Space Jam

Acclaim, the company that brought you the NBA Jam franchise, is putting a twist on their next basketball title with the release of Space Jam.

Based on the movie featuring Michael Jordan, Bill Murray and a host of your favorite Warner Bros, cartoon characters. Space Jam combines the game of basketball with various adventure aspects of the movie, resulting in a charming sports title for younger gamers.

Players choose to represent either the Toon Squad or the Monstars, playing in a number of "mini-quests" in addition to the actual on-court experience. These quests range from simple run-and-grab scavenger hunts to racing competitions, and more. If players do well in these quests, it will result in improved performance on the court, allowing players to boost the abilities of all their characters. The on-court action is fairly simple, as might be expected in a game aimed at children. Players choose three characters for their team, from a collection of familiar characters, each with his or her own special abilities. Included are Bugs Bunny. Wile E. Coyote, Porky Pig, the Tasmanian Devil. Elmer Fudd and even Yosemite Sam. Of course, players can also select Michael Jordan to be on their squad, a wise choice since he excels in every category.

The attributes of the characters are appropriate to their on-screen personalities. Bugs, for example, is quick but not the most powerful, while Foghorn Leghorn has a great deal of power without being very fast.

The characters can also execute a number of humorous special moves: Wile E. Coyote, for example, attaches a rocket to his back which explodes when he is positioned over the basket, dropping in the ball and incinerating him in the process. Taz, on the other hand, sticks his face under the 1 basket and shoves the ball through the hoop and into his mouth. The accompanying animations, not to mention the entertaining background illustrations, are true to the Warner Bros. name. The audience, for example, features a number of Looney Tunes heroes and villains who respond to the events in the game with appropriate reactions.

Although Space Jam is not the most challenging game, it should certainly appeal to younger players, as well as any fan of the classic Warner Bros, cartoons. The mini-games contained within should make for some long-term play, as well. If you've seen the movie and you're looking for more of a Space Jam experience, take a look at this game.

MANUFACTURER - Acclaim

THEME - Sport

NUMBER OF PLAYERS - 1-4