“Friday Old Games” is a series of articles in which we review a game from the older generations of consoles, share why we picked it, and whether or not it holds up with time.

I was perusing the internetz when I came across the news that EA is bringing the NBA Jam franchise back. I knew immediately that my next FOG review would have to be about the pinnacle of the NBA Jam series, NBA Jam: Tournament Edition. I hooked up a Genesis and proceeded to rain 3′s on the computer’s head.

There is something almost perfect in the design of NBA Jam. Even if you don’t know the difference between a triangle or a motion offense, you can still pick up and play NBA Jam. This is the game that pretty much defined arcade-style sports. Within seconds of sitting down to play, you’ll be doing insane dunks and knocking opposing players on their butts.

Everything about NBA basketball is exaggerated. Players are able to jump up to the rafters and perform crazy over the top dunks. If you can make three baskets in a row without the opposing team making a basket you ‘catch on fire’ which grants your player unlimited turbo and increases your chances of making your shots. If you catch on fire you can go on massive scoring runs and pull away from your opponents.

On defense you can try for the steal or you can shove your opponent over and take the ball from them. If you miss on either one, your opponent is going to get an easy dunk. Knowing when to make your move is the key.

On offense you have a wide variety of over the top dunks at your disposal. Even basic dunks have you jumping ten feet in the air, spinning around a couple times before slamming it home. A common mistake that rookies make is falling in love with the dunk. They will go for the big dunk every time, while I quietly drain 3 pointer after 3 pointer.

One of the best things about the game was the number of secrets you could unlock. There were dozens of secret characters and all sorts of cheat codes that changed up the look and feel of the game. Putting in the code for half court length dunks and Big Head mode were two of my favorites. Tournament Edition took everything that worked in NBA Jam and added a boat load of unlockables and cheat codes. When people talk about NBA Jam, they are probably really thinking of the Tournament Edition.

Why did I pick this game?

I spent entirely too much time with all of the NBA Jam games when I was a kid. My friends and I would spend hour upon hour with the game. It would get to the point where we would hear the announcer in our sleep. When I heard that the franchise was making a return, I knew that I had to replay the old school game.

How does it hold up with time?

NBA Jam holds up surprisingly well. Picking up the controller felt like putting on an old comfortable pair of shoes. I immediately started going back to the spots on the 3 point line that I am convinced work best for each player (Mark Price from the corner, Alonzo from the baseline, etc.). Characters don’t look nearly as good as I remember, but the basic gameplay still resonates with me.

Besides, any game that lets you play as Bill or Hillary Clinton is alright in my book.