Introduction:NBA Jam 2004 is an arcade-style basketball game, where the emphasis is on fun. Not taking itself seriously NBA Jam keeps in-line with the same formula which has worked in the past. Unfortunately for NBA Jam it has now nets to dunk with competition like NBA Street Vol.2

The Game:It wasn't until I put in the disk for NBA Jam 2004 that I realized that I have played this game before. It was the early 1990's and it was at my favorite coin sucking arcade spots. To my surprise that game isn't much different from the next Gen. Systems version. Back in time of the quarter game, I remember this game was more fun when it was an innovator of arcade b-ball games. In 10 years the stakes have been raised and there are more companies trying to rebound from there shot, but NBA Jam doesn't reclaim the courts of gaming greatness.

If you a familiar with other arcade b-ball games then you will know what to expect in NBA Jam. On the court you will play 3 vs. 3 which clears up the clutter and gives you enough room to pull of some unreal hoop moves. NBA Jam keeps a simple concept with the gameplay and can be picked up and instantly mastered in a few runs.

In NBA Jam you can experience real players, legends or make up your own b-baller. The isn't much to mention in extra features department except the ability to download new content via Xbox Live. Some cool over the top teams have been released, but overall there has been few updates for the game.

Graphics & Sound:Keep it simple is the best way to describe the overall tone of NBA Jam. The charters models are all similar and have been produced from the same cloning tubes. The game does throw in some cool funky players, but overall it's not anything memorable. It also perked the memory into why I didn't care for the "bubble head" phenomenon of early sports games. "Not good, not bad"

The sound department mirrors the graphics end and really doesn't have anything that will turn heads. The grooves are efficient in NBA Jam there is partial commentary and one liner from Tim Kitzow (the original voice of NBA Jam). "Not good, not bad"

Innovation:"He's On Fire!" are the words of Jam which ignites you player with some turbo madness brining the heat to the court. In NBA Jam when your 'Jam' meter fills you will have power-up baler who can bring in the big moves to pull the game ahead, like all power-ups this mode lasts a short so make it count? The 'Jam' meter is the most memrable part of NBA Jam and it keeps it in par with other basketball titles, but overall this title is innovatively challenged.

Mojo:NBA Jam brings little to the plate when you can play ultra modified balers like NBA Showtime and NBA Street Vol.2. I dig how the gameplay and concepts are kept simple which will attract all levels of gamers.

Lowdown:The arcade style of NBA Jam 2004 makes it a great game to pick up and play; unfortunately there isn't much to keep you here after a few moments of action. NBA Jam needs to refocus there efforts and turn out a more cutting edge product in the next offering. Great barging bin stuff.

Gameplay: 6.5, Graphics/Sound: 6, Innovation: 5, Mojo: 5. Final: 6