Slam 'N Jam

Crystal Dynamics wowed sports gamers with its sleek hoop title, Slam N Jam, for the 3DO. In-your-face characters and some cheeky commentary by Van Earl Wright made Slam N Jam a real joy to play, despite the game's total lack of licensing.

Slam N Jam has now made its way to the PlayStation and Saturn, and has managed to pick up Magic and Kareem along the way (although there's still no licensing in sight). Resembling NBA Jam and In the Zone more than NBA Live, Slam N Jam will once again find a nice little niche of followers. I say 'little' because many basketball fans will be turned off by the lack of real players and team logos.This is a hoop game for those who are caught somewhere between the ridiculous, over-the-top antics of NBA Jam and the more sluggish simulation of NBA Live '96.

Although this game isn't as realistic or as kinetic as some of its main rivals, Slam N Jam still harnesses enough energy to be a delight to play. Big dunks, smooth graphics and some fantastic color commentary from Van Earl will make this a very solid addition to any game library.