there won’t be a back of the box to list that feature on.

Author: Cody