Introduction
Released in 1994 by Midway, NBA Jam Tournament Edition (TE) took the original NBA Jam phenomenon and cranked every dial to eleven. With more players, new power-ups, hidden characters, and fine-tuned gameplay, TE became one of the most beloved and over-the-top sports games in arcade history. It wasn't just basketball — it was BOOMSHAKALAKA!
History & Development
- Developer: Midway Games
- Publisher: Midway
- Release Date: January 17, 1994
- Platform: Midway Wolf Unit hardware
- Lead Designer: Mark Turmell
After the massive success of the original NBA Jam in 1993, Midway quickly began work on a sequel that would build on its winning formula. Tournament Edition brought deeper gameplay, more customization, and even more arcade flair. Mark Turmell and his team responded to fan feedback and added features like player substitutions, expanded rosters, and power-ups.
NBA Jam TE was also notable for including a wider roster of NBA stars (and some who were swapped in due to licensing issues), more hidden characters, and the ability to track player stats via PIN codes. The game ran on Midway's Wolf Unit system, allowing improved graphics and smoother animation compared to the original.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
NBA Jam TE retained the fast-paced, 2-on-2 gameplay but added layers of depth and absurdity that elevated it into a fan favorite.
Key features:
- 2-on-2 basketball with no fouls, goaltending, or free throws
- Player substitutions before each match and between quarters
- Expanded roster with nearly every NBA team and multiple players per team
- Power-ups like "Hot Spots" for bonus points and attributes like speed or power boosts
- Secret players including developers, mascots, politicians, and celebrities
- Stats tracking and custom player settings via input PIN system
- Same signature moves: flaming dunks, alley-oops, and shattering backboards
- "Tournament Mode" disables cheats and power-ups for competitive play
Cultural Impact and Legacy
NBA Jam Tournament Edition became a cultural juggernaut in arcades and beyond.
- One of the highest-grossing arcade sports games of all time
- Helped establish Midway as a dominant force in the arcade boom of the '90s
- The catchphrases ("He's on fire!", "Boomshakalaka!") became iconic in sports culture
- Sparked heated rivalries and tournaments across arcades and home versions
- Ported to nearly every major console of the era, including SNES, Genesis, Saturn, and PlayStation
- Continues to influence modern arcade-style sports games
Fun Facts
- Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Prince Charles were all unlockable characters
- The infamous "Tournament Mode" removed all power-ups for more serious play
- Developer Mark Turmell included himself and other team members as playable characters
- Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal were excluded due to exclusive licensing deals
- The announcer, Tim Kitzrow, became a cult figure thanks to his over-the-top calls
Conclusion
NBA Jam Tournament Edition took the core insanity of the original and made it deeper, louder, and more unforgettable. With its combination of NBA star power, secret characters, and outrageous gameplay, it remains a defining title of 1990s arcade sports. Even today, few games can match its energy, absurdity, and sheer fun.