NBA Jam: On Fire Edition is an arcade basketball game that expands on the 2010 NBA Jam retail game. Most of the core gameplay components remain, but some alterations exist.
The Remix Tour game mode, which included power-ups and challenges, has been removed. Instead, the traditional campaign mode has been replaced with a Road Trip option in which players must defeat 30 NBA clubs over six divisions. Initially, each side faces three challenges (bronze, silver, and gold) that alter match parameters, such as rewarding dunks or three-pointers with more points than usual. Instead of the standard three consecutive baskets, another challenge immediately sets a scoring player on fire. Opponents can be chosen in any order, and no particular professional route is required.
The platinum challenges become available after all gold tasks have been completed. These are far more difficult, as opponents begin to mimic the player’s moves using artificial intelligence stolen from the Fight Night series. The game format does not bind the player to any one team. After each finished match, a new game can be selected to contribute to the overall goal. A meter is filled up to level up for each won battle or accomplished challenge, and “Jam bucks” are granted to unlock additional players, teams, and cheats.
This edition adds a team-fire ability to the action by performing three consecutive alley-oops without allowing the opponent to score. It turns all team members “on fire” at the same time, providing unlimited turbo. It also cannot be broken by an opposing basket. Unless the opposing team scores with an alley-oop, it lasts 20 seconds at all times.
Offensively, defensive shoves can now be countered with a pivot, which knocks the opponent off balance. In addition, instead of being limited to a single player, you can employ a tag mode in which you always control the player with the ball. Even while commanding a single player, buttons can be used to provide commands to the computer-controlled teammate quickly. Finally, there are razzle-dazzles, special techniques that can be employed offensively and defensively.
Multiplayer is possible for up to four players on a single screen in offline and online Online Arena modes.
