Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Arcade, Sport
- Platforms: DOS, Game Boy, PlayStation, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega Saturn, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Iguana Entertainment
- Publishers: Acclaim Entertainment, Playtronic
College Slam: The Midway Classic That Defined Arcade Basketball
Released in 1996, Midway’s College Slam is a fast-paced, over-the-top arcade basketball game that captured the excitement of college hoops like no other. Part of the popular NBA Jam series, College Slam took the signature gameplay and turned it up to eleven, featuring two-on-two action, gravity-defying dunks, and the fight songs of all 40+ real college teams.
Gameplay
College Slam’s gameplay is simple yet addictive. Two teams of two players compete on a half-court, with the goal of scoring as many points as possible within the time limit. Players can run, jump, shoot, steal, and block shots, and they can also perform a variety of special moves, such as dunks, blocks, and steals.
What sets College Slam apart from other basketball games is its over-the-top physics and exaggerated moves. Players can jump incredibly high, perform gravity-defying dunks, and even shatter the backboard with powerful slams. The game also features a variety of power-ups, such as speed boosts and fireballs, which can give players an edge over their opponents.
Teams and Rosters
College Slam features over 40 real college teams, each with their own unique uniforms and fight songs. Players can choose from a variety of top programs, including Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, and UCLA. Each team has its own strengths and weaknesses, so players must carefully consider their lineup before each game.
The game’s rosters are based on the 1995-96 college basketball season, and they feature many of the top players from that era. Players can control stars such as Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, and Ray Allen, and they can even create their own custom players.
Modes
College Slam offers a variety of game modes to keep players entertained. The main mode is the Head-to-Head mode, in which two players compete against each other in a single game. Players can also compete in the Tournament mode, in which they must win a series of games to advance to the championship game.
In addition, College Slam features a Season mode, in which players can take their team through a full college basketball season. Players must manage their team’s roster, schedule, and finances, and they must also compete in a variety of tournaments throughout the season.
Legacy
College Slam was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best arcade basketball games of all time. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, over-the-top moves, and catchy fight songs made it a favorite among arcade-goers, and it helped to popularize the NBA Jam series.
College Slam has also had a lasting impact on the sports video game genre. The game’s over-the-top physics and exaggerated moves have been imitated in many other sports games, and the game’s focus on real college teams and fight songs has helped to make college sports games more popular.
Conclusion
College Slam is a classic arcade basketball game that defined the genre. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, over-the-top moves, and catchy fight songs made it a favorite among arcade-goers, and it helped to popularize the NBA Jam series. College Slam is still considered one of the best arcade basketball games of all time, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Review Score
8.5/10
