The Ultimate Guide to Slam 'N Jam '96
🏀 Key Feature: 5-on-5 Arcade Action. A rare full-court, 5-on-5 basketball game that tried to capture the over-the-top feel of an arcade game like NBA Jam.
Slam 'N Jam '96 is a classic 3D arcade-style basketball game for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and PC. It is a 5-on-5 basketball game with a vertical court perspective. The gameplay is a fast-paced and action-oriented take on the sport, with exaggerated dunks and a focus on high-scoring offense. The game is known for its fluid, motion-captured animations and its unique roster, which includes the legendary Los Angeles Lakers, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as well as a host of fictional streetballers. It is a fun and often-overlooked gem from the 32-bit era.
Advanced Gameplay Tricks
- The "Jam" Meter: As you perform stylish moves, you build up a "Jam" meter. A full meter allows you to perform a spectacular, high-flying dunk that is very difficult to block.
- The Alley-Oop: The alley-oop is a powerful offensive weapon. Pass to a teammate who is cutting to the basket for a stylish finish.
- The Crossover: Use the crossover dribble to get past defenders and open up a lane to the basket.
Secrets and Fun Facts
- The Legends: The game's main selling point was the inclusion of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two of the greatest players of all time.
- The Motion Capture: The game was one of the first to use extensive motion capture for its player animations, which resulted in very fluid and realistic (for the time) player movements.
"Showtime!"
- Magic Johnson
Updated: July 27, 2025 | Source: Crystal Dynamics Archives