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Story
NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC doesn’t follow a traditional story arc like many narrative-driven games. Instead, it encapsulates the thrilling, fast-paced world of NBA basketball in an arcade setting. Released in 1999 by Midway Games, it was designed to capture the excitement of NBA games televised on NBC during the 1990s. The game immerses players in the high-energy atmosphere of professional basketball, featuring real NBA teams and players of the era. The primary goal is to lead your chosen team to victory through a series of matches, culminating in claiming the ultimate championship glory.
While it lacks a narrative storyline, NBA Showtime offers players the chance to relive iconic moments from NBA history. The absence of a traditional story is more than compensated by the dynamic, player-driven experiences created on the court. Each game session unfolds like a new chapter, filled with opportunities for dramatic buzzer-beaters, breakaway dunks, and strategic plays. The overarching narrative is one of competition, skill, and the pursuit of basketball excellence.
Gameplay
NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, NBA Jam, offering an exhilarating arcade-style basketball experience. The gameplay is characterized by its over-the-top, fast-paced action, where realism takes a back seat to fun and excitement. Players engage in two-on-two basketball matches, choosing from a roster of real NBA teams and players, each with unique attributes.
Game Mechanics
The controls are intuitive, designed for accessibility and immediate engagement. Players can execute a variety of moves including dunks, alley-oops, and three-point shots. The game emphasizes high-flying dunks and spectacular plays, often defying the laws of physics for dramatic effect. The turbo button is a critical component, enabling players to perform enhanced moves and outpace opponents, albeit at the cost of limited energy.
Power-Ups and Strategy
NBA Showtime introduces a range of power-ups that add layers of strategy to the gameplay. These power-ups can significantly alter the course of a match, providing temporary boosts to speed, shooting accuracy, or defensive capabilities. The strategic use of these power-ups can turn the tide during crucial moments, adding depth to the arcade action.
Multiplayer Experience
The game truly shines in its multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to compete against each other. This mode captures the essence of arcade gaming, fostering a competitive and social environment. Whether playing with friends or against AI opponents, the multiplayer experience is both challenging and rewarding, encouraging teamwork and strategic play.
Graphics and Sound
Visual Design
NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC delivers vibrant, colorful graphics that enhance the arcade experience. The character models are exaggerated and cartoonish, perfectly suited to the game’s over-the-top style. The arenas are meticulously designed to reflect real NBA courts, complete with detailed backgrounds and enthusiastic crowds that react dynamically to the action on the court.
Soundtrack and Commentary
The audio elements of NBA Showtime play a significant role in creating an immersive experience. The game’s soundtrack features upbeat, energetic tracks that complement the fast-paced gameplay. Commentary by Tim Kitzrow, known for his iconic voice work in NBA Jam, adds an additional layer of excitement, with enthusiastic calls and humorous remarks that have become a hallmark of Midway’s basketball games.
Legacy and Reception
Upon its release, NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and authentic NBA experience. Critics praised its ability to capture the essence of televised NBA games, noting the game’s appeal to both casual gamers and basketball enthusiasts alike. The game’s success is evident in its continued popularity in arcades and its influence on subsequent basketball video games.
Impact on the Genre
NBA Showtime contributed significantly to the evolution of arcade sports games. It built upon the legacy of NBA Jam, introducing refined mechanics and improved graphics that set a new standard for the genre. The game inspired future titles to incorporate similar elements of exaggerated gameplay and engaging multiplayer modes.
Fan Community
Over the years, NBA Showtime has maintained a dedicated fan base. Its nostalgic appeal and unique gameplay mechanics have kept it relevant, with many players revisiting the game through emulators or retro gaming platforms. The game’s influence is evident in the continued interest in arcade-style sports games, and its impact can be seen in modern titles that strive to balance realism with arcade fun.
Conclusion
NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC holds a special place in the history of basketball video games. Its combination of fast-paced action, vibrant graphics, and engaging multiplayer modes set it apart as a standout title in the arcade sports genre. While lacking a traditional narrative, the game excels in delivering exciting, player-driven stories on the court. Its legacy is evident in the continued popularity of arcade-style sports games and its influence on game design in the years that followed. For fans of basketball and arcade gaming, NBA Showtime remains a beloved classic that captures the thrill and excitement of NBA basketball like no other.
