Play Mechanix and Raw Thrills are bringing a new licensed basketball game to arcades with NBA Superstars, a four-player title designed to recapture the fast, physical fun of classic arcade basketball while adding modern features.
NBA Superstars: a new arcade basketball contender
NBA Superstars is an obvious spiritual successor to NBA Jam, Midway’s hugely successful 1990s arcade hit. That legacy has remained strong for decades, and there have been books written about it. However, later attempts never matched the original’s impact, and sports video games became comparatively uncommon in arcades after the market contracted in the early 2000s.
Physical basketball machines, including games built around shooting real hoops, have continued to perform well. Some have incorporated video displays, but the industry has not had a new joystick-driven basketball game in the same mould for a long time.
Play Mechanix also has a direct connection to that earlier era. Several members of the team worked at Midway during the 1990s, including Play Mechanix president George Petro. The development history of NBA Jam is covered in NBA Jam – The Book.
The NBA Superstars cabinet
The cabinet combines the familiar arcade basketball format with contemporary Raw Thrills hardware and presentation. Its styling recalls Minecraft Dungeons Arcade, while the main display is a larger 75-inch HD monitor. Up to four players can compete, using joystick controls and three buttons.
The machine does not dispense cards. Above the screen, a micro-LED sub-marquee creates the look of a digital sports-arena billboard, adding a bright visual feature to the cabinet.
The controls use an analogue joystick alongside yellow, blue and white buttons:
- Yellow: hold it for Turbo; tap it for Juke, Elbow, Push, steal, push or air push actions. Holding Yellow while shooting activates a dunk.
- Blue: Shoot or Block.
- White: Pass the ball, or swap players in single-player mode.
Here is the game flyer:
Licensed teams, stars and arcade-style action
NBA Superstars is officially licensed and includes all 30 current NBA teams, with up to 120 players. The roster includes major names such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo. There are no secret or hidden characters.
The commentary is provided by Tim Kitzrow, the original NBA Jam commentator. His return brings back the voice behind famous calls including “BOOMSHAKALAKA!” and “He’s on fire!”.
Players choose a team, select their players, set the difficulty and choose the game length. Operators can adjust the available duration, while players can either play a single quarter or pay for a full game.
The game also supports an online player-tracking account through the NBAsuperstars.com website, rather than through a dedicated app. A phone with a QR-code scanner is all that is required to register. Online features include roster updates and other future updates, with connectivity provided at no cost.
Matches use three-player teams, moving beyond the two-player sides used in NBA Jam. There are no fouls, allowing the action to stay aggressive and uncomplicated. A Superstar Meter gradually fills during play; once activated, it enables special stunts that can provide a short-term advantage.
After each match, players can review their statistics. Player accounts may also track achievements, referred to in the game as “awards”.
Release timing and arcade operator details
The first production run is scheduled to begin shipping in late July to locations that have placed orders. NBA Superstars is also due to appear at International Bowl Expo in Aurora, Colorado, at the beginning of July.
Distributor pricing will vary, but the expected level is described as being comparable to Minecraft Dungeons Arcade. Operators considering a new machine can also review RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide and browse available arcade machines.
Why NBA Superstars matters
A modern joystick-based sports game is a welcome addition to the arcade landscape. Sports titles did not become less entertaining simply because the 1990s ended, although making a joystick game compelling remains a challenge alongside more specialised arcade controls.
If NBA Superstars performs well, it could encourage more video sports games beyond basketball. A new NFL Blitz would be an obvious candidate, while a fast-paced arcade soccer game could have broad international appeal.
The game’s future outside arcades is also an interesting question. Play Mechanix titles such as Cruis’n Blast and TMNT have eventually received console versions, though those ports arrived years later rather than within a few months. For operators, that longer gap is a more appealing model.
For home enthusiasts comparing formats, RETROCADE also offers upright arcade options and compact bartop arcades. In the commercial market, however, the appeal of NBA Superstars will come down to whether its four-player play, licensed roster and energetic presentation can attract crowds.
Leave a Reply