I’ll be frank: When the first screen of the upcoming NBA Jam were released to the public in February, I was more than a little skeptical. It’s been years since we’ve had a good NBA Jam and besides, in my mind there was no way that new NBA Jam could compete with old NBA Jam. Would the new NBA Jam enable me to dunk on friend using an ex-president?

Although a Slick Willie apperance is unconfirmed at the moment, hands-on time with NBA Jam at an EA Sports event last week made me a believer. Not just a believer, but a devoted follower. NBA Jam is a new school game that does school due to its easy-to-jump-into gameplay, fast action, and highlight-reel-worthy plays on nearly every possession. Of course the specific traits that make NBA Jam a fave of even non-sports gamers are in the house: An absoluetly insane announcer that drops some of the best one-liners around, and the awesome flame effects that accompany a hot player.

The build that I saw was 50% done, but played marvelously. According to creative director Trey Smith, EA is planning on packing tons of goodies into the NBA such as legendary players (Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are confirmed), boss battles, power ups, and more that will be included in different game modes. The original NBA Jam gameplay will live in “Classic Mode” while the modern bells and whistles will live in “Remix Tour”, so purists can play with or without the new features. Mark Trummel (the American programming genius that worked on the original NBA Jam, NBA Ballers, Smash TV, and other classics) was brought on board to help make sure that his baby is given a loving touch.

The only disappointing aspect of NBA Jam is that it’s a Wii-exclusive–this game would kill on any platform it touches, console or portable. Still, this is the rebirth of NBA Jam for which long-time fans have been waiting.

[2D-X would like to thank Samsung for providing the Samsung SC-HMX20C that we uses to shoot video 2D-X TV. Thanks, Samsung!]