Several years ago, Acclaim worked in conjunction with Midway Entertainment to introduce a more stylish version of Arch Rivals. Basic thesis of the game consisted of 2-on-2 matchups of your favorite professional NBA players. All simulation qualities were discarded in favor for an arcade atmosphere. Packed with codes allowing for big heads, special power-ups, enhanced three point accuracy and the famous PA host who undeniably added to the entire experience with unforgettable phrases including: "BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA!!!!"; yes, it was an unforgettable time for all that played it. Fast forward to our current era where 3D graphic engines are the norm and Midway continues in its acclaimed legacy with NBA Showtime. Make no mistake, even with the new moniker, this game carries the 'Jam' magic and then some...

From personal experience, it can be said in a nutshell that Showtime will be either a game you'll come to enjoy or eventually pass up as a viable title for your Dreamcast. To summarize it's positive qualities, the game is arcade perfect (an established trend for recent home conversions particularly on the DC). The rich NBA intro as many of us have seen each and every time basketball fans gathered to watch a televised broadcast coupled with the famous theme (created by John Tesh), is all here! The sounds effects, speed and playability is retained just as if you were playing the actual arcade version. Eager code beavers will be overjoyed by the fact that all the codes have also successfully been ported over, while the Create-a-Player (for the ambitiously imaginative gamer) can slap together a variety of predefined attributes and create a pumped jamming player to devastate any prospective competition. Among some of the added features to the revamped 'Jam' engine for the home version includes a very effective "spin-move" maneuver, which is activated by tapping the Turbo button twice; while alley-oops and double dunks also make for an improved offensive setup.

Thus, the question remains: what inherent flaws does NBA Showtime contain??? Aside from the fact that none of the players are realistically portrayed, there are basically two generic sizes for all of the NBA players (respectively if they're actually tall or short in real life). In addition, the body structure is also, generic. To illustrate, Shaq is a 7-footer, thus his proportions is similar to that of Chris Webber? It just doesn't quantify any realistic variables and in all, the characters appear flat. Perhaps I am simply spoiled by the fact that I am playing a 128-bit console and yet, no visual enhancements were made to the port whatsoever. After seeing what Namco in particular created with Soul Calibur, I was expectant of the same groundbreaking fundaments to be extended onto Showtime. No new texture modes, no improved lighting, nothing. Straight solid port. Is this bad? If you're the type to expect arcade perfection along with some new bells and whistles - yes.

In short, it's personal preference against overall gameplay execution and enjoyment. Thus, in no manner does this detract from the pleasure one can derive from playing hours upon hours. The game is relatively challenging, in fact...too much to the point that sometimes you'll feel that the difficulty factor is unbalanced in the AI's favor. Blowing out the computer and then suddenly being brushed aside by computer players who miraculously regain the lead can not only be frustrating to some players, but it invokes a possibility of the game becoming a new coaster (or the controller, self control sold separately). Thankfully, when the CPU either becomes a aggravating burden, there's the option to buddy up or go against a friend...three additional players at that which increases the replay value for Showtime considerably. In fact, I personally recommend that its played with human opponents, as it's a effective game for talking trash talk and subduing the sports ego.

In conclusion, if you're not a bona fide NBA simulation nut, it's best to deviate and look towards Showtime for immediate satisfaction.

· · · Bahn