Plenty of old-school, not quite enough new-school. Lots of variety to spice up the core game but... Where's online play?
-The feel is pretty old-school, only modernizing/enhancing itself in appropriate ways.
-Remix Modes give you more to do than before. You can play 21, try to dominate hot spots on the floor, play classic NBA Jam with power-ups, first team to smash the backboard, and an elimination game in which, every minute or two, the player with the lowest score is eliminated.
-Remix Tour is a great change of pace from the old school Beat-Every-Team mode.
-The classic modes are here
-A ton of unlockables
-Boss Battles are cool. The bosses have special abilities.
The Neutral:
-The game really makes you fight to find an open shot. Surprisingly strategic in that way.
-The announcer has a lot of good things to say, but also a few comments that don't quite feel like they belong in the game. In a simulation sports game, the more comments the better. In an arcade game like NBA Jam that's not always true. I'd like to see some lines replaced for next year. The contest they ran on Facebook was an awesome idea. Have the fans choose some good ones.
The Bad:
-No online!
-No create-a-player
The Bottom Line:
This game is meant to be played multiplayer. In single player you can reliably bet the CPU defense will either chase you in the backcourt or wait until you're at their three point line to swat or shove. Online would've sealed the deal.... next year....
Everything else is really solid. Remix Tour and all the unlockables give the game necessary variety to keep you interested.
I wanted a good, simple basketball game. That's what I got. I don't regret my purchase at all. I just wish it had online play for at least 2, but preferably 4 players....