NBA Jam: On Fire Edition (PSN & XBLA)

[JBHuskers]

From ESPN's Jon Robinson:



EA Sports announced today that they are in development of "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition," a new version of the classic series that will be available this October via Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network.



According to the game's press release, the new edition will feature:



REAL AI: Featuring the ground-breaking AI system used in the Fight Night franchise that learns your tendencies and throws them back in your face.


JAM Arena: Play solo, or team up with friends and take on the world in a new, dynamic online competition.


Road Trip: A cooperative online campaign where you can team up with friends and compete in a series of white-knuckle challenges against the current superstars and timeless legends from each of the 30 NBA Teams.


Tag Mode and Team Fire return: Swap players "on the fly" and ignite your entire team by performing consecutive cooperative moves.


More NBA JAM Hotness: Online roster updates, more NBA superstars, legendary NBA players, over-the-top animations, JAM challenges, secret teams and unlockable characters than ever before.


In addition, EA Sports also announced that their next NBA simulation game won't be released until fall 2012. The title is being created by a new development team at EA Tiburon, and according to EA Sports president Peter Moore, the extra time is needed to get the engine done right.



Said Moore: "As planned, our next NBA simulation title is in development at our Tiburon Studio in Orlando. We have top talent on the game, and we're giving the new development team time to deliver a superior experience. We're making great strides and looking forward to launching a new game next year."



Hear that noise? It's the people at 2K Sports celebrating another year without competition.

[cdj]

I love that they are going to put out another edition and the features sound great, but I do wish they would have provided more support for the disc version of NBA Jam. Maybe the game wasn't coded to allow it, but even a roster update and minor bug fixes would have been huge. Some people are upset (understandably so) that they spent $50 for the disc version last fall that had little support and the next version will be PSN/XBL & likely significantly cheaper.

[JBHuskers]

Online roster updates

[cdj]

First Look from ESPN Video Games:



Dirk Nowitzki hits four three pointers in a row, rips the ball out of D-Wade's hands and pulls up to the arc. But before busting another triple in LeBron's face, digital Dirk does something, well, that you'd only see in a game like "NBA Jam" -- Dirk starts doing the "Dougie."

That's right, Dirk's doing the "Dougie" right there in the middle of the game just to taunt the Heat, then he goes ahead and hits his fifth three granny style to add even more insult to injury.

These are just some of the crazy things gamers will experience in EA's upcoming "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition," a download-only title that will be available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this fall for just $15 and will include all new showboating Razzle Dazzle moves along with the ability to tag between ballers (the single biggest request after last year's game), enabling you to switch back and forth to control either player on your team.

Other gameplay additions include the ability to call for alley-oops, the ability to call for shoves (which can be used like picks on offense), as well as team fire that triggers after three consecutive alley-oops.

"We found online that when people were playing, nobody was talking," says the game's creative director Trey Smith. "So we wanted to add some more trash talking elements like team fire into the game, we wanted to add more showboating so if you're ahead of somebody by 10 points, you shoot a granny shot just to rub it in a little bit. You can even stop to tie your shoes if you want. We just want to give people the ability to express yourself in the game."



When it's time to talk trash, bust a three while taking a seat.


On top of those slick new elements, the "Jam" team has really focused on improving the core 2-on-2 gameplay, ditching the boss battles and Remix levels in favor of providing some of the best basketball A.I. the series has ever seen.

"We're actually using the same Real A.I. technology that was in 'Fight Night Champion' and there are so many things that this technology is doing for us," explains Smith. "Instead of just the old-school way of players reacting to the way the program is written, now we are actually able to play the game, record that gameplay, and have the A.I. play exactly how we want them to play. It's a much more organic way of playing because we are able to link together all of these amazing sequences and the players out on the court just play so much better than they ever have before.

"The other thing Real A.I. does is called a Mirror Match. Here, the game records the way you play and analyzes how you play, and then you can play against yourself. So every time you play, the A.I. is getting better and better and better. Then when you play someone else online, you're A.I. merges with their A.I. to make an Uber A.I. and it turns into this viral phenomenon."



Dirk dominates the Heat in video games, too.


But that's not all as also new online will be co-op campaign mode and an online tournament called Arena where you're able to take on the best "Jam" gamers from across the world.

Smith even promises more teams and players than any "NBA Jam" game to date, including the return of some retro players that didn't make it into last year's re-launch.

"There's one surprise NBA team that people are going to love," says Smith. "We tried to get these guys in the game last year, but finally the NBA was down and they're in this year's game. I can't say who it is, but trust me, it's going to be a great surprise."

[SmoothPancakes]

I realize this is a pure arcade game and whatnot, but my god, what is up with the bobblehead size heads? Who made that decision?

[cdj]

I realize this is a pure arcade game and whatnot, but my god, what is up with the bobblehead size heads? Who made that decision?

They had those in last year's version as well. It looks goofy at first, but you get used to it and it adds to the arcade feel of the game (in a good way).

[JBHuskers]

Wonder who the mystery team is.....Jordan and Pippen? The '92 Dream Team?

[NatureBoy]

I really didn't enjoy last year's game but for $15 bucks, I will download this one on release day.

[JBHuskers]

I really didn't enjoy last year's game but for $15 bucks, I will download this one on release day.

I really loved it...still play it from time to time. Brought me back.

[cdj]

[cdj]

A new game blog discussing the addition of team & players as well as player archetypes.

Wanted to give ya’ll some more details on what we’ve got cooking in JAMLAND. With the On Fire Edition of NBA JAM, the goal was to add lots of new ingredients to the mix without screwing up the tried and true recipe we’ve all come to know and love. Here is some more info on some of the things you guys and gals have been asking about.

New Secret Characters, Players, and Teams – Yup, we’ve got LOTS of them. In fact, I do believe we have the most teams and players that have ever been feature in an NBA JAM game. Take that Sega Genesis version! Just kiddin’, love my old school versions. Anyway, we circled back around and scooped up many of the current stars that didn’t make the cut last year, for whatever reasons, and have done a better job of evening things out for each team. We’ve also added a handful of NEW legends that were missing last year. Hopefully, you’ve already seen Dikembe Mutombo rocking the retro Nuggets jersey. He’s a MONSTER dunker and blocker by the way. And there are many more legendary Jammers in the hopper. Also, based on surveys and online telemetry data we’ve collected from players of last year’s version, we’ve noticed that there are many JAM Fans out there that are Gamers first and basketball fans second. A good chunk of the Secret players and teams we ran with last year are back and have been cleaned up, but there are a BUNCH more. We’ve added more “gamer-centric” teams and players this go around. I wish I could spill the beans on them to you guys right now but the “powers that be” have told me I have to wait. I will however, give you a hint. Let’s just say there is going to be a lot more fur flying on the court this go around. And for the “hardcore” gamers out there, you know who you are, we’ve got some of your favorite video game characters making an appearance in NBA JAM this year. Very cool stuff and we’ve even created some special dunks for some of them. Okay, I’ve probably said too much already, but just wanted to let you know that there are Players and Teams for every gamer out there, even non basketball fans.



New Player archetypes – This was a big one for us. Just as in real life, players have a role to play on the NBA JAM court based on their inherent abilities and weaknesses. Checking out your player and team stats is critical when playing competitively because you want make sure you can match up against the players your opponent is putting on the floor. From a competitive gameplay perspective, NBA JAM has always been a 2 vs. 2 fighting game. If you don’t know how to play your characters you’re just asking for a spanking. Basically, based on their real stats, we’ve assigned every player (Current Star, Legend, and Secret player) an Archetype. Those archetypes are as follows.

Point Guard

Examples: Jason Kidd, Rajon Rondo

Strengths – Speed, Passing, Mid-range shooting, Ball handling, Steals

Weaknesses – Blocks, Shoves, and Dunks



Shooting Guard

Examples: Steve Nash, Ray Allen

Strengths – Outside Shooting, Passing

Weaknesses – Dunks, Blocks, Shoves



Big Man

Examples: Dwight Howard, Shaquille O’Neil

Strengths – Blocks, Dunks, Rebounds

Weaknesses – Speed, Ball handling, Outside Shooting



Forward

Examples: Chris Bosh, Zach Randolph

Strengths – Mid-range Shooting, Shoves, Rebounds

Weaknesses – Steals, Pass, Speed



All-Rounder

Examples: Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki

Strengths – Balanced

Weaknesses – Balanced



Most are pretty self explanatory, but there are big differences in each archetype and it’s integral that you are familiar with each archetype’s strengths and weaknesses if you want to be able to roll with every team. There is also a juicy XP BONUS in NBA JAM: On Fire Edition for players that hit the “Random Team” button before entering a game. This feature was implemented to encourage people to play with ALL the teams on the roster because anyone can win with The Heat but it takes a true Jammer to pull off a W with some of the other franchises that are well…. in the process of “rebuilding.” J



And lastly, we’ve been getting lots of questions about “REAL AI” and how it makes NBA JAM better. Well, I could tell you myself, but I thought it would be even better for you guys to hear it from the man that is directly responsible for it, our Lead AI Engineer, Mr. Fraser Lott. Fraze is knee deep in a tuning pass right now, but some day very soon, he will be right HERE dropping some REAL AI knowledge, exclusively on our website. Be sure to keep an eye out for it.

Until next time, thanks again for stopping by and we hope to see you again real soon.

[JBHuskers]

I can't wait for this!

[cdj]

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition will feature the return of the Seattle Supersonics with Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton and Detlef Schrempf.

So when EA Sports announced the return of "NBA Jam" to consoles last year, old school gamers like myself couldn't wait to get our hands back on "Glove" and "Reign Man" for one last leap through the rafters.

Only problem was, due to licensing issues, Kemp and Payton weren't included as legends in the game, causing much frustration and outrage among all the die-hard Sonic fans out there.

Thankfully for gamers (and everyone else out there looking for more alleys and less oops), EA Sports and the NBA worked out their differences, and the team of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp will be included in the upcoming downloadable title, "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition" for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

"This is an important day for 'Jam' fans," says "NBA Jam's" creative director, Trey Smith. "We tried to get this Sonics team last year but it didn't quite pan out. And this is something the fans were screaming for. This was at the top of their list, and that's a big deal to us. When we were creating 'NBA Jam: On Fire Edition' we wanted to listen to the fans, and everyone who played the game last year had one question: Where are the Sonics.

The game also features some new online modes:

"Let's be honest, the online experience really wasn't there last year," admits Smith. "It's something we scratched the surface with, but with 'On Fire Edition,' we tried to create the most seamless online and offline experience that we could. And for online, we have three modes. The first is Jam Now. Here you can bring up to four players into a game and you can mix and match between your buddies on the couch and your buddies online. This is for unranked play where you can screw around with things like Big Head mode and one-shot fire and some of that fun stuff."

The second mode is called Road Trip, and this is a co-op online campaign. "This is something else fans have been asking for," says Smith. "We had co-op campaign that was local, but this time we're bringing it online. This allows both players to play on the same team and they both get credit and experience as they progress through each stop. This mode is all about traveling to all 30 NBA locations and completing a series of challenges that become more difficult as you go." Road Trip is also a mix and match of players for each franchise as the bronze challenge might be the third and fourth player on a team, but by the time you get to the gold and platinum challenges, you're going up against the legends and the best two players on the court.

The final online mode is set to scratch that competitive itch for gamers looking to see their names on top of the 'NBA Jam' leaderboard.

"The third mode is called Arena, and this is different because it's a dynamic online tournament that gets progressively more difficult as you go," explains Smith. "It has a seven day clock on it and it's ticking '24' style on the screen. So the goal is to win as many games as you can before that clock expires.

"Everybody starts out in the same pool, but as you win and climb that ladder, your opponents get more and more difficult. Then, if you win enough, you make it to the diamond ring, and here you play the best of the best online."

Gamers even have the ability to play Arena cooperatively, and every seven days, all the rankings get wiped in order to constantly crown a new "NBA Jam" king.

"Hardcore sports fans are also going to appreciate all of the new kicks we have in the game," adds Smith. "Last year we had generic shoes, but this year, sneaker heads will get a kick out of seeing some of the funny old shoes we have in 'Jam' like the Robinson Pumps.

Courtesy: ESPN Video Games

[JBHuskers]

NBA Jam: On Fire Edition will feature the return of the Seattle Supersonics with Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton and Detlef Schrempf.

I balled with that team quite often back in the day....and surprisingly didn't get anyone pregnant!

[bdoughty]

I balled with that team quite often back in the day....and surprisingly didn't get anyone pregnant!

[cdj]

[cdj]

New blog on R.E.A.L. AI

I’m Fraser, AI Lead for NBA JAM: On Fire Edition. As Trey mentioned in last week’s JAM update, http://www.ea.com/nba-jam-on-fire/blog/whats-cooking, I wanted to follow up on the R.E.A.L AI feature that we brought in for this year’s game. You guys deserve a clear explanation of the tech, and why we felt it was a good fit for JAM.

The Name: You can’t create good tech and not give it a name; given that the name sounds like a contradiction, let’s start there. Over time, the tech has come to be named Real AI. Initially though, it was R.E.A.L. AI, the acronym being Record, Evaluate, Adapt, Learn. That pretty much sums up what the system does.

The Tech: Players of different skill levels play the game. The system records them playing, cuts their play session into up into what we call ‘sequences’, and then records what the defense was doing during each of these sequences. We then take those sequences, run them through various processes, and the AI can then use them when they see the defense doing something similar to the recording.

This system was initially in Fight Night, but we’ve added a number of features to make it what it is today. One of my personal favorite additions is the ability of the system to record YOUR sequences, and then play them back against you on the highest difficulty. What’s even cooler is that when you go online, it takes the best of your sequences, and the best of your teammate/opponents, and merges them. That means the more you play online, the tougher the highest difficulty will be for you.

Archetypes: The system categorizes each sequence to fit specific player archetypes. In other words, a sequence that has a cross-over step back shot at the elbow won’t be playing for Dwight Howard, whereas a spin to dunk won’t be playing for Steve Nash. This only really becomes apparent over time, but really shines when you play the online co-op Road Trip mode (more to come). This also means that the guys with a balanced game are the toughest competitors as they are much harder to read as to their next move.

Difficulty: Game difficulty was something that I looked closely at over the course of the year, ensuring that it was balanced, ramped up smoothly, and most importantly was fun at all levels. Real AI played a big part in achieving the right balance for us. Essentially, during development we took stock of every sequence played, and what the outcome was. For example, say a sequence with a 3pt shot played 300 times over the course of the year. It was blocked 250 times, missed 40, and only went in 10 times. The system would then peg that as an easy sequence, and it would only then show up in the easiest difficulty. Similarly, if it went in 250 times, missed 40 and was only blocked 10 times, then it might show up in the hardest difficulty.

Smooth Game-play: This can’t be understated. I’ve worked in AI and game-play for many years, and it is very difficult to write code that makes AI look human. This system takes a different approach, assessing the situation, and then playing back actual human input. The result is such that without the indicators, there are times when you’re hard pressed to tell whether you’re playing against someone online, or against the AI.

Until next time, thanks again for stopping by and we hope to see you again real soon.

[cdj]

Four Euroleague teams will be in NBA JAM: On Fire Edition

Electronic Arts and Euroleague Basketball are pleased to announce their licensing partnership that makes the leading global interactive entertainment software company an official partner under the video gaming category. Under this agreement EA SPORTS will include Turkish Airlines Euroleague players in the upcoming release of the mythical arcade game NBA Jam: On Fire Edition.



This is the first time that European clubs will be officially represented in the NBA JAM franchise, one of the most successful video games in sports history. All fans will be able to choose any of the four participating teams in the last Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four. Dimitris Diamantidis and Mike Batiste of Panathinaikos Athens, Lior Eliyahu and Sofoklis Schortsanitis of Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv, Bo McCalebb and Ksistof Lavrinovic of Montepaschi Siena, Sergio Llull and Carlos Suarez of Real Madrid will be amongst the players representing the four Euroleague teams in the 2–on–2 basketball games.

Link

[cdj]

NBA JAM: On Fire Edition will be out on PSN Oct. 4, XBL Oct. 5.

[cdj]