NBA Jam: On Fire Edition

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On Fire redirects here. For the gameplay mechanic in the NBA Jam series, see Fire.

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition
Nbajam ofe logo small.jpg
NBA Jam: On Fire Edition logo
Developer(s) EA Sports
Publisher(s) EA Sports
Series NBA Jam
Platform(s) Xbox 360, Playstation 3 (Download Only)
Release date(s) October 4th 2011 (PSN)
October 5th 2011 (XBL)

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition (stylised as NBA JAM: On Fire Edition and often shortened to NBA Jam: OFE) is a basketball video game by EA Sports, released on October 4th 2011 on the PlayStation Network and October 5th 2011 on Xbox Live. The game is a sequel to the reboot of NBA Jam by EA Sports and contains new elements such as online roster updates and enhanced AI, borrowed from EA's Fight Night series of boxing games.

Announcement[edit]

The game was officially announced on April 5th 2011, in a press released which also confirmed the release of EA's next NBA sim title in the Fall of 2012. It is the first NBA Jam game to be released exclusively via digital download.

Development & Overview[edit]

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition features the traditional two-on-two arcade-style gameplay that has become synonymous with the NBA Jam series. Whereas last year's NBA Jam sought to diversify the experience with its Remix Modes and Boss Battles, On Fire Edition has focused on enhancing traditional tournament play and the game's artificial intelligence, borrowing the Real AI technology from EA Sports' Fight Night series for a more dynamic and challenging gameplay experience.

The game also marks the return of two popular features from the original series, Team Fire and Tag Mode. Team Fire is triggered the same way as in previous games, by performing three consecutive alley-oops without allowing the opponent to score. Tag Mode allows players to switch control of players when passing the ball back and forth in a solo game, rather than being locked to one player. In true NBA Jam fashion, the game also includes a large range of secret and unlockable players.

On August 22nd 2011, it was revealed that the Seattle Supersonics would be featured in the game with a roster of Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton and Detlef Schrempf. The announcement also included information on the game's three online modes: Jam Now, Road Trip and Arena.

Official Features List[edit]

  • Enhanced Gameplay: In addition to vast improvements to the core experience and more variety across the board, NBA JAM: On Fire Edition will include a Tag Mode, Team Fire and Razzle Dazzle. Check back for more info to come!
  • REAL AI: Using the groundbreaking AI systems from the Fight Night series, NBA JAM: On Fire Edition will feature more organic play giving gamers a less robotic and more real gameplay experience. Check back for more info to come!
  • Improved Online: Jump online and take a Road Trip, the solo and co-op campaign modes that take the online experience to a new level. Or, play JAM Now – the Play Now mode for up to four players. Check back for more info to come!
  • Moving On Up: Earn Experience Points (XP) and JAM Bucks by completing JAM Challenges and awards. Spend your JAM Bucks in the JAM Store to unlock loads of unlockables. Check back for more info to come!
  • Rosters: NBA JAM: On Fire Edition will contain over 125 current NBA superstars, nearly 50 NBA legends, 27 mascots and a host of secret teams! Check back for more info to come!

Official Updates[edit]

A title update for NBA Jam: On Fire Edition was released shortly after the game came out, addressing a few online issues.

The first roster update for NBA Jam: On Fire Edition was released on January 31st 2012 and is downloaded automatically when the user access the Online Arena. The roster did not add any new players to the game, such as the class of 2011 rookies (left out due to the lockout), but did move players already in the game to their new teams as necessary. The lack of roster updates and delay in seeing the first one released was met with some criticism.

A second roster update was released on April 13th 2012, containing lineups accurate as of the trade deadline while also adding Kyrie Irving, Jimmer Fredette, Jeremy Lin, Derrick Williams, Tristan Thompson, Brandon Knight, Kemba Walker, MarShon Brooks, Nene, DeAndre Jordan, Darren Collison, Aaron Afflalo, Roy Hibbert and Kyle Lowry to the game. No audio updates were included however and as such none of the new players are referred to by name in the commentary.

Despite indications that there would be no new roster updates for the 2012/2013 season, a new roster was pushed through on January 24th, 2013. The rosters added class of 2012 rookies including Anthony Davis, Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, though once again the new players' names were not called by Tim Kitzrow. The update also contained a couple of mistakes, such as Jason Kidd still appearing on the Dallas Mavericks' roster after signing with the New York Knicks in the offseason, and a couple of unlockable legends players set as one of the two default players for their respective teams.

Reception[edit]

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition has received positive reviews, currently holding Metacritic scores of 85 (Xbox 360) and 81 (PlayStation 3). The gameplay featuring Real AI has generally been well received, while the improved online experience and game modes have also been praised. Gamers have mostly had positive reactions to the game, in many cases expressing the opinion that it has shown improvement in areas where the reboot fell short. The lack of roster updates however, an advertised feature of the game, has been met with criticism.

Screenshots[edit]

Links[edit]