Slam 'N Jam '96 Featuring Magic & Kareem
Game by Crystal Dynamics
Reviewed by Robby Cox
koi@magicnet.net
Save: Saturn Internal Memory
Released: 1996
Works with: Multi-Player Adapter
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Opening Snide Remarks: I really dug Slam 'N Jam '95 for the 3DO, so I figured
that I would like this game as well. 

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Gameplay Description: Slam 'N Jam '96 is essentially the same game as Slam 'N
Jam '95 for the 3DO.  This game is a basketball game that features unlicensed
teams and unlicensed players, but it is fun to play.  The gameplay is a lot 
like NBA Jam, but it's different enough not to come off as a carbon copy.  
This game is 5 on 5 instead of Jam's 3 on 3 and this game is a lot more like
actual NBA play, but it feels like the Jam games of old.  I also like that
the baskets are at the top and bottom of the playfield.  This makes this game
rather unique.  This game is somewhat unique in that you can block shots from
behind.  This is something that most b-ball game just don't get.  Magic and
Kareem are present and they are the only real basketball players in the 
entire game.  This game is major fun to play.      
Liked: Cool basketball action.
Hated: Nothing.

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Graphics Description: SNJ '96 is a great looking game.  The graphics are 2-D
sprites, but the game is played with a 3-D perspective.  The players are 
large and well detailed.  This game plays fast and looks good doing it. 
Liked: Cool 3-D persective.
Hated: Nothing.

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Sound/Music Description: There really isn't much music is SNJ '96, but what's
there is pretty good.  The sound is another story.  The in-game sound fx are
excellent, but the play-by-play commentary by former CNN Sports guy Van Earl 
Wright is amazing.  He gives this game a life of it's own.  The voice is 
clear and never annoying.  
Liked: Awesome Van Earl Wright commentary.
Hated: Nothing.

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Play Control/Game Design: The controls are easy to learn and are pretty 
responsive.  The game design is great and all the options that you would 
expect are present. 
Liked: Great game design.
Hated: Nothing.

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Improve: I wish that a polygon version of this game would be produced. 

RIYL: NBA Jam series, Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside(which coincidentally was
produced by the same company that made this game, Left Field Productions)  

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Final Words: Slam 'N Jam '96 Featuring Magic and Kareem is an excellent game
for b-ball vets.  If you have a Saturn and don't hate basketball, then you
must own this game.  

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Score
Gameplay: *****
Graphics: ****
Sound/Music: ****
Play Control/Game Design: ****
Personal Opinion: ****
Total: 21 out of 25
Final Score: 84 %

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Currently Known Codes: None.

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