Review by: Andrew Groen

I lavished praise over just about every possible category of the recently released NBA Jam Wii version in October, so I was more than a little bit excited to get my hands on the new version releasing slightly later on Xbox 360 and PS3. It has some new touches and (thank goodness) an online component that helps bring the game up to date with modern times, but I'm still not really convinced it's that much better of a game than its Wii counterpart.

What you're probably wondering as you read this review is a very simple question: is the Xbox/PS3 version better than it is on the Wii? The question may be simple, but the answer isn't. Both games have their strengths, and it will ultimately come down to you deciding where your priorities lie.

As surprised as I was that the Wii controls worked so well, I was even more surprised that I didn't want to go back to using a control pad. The Xbox 360 controls are perfectly competent, but they very boring by comparison. The Wii version had you swinging your arms around and slamming controllers for mega slams. It was a very high-involvement system that subtly worked wonders in getting players into the game and getting their pulses pounding.

The Xbox 360 has you flicking the control stick up to jump and then flicking it down to slam dunk, release a shot, or swat your arm. It's a pale imitation of what the Wiimote offered, and I'm honestly not sure it's truly the same game without it. This is still a great, fast-paced arcade sports game, but without that touch some games can drag a bit more.

To make up for that loss, owners of Xbox 360s and PS3 get the chance to take the Jam experience onto the internet battlefield. The game ships with a healthy helping of online modes that will be sure to extend the life of your purchase. Adding a human element to a game like this is fully necessary. Although, I don't personally think it works as well without the person sitting next to you. NBA Jam lends itself incredibly well to smack talk and a quick elbow or couch cushion thrown at your competitor.