Are There Any *Good* Basketball Games Anymore?

[hanselthecaretaker]

Like, ones that haven’t been poisoned by monetizing practices and play well? Last one I really played at all was 2K11, if that’s any indication of things. I’m aware it’s slim pickings since sports games are easy targets for their publishers.

Even something like an NBA Jam remake would be fine - not looking for ultra simulation/career modes but if there is anything that has that which fits the bill I’d still check it out.


Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[BrawlMan]

Like, ones that haven’t been poisoned by monetizing practices and play well? Last one I really played at all was 2K11, if that’s any indication of things. I’m aware it’s slim pickings since sports games are easy targets for their publishers.

Even something like an NBA Jam remake would be fine - not looking for ultra simulation/career modes but if there is anything that has that which fits the bill I’d still check it out.


Thanks for any suggestions.

There was an NBA Jam Remake back on the 360 and PS3 era. If you got an Xbox One lying around, the game is backwards compatible. I miss the series so much.

 

[The Rogue Wolf]

There was an NBA jam remake back on the 360 and PS3 era.

Pretty sure I saw that in the arcades, too. Back when arcades were a thing.

"NBA Jam halftime report: Altitude with an attitude!" Those were the days....

 

[BrawlMan]

Pretty sure I saw that in the arcades, too. Back when arcades were a thing.

"NBA Jam halftime report: Altitude with an attitude!" Those were the days....

My brother and I played NBA Jam at an arcade in downtown Detroit during my birthday weekend. It was fun. They also had NHL Heat there too. Also Blitz.

 

[The Rogue Wolf]

They also had NHL Heat there too. Also Blitz.

I remember Blitz (pretty sure I played that in the arcades a few times, too) but I never knew the NHL had their own version.

 

[BrawlMan]

I remember Blitz (pretty sure I played that in the arcades a few times, too) but I never knew the NHL had their own version.

NHL Heat did good back in its hey day, but was not as popular. Still surprising to know someone back from the arcades days not know about. Oh well, can't know them all.

 

[XsjadoBlayde]

Hm, ok, hear me out, this may be a little left fieldz buuuut...Pyre? It's sort of fantasy basketball with the rules scribbled around, it's the backbone of a very pretty visual novel with a large cast of characters and a banging soundtrack. But every match is seen as narratively important if I remember correctly. Other than that and the cool street games where they let you do neat tricks, it sucks that there's this exploitative monopoly on these types of sports games. Boo capitalism! (Late stage mostly, but only cos my antidepressants are stronger today and am feeling marginally kinder)

 

[Drathnoxis]

Barkley Shut Up and Jam-Gaiden.