GENRE
	Sports
	DEVELOPER
	Midway
	PUBLISHER
	Midway/Williams
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1-4
	CONTROLLER PAK
	yes
	RUMBLE PAK
	no
	RAM PAK
	no
	BUY NOW AT

Recently, a faithful Dojo Disciple by the name of Christopher Fane was kind enough to ask me, which of the N64 hidden gems were that he might have missed. Well Chris, NBA Hangtime is one of them. Now most of you know my dislike for arcade-stylized games. That hasn’t changed. For instance, Courtside 2 will smoke this game in terms of replay value and challenge (therefore, overall value). But there’s something about the entire package of this title that just makes me love it up. When they are well executed even arcade games are good!

The action is faithful to the original JAM formula that made that particular game so addictive. What is more is that this game does take a certain amount of skill (double dunking / defensive timing on blocks) and the opponents can be dialed up to a fairly challenging level.

Titles like Blitz, Ready 2 Rumble seem more suited to an ape learning co-ordination. Hangtime has style. In short, this game does everything that an arcade game should do to a tee. If you want a great multiplayer experience or something that you can pick up and play for instant gratification (with a challenge) than you should look into Hangtime—it’s an N64 classic.

visuals

You shouldn’t have a problem distinguishing the faces of your favorite NBA stars in this title. The characters are sprite based and this may be why they animate with such speed. Notice some of the ridiculous double dunks with spinning cannonballs and tomahawks to see what I mean. The NBA has always endeared itself to old school stylings and the sprite players have that kind of throwback appeal.

It’s a shame that Midway is too shortsighted to offer different camera options and viewpoints. I understand that the restricted half court view is part of the gameplay in this title but sometimes it would be nice to see the whole court. Also, with some of the action beneath the rim you can tend to lose perspective as to where your player actually is. Going up for a block you can feel like a fool when after jumping up you realize that you’re nowhere near the player you’re trying to shut down like a reactor in Chernobyl.

Being a Midway arcade game you can expect all kinds of sick special effects like ridiculous above the rim dunks, high altitude blocks and some messed up on fire visuals that set the net ablaze.

The most important aspect of the visuals here is that they are crisp, functional and most importantly….fast. This game moves at a blazing speed and the visuals keep up without a hitch. Of course, don’t expect incredible Majora’s mask or detailed Courtside 2 visuals. Take this game for what it is.

audio

Hands down the strongest part of the game. This is unusual for an early N64 game but the over the top special effects and incredible background music really serve to kick up the tempo and action of the game. I think that some of the producers of Courtside took a listen to this title to find out how you back up an NBA title. There has to be some kick ass hip hop and smooth tunes. To find out what I mean just check out the halftime rap. It’s classic.

As for the commentator, you can bet that he’s repetitive but he’s also like a tool of gameplay. For instance, when you here him say a line like “again with the shot” you know you’ve tossed a brick and you should follow up for the rebound. Plus I love that “ram-a-danga-ding-dong line. HA! If you really can’t stand the sound of the commentator you can dial him down in the options menu.

gameplay

Speedy and exciting. Kind of like the sport that emulates? Hangtime offers you a nice smooth pace that of course exaggerates NBA action. You’ll note that the patented can’t miss 3 ball from the near side of the key is here but hey, that’s part of the package. Kind of like the unstoppable “Da Bomb” play in NFL Blitz.

Opponent defenses can be pretty pesky. Sometimes they’ll run a press on you that you just can’t escape. Were my biggest complaint lies is your drone. You can control your drone (partner) to an extent. If you press pass when he has the ball he’ll pass to you. However, like all arcade games, there is a lapse in AI that just really hurts the game badly. The lapse that I’m speaking of is offensive rebounding. You’ll hurl up a shot and watch your partner sit there like a turd in a portolet. UGH. At least he can make an effort at the ball. One thing that’s cool though is that your partner will spare now expense in slashing to the basket. He’ll flash over and over with the double dunk sign until you pop him for a slam.

As I said earlier, this game endears itself to be picked up and played and then put down. It isn’t a truly rewarding experience with a grinding challenge to it (e.g. Courtside 2 or F1 WGP or ASB 2001). Sometimes you may be in a mood just to screw around and this title has that covered.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The control scheme uses the A button and two C buttons. What type of Crack was Midway smoking when they devised this scheme? Go to options and change the buttons to A-Pass / B-Shoot / Z trigger – turbo. You’ll have a much better game experience.

multiplayer

A great party game! Imagine having a shot everytime somebody crushes a double dunk? Anybody can pick up and play this title so your less astute gaming friends will enjoy this one when they come over. I highly recomend the 4 way play.

overall

If you want the best basketball game on the N64 it’s Courtside 2 featuring Kobe Bryant. If you want a fun multiplayer game that you can play in short bursts and happens to be based on a basketball game than Hangtime is for you. Knowing what you know about my hate for Arcade titles it’s hard to believe that I’m endorsing this title but it’s true. I think that Hangtime is one of the better gaming experiences on the 64 and I don’t care if that conflicts with my stance about arcade gaming. I’d rather you know the truth at the sacrifice of my opinion rather than being pig headed about something.

8.6/10