Sega NBA JAM FAQ

                      Welcome to Sega NBA JAM FAQ! v1.1

Disclaimer: This is an early version of the FAQ.  All codes and information

have been tested and are believed to be accurate, but don't blame me for any

inconsistencies or mistakes.

Introduction:

      This FAQ is intended to provide information on the game NBA JAM for the

sega genesis.  Keep in mind, that much of the players, strategies, codes, and

information provided are intended to be used only on the sega version, and that

this FAQ does not neccessary help people understand or play the Super Nintendo,

Game Gear, Arcade, or Tournament versions of this game.  The following sections

are included in this FAQ:

I. Secret Codes and Powerups(I put this first because many people will be most

interested in this information, and won't want to read the rest of this FAQ)

II. Game Strategy

III. List of Players and their strengths

IV. List of Speech

V. Credits

Additionally sections may be added to later versions of this FAQ if found

neccessary...

Version History:

1.0 First version.

1.1 Corrections, Moon, and G Clinton, and minor additions...

New Versions of this FAQ will be posted Monday mornings on weeks that enough

new information has come in to warrant an updated FAQ.

I. Secret Codes and Powerups.

  A. Powerups.

    NOTE:All of the following powerups are entered at the tonight matchup

    screen.  This is the screen that shows immediately after teams for the

    game are chosen.

    1. Powerup Defense-Press A, B, or C 5 times, and hold down on the 5th time.

       If entered correctly, it will say so above your players Turbo meter.

       This powerup will increase your ability to goaltend without getting

       called for it, and to steal the ball easier.

    2. Powerup Dunks-Press the directional pad 360 degrees and press A,B, or C

       13 times. If entered correctly, it will say so above your players Turbo

       meter.  You will gain the ability to perform a dunk from anywhere past

       half court.  However, if you are using a player with the minimum dunk

       skill, this powerup will fail.

    3. Powerup Fire-Press A, B, or C 7 times and then hold up+B+C until the

       tip off.  If entered correctly, it will say so above your players Turbo

       meter.  You will stay on fire for the duration of the game.

    4. Powerup Intercept-Press the directional pad or joystick 360 degrees, and

       then press A, B, or C 15 or more times.  If entered correctly, it will

       confirm that you have entered this code abover your players Turbo meter.

       The easiest way of getting this code is to simply tap a button as much

       as you can after you do the full circle on the directional pad or stick.

       The game doesn't care if you tap more than 15 times. This gives you a

       better chance of intercepting the passes of opponents, but it really is

       not particualarly noticable during the game of an average player.

    5. Powerup Turbo-Press the A, B, or C button 5 times, and then press and

       hold the A, B, and C buttons all down.  This powerup will be confirmed

       in the same manner as the above 4 powerups.  If done properly, your

       player will have an unlimited supply of turbo.

    6. Juice Mode-If you defeat all 27 teams you will automatically activate

       this mode which quickens the speed of all players. Also, you can get

       juice mode if you press A, B, or C 13 times, and then hold down B+C.

    7. Shot Percentage-Press A, B, or C once, and then hold A, B, and down

       on the directional pad(three things held down at once), until the

       tip off. This will show a small box(where the timer usually is) which

       will tell you the percent chance that a given shot will go in.  Note

       that the NBA JAM kit that circulated to those who ordered the game

       before it came out included a poster that said that pressing down was

       not neccessary, but this does not work.

  B. Secret Characters

     NOTE:NBA JAM includes the use of certain characters that are not part of

     the NBA. Playing with these characters will give you statistics that

     are different than the teams for which they play on. For example, if

     Bill Clinton is used, and he replaces Dominique Wilkens(who has full

     dunking ability), you will find that Bill doesn't have quite as the

     same range of dunks that Dominique has even though it says(at the screen

     that shows players ratings---the team select screen) that he has full

     dunking ability. I will post secret player ratings when they're known.

     For the following characters, enter the first two letters of

     their initials at the initial screen, then move to the third letter, and

     then hold down the start button, and press the indicated button.

    1. Bill Clinton, president of the United States. Initials:ARK Button A

    2. Al Gore, vice-president of The United States. Initials:NET Button B

    3. Mark Turmell, Arcade head programmer. Initials:MJT Button A

    4. Rivett, Arcade programmer. Initials:RJR Button B

    5. DiVita, Arcade programmer. Initials:SAL Button C

    6. Chow Chow, Home programmer?. Initials:CAR Button C

    7. Weasel, Home programmer? Initials:SAX Button C

    8. Scruff, Home programmer? Initials:ROD Button B

    9. Air Dog, Home programmer? Initials:AIR Button A

    10. Kabuki, Home programmer? Initials:QB_ Button A

    11. P Funk aka George Clinton, Rapper, Initials:DIS Button C

    12. Warren Moon, Houston Oilers Quarterback, Initials:UW_ Button A

    NOTE: The following 4 more sets of initials produce effects. If you play

    1 game with them, you will have their record from the high scores list,

    but all that will be saved to the list of saved names is a record of 0 and

    0. Anyone understand the purpose of these?

    11. ? Initials: GAP Button C

    12. ? Initials: JAZ Button B

    13. ? Initials: SNK Button C

    14. ? Initials: ZOB Button B

   3. Other Assorted Things.

     It's unlikely that the arcade code for big heads has been included in

     the sega version, but if anyone knows otherwise, please send it to me,

     and I will include it in the FAQ. Video Games magazine printed a poster

     that supposedly showed all the characters from the original arcade

     version, and the home versions.  Besides the already discovered secret

     characters, there were 2 others shown. These were: Flea and

     another long haired guy who probably was a programmer.

     I hope everyone is looking for other strange stuff in

     this game...we've found alot already, but it would be disappointing if

     we've found everything except for a few hidden characters.

II. Game Strategy

  There is no need for me to list the basic moves of the game since they are

  all outlined in the instruction manual that comes with the game.  I'm just

  going to list a few things that work well(I may add more later).

  The key to winning at NBA JAM is getting on fire.  If you can't make 3

  baskets in a row in order to get on fire, you just aren't going to be able

  to win as easily, as when you do.  In this version of NBA JAM, the best way

  to get on fire seems to be to get your defense to stop the other team from

  scoring.  Getting the opponent to shoot 3 point shots is good because they

  are not very difficult to block if you do a "super block"(turbo and block).

  Of course it helps to be a player who isn't really short...like Skiles or KJ.

  Once on fire, take 3's until you notice that you can't make any. When that

  happens, the computer is cheating, and it's time to take inside shots. Use

  the shot percentage cheat to get an idea of the best places to shoot for the

  individual player that you use. If you are used to the arcade, you may

  expect to push down opponents who are dunking.  This is much harder in the

  sega version.  Usually blocking is more effective, unless you are very close

  to the dunking man. Guard the key to avoid dealing with dunks and layups.

  Do dunks and layups to heat up.  Don't try lot's of 3 pointers with really

  bad 3 point shooters. Most of what I've been saying is probably obvious to

  veteran players, and not helpful to novices.  I'll try to improve this

  section in the future.

III. List of Players and their Strengths.

  A. Golden State Warriors

    1. Tim Hardaway-pretty balanced.

    2. Chris Mullin-Great 3 pointers.

  B. Los Angeles Clippers

    1. Danny Manning-Balance player.

    2. Ron Harper-Balanced player.

  C. Los Angeles Lakers

    1. James Worthy-Good dunks

    2. Vlade Divac-Balanced.

  D. Phoenix Suns

    1. Charles Barkley-Great Dunks

    2. Kevin Johnson-Balanced player.

  E. Portland Trailblazers

    1. Clyde Drexler-Great Dunks.

    2. Terry Porter-Good 3 pointers.

  F. Seattle Supersonics

    1. Shawn Kemp-Great Dunks.

    2. Detlef Schrempf-Balanced.

  G. Sacramento Kings

    1. Waymon Tisdale-Balanced.

    2. Mitch Richmond-Blazing speed and dunks.

  H. Dallas Mavericks

    1. Derek Harper-Great Defense.

    2. Jim Jackson-Good 3 pointers.

  I. Denver Nuggets

    1. Dikembe Mutombo-Great Dunks.

    2. LaPhonso Ellis-Balanced.

  J. Houston Rockets

    1. Hakeem Olajuwon-Awesome Dunks and defense.

    2. Vernon Maxwell-Balanced.

  K. Minnesota Timberwolves

    1. Christian Laettner-Balanced.

    2. Chuck Person-Good Dunks.

  L. San Antonio Spurs

    1. David Robinson-Good Dunks and Great Defense.

    2. Sean Elliot-Balanced.

  M. Utah Jazz

    1. Karl Malone-Great Dunks

    2. John Stockton-Good Speed and 3 pointers.

  N. Atlanta Hawks

    1. Dominique Wilkens-Great Dunks

    2. Stacey Augmon-Very Balanced.

  O. Charlotte Hornets

    1. Larry Johnson-Great Dunks.

    2. Alonzo Mourning-Most Balanced player.

  P. Chicago Bulls

    1. Scottie Pippen-Great Dunks, and very good at all else.

    2. Horace Grant-Alonzo Mouring without the 3 pointers.

  Q. Cleveland Cavaliers

    1. Mark Price-Good 3 pointers.

    2. Brad Daugherty-Great Dunks.

  R. Detroit Pistons

    1. Isiah Thomas-Great speed and 3's.

    2. Bill Laimbeer-Fierce defense.

  S. Indiana Pacers

    1. Reggie Miller-Balanced player.

    2. Derrick Mckey-Balanced.

  T. Milwaukee Bucks

    1. Brad Lohaus-Balanced.

    2. Blue Edwards-Balanced.

  U. Boston Celtics

    1. Dee Brown-3 pointers?

    2. Robert Parish-Great defense.

  V. Miami Heat

    1. Rony Seikaly-Good 3 pointers.

    2. Harold Miner-Good dunks and defense.

  W. New Jersey Nets

    1. Derrick Coleman-Good Dunks.

    2. Kenny Anderson-Balanced.

  X. New York Knicks

    1. Patrick Ewing-Great Dunks and Defense.

    2. John Starks-Good Defense.

  Y. Orlando Magic

    1. Nick Anderson-Dunks appear to be great...but I think it's really Shaq.

    2. Scott Skiles-3 point master.

  Z. Philadelphia 76'ers

    1. Clarence Weatherspoon-Balanced attack.

    2. Jeff Hornacek-Balanced.

  AA. Washington Bullets

    1. Tom Gugliotta-Good D.

    2. Harvey Grant-Good Dunks.

IV. List of Speech

  "Oh My"

  "Yes"

  "He's Heating Up!"

  "He's On Fire!"

  "Can't Buy a bucket."

  "Is it the shoes?"

  "Boomshakalaka!"

  "Kaboom!"

  "Rejected."

  "It's a turnover."

  "It's a blowout."

  "The nail in the coffin."

  "Puts up a brick"

  "Ugly shot"

  "From downtown."

  "Shoots for 3."

  "Hello."

  Tarzan Yell

  "Grabs the rebound."

  "For 2"

  "he jams it in"

  "head fake"

  "stolen"

  "welcome to NBA JAM"

  "wide open"

  "intercepted"

  "no good"

  "swish"

  "at the buzzer"

V. Credits

  FAQ written by Kevin Gilbert(izzykn7@mvs.oac.ucla.edu)

  Helped obtain contents of this FAQ:

  David Patrick Stucke

  Jon Ta

  Steve Tze

  Navid Jahed

  Steve Soo

  Mark Blewett

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition to that, I have these two posts pulled off of rec.games.video.sega,

which hint that no more special guests are to be found. Do you know anything

about this that you can discuss openly?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

************************************************************************

saved GOPHER Item 1994-04-07 11:15:20

From: zachd@rowlf.cc.wwu.edu (zach harmon robinson)

Subject: Complete & *CORRECT* list of NBA JAMS codes

For everyone who's been posting incorrect codes, shame on you!

For everyone who wants the real shtuff, here it is.  Each and every code

*has* been verified a minimum of four times, so these *WILL* work.

PERFORMED AT TONIGHT'S MATCH-UP SCREEN

--------------------------------------

POWER FIRE (yes, the one you've been waiting for!)

    press B 7 times, then hold B+C+Up until Tip-Off

POWER DUNKS (yes, you *can* dunk from half-court)

    while continuosly rotating D-pad, press A or C 13 times, then

hold whichever you were pressing until Tip-Off [DO NOT STOP ROTATING D-PAD]

POWER DEFENSE

    press any button 4 times, then hold A+B+C until Tip-Off

POWER TURBO

    press any button 5-12 times, then hold A+B+C until Tip-Off

POWER INTERCEPT

    while continuously rotating D-pad, press any button appx. 15

times, then hold A+B+C until Tip-Off [DON'T STOP ROTATING D-PAD]

    ALSO WORKS: press any button as many times as you can, then hold

A+B+C until Tip-Off

JUICE CODE

    any button 13 times, then hold B+C until Tip-Off

SHOT PERCENTAGE INDICATOR

    press A once, then hold A+B+Down until Tip-Off

    ALSO WORKS: while continuously rotating D-pad, press A once, then

hold A+B until Tip-Off [DON'T STOP ROTATING D-PAD]

SPECIAL CHARACTER CODES [all 12]

Enter the first two intials given, then position the cursor over the

third initial.  Now, hold down Start and then press the button indicated.

------------------------------

NAME          INITIAL   BUTTON

------------------------------

CLINTON       ARK  A

GORE          NET  B

TURMELL       MJT  A

RIVETT        RJR  B

DIVITA        SAL  C

AIR DOG       AIR  A

CHOW-CHOW     CAR  C

P FUNK        DIS  C

MOON          UW_  A

SCRUFF        ROD  B

WEASEL        SAX  C

KABUKI        QB_  A

NOT PLAYABLE IN GAME [probably not in it at all]

------------------------------------------------

Flea, Jordan, Shaquille, T Rex, Cheerleaders

    Flea and T Rex were definitely removed [see NOTE below].  Jordan

& Shaq. . . same.  As for the Cheerleaders, I *have* heard rumors, but

that is all.  I've received inside verification on there only being 12

hidden characters, so I'm not optimistic.

Please forward any semi-verifiable rumors to me before starting more

rumor wars, unless you have *personally* verified them.  I'll verify them

at that point, and post a revised Complete Codes list.

Enjoy!!!

    Zach "OH MY!!!" Robinson

NOTE: There are *ONLY* 12 special characters.  The game starts out with

23 inherent characters, 11 of which you can figure out by compiling the

characters that are on the MOST WINS, STREAKS, and MOST GAMES PLAYED

lists when you first buy the game.  *NONE* of these do anything.  You

*can* create a sound effect by inputting, say ZOB B, but nothing special

occurs in the game, and it is not a special character.

    The hidden characters start at rank #12 (Rivett) and end with #23

(Warren Moon [0-4]).  To verify that there are *no more* hidden characters,

delete all the characters you've created, and start one new one.  Lose 16

games with that character.  Since 15 games is the lowest number on the

GAMES PLAYED list, and every rank between 1 - 23 can be accounted for [I

have done this, but the list is at home], any more hidden characters

would have to have lost more games than Moon [0-4] AND have played less

than 16 games.  Therefore, when you're still ranked #24 after losing 16

games, you know as well as I do that there are no more hidden

characters.  Sorry!

************************************************************************

saved GOPHER Item 1994-04-07 11:15:41

From: zachd@henson.cc.wwu.edu (zach harmon robinson)

Subject: NBA JAMS: Complete Character List

Here are all the characters that are in the game when you first open it,

by ranking in the game:

    1    GAP

    2    SNK

    3    SL_

    4    GOW

    5    JWH

    6    DAZ

    7    JAZ

    8    ZOB

    9    DEE

    10   IAN

    11   CHR

-------------------

THE ABOVE ARE ALL 'DUMMY' CODES (read: not special characters)

THE FOLLOWING ARE SPECIAL CHARACTERS (read: real codes) [instructions follow]

-------------------

    12   RJR  Rivett

    13   MJT  Turmell

    14   QB_  Kabuki

    15   SAL  Divita

    16   NET  Gore

    17   DIS  P Funk

    18   SAX  Weasel

    19   ARK  Clinton

    20   ROD  Scruff

    21   CAR  Chow-Chow

    22   AIR  Air Dog

    23   UW_  Moon

SPECIAL CHARACTER CODES [all 12]

Enter the first two intials given, then position the cursor over the

third initial.  Now, hold down Start and then press the button indicated.

------------------------------

NAME          INITIAL   BUTTON

------------------------------

CLINTON       ARK  A

GORE          NET  B

TURMELL       MJT  A

RIVETT        RJR  B

DIVITA        SAL  C

AIR DOG       AIR  A

CHOW-CHOW     CAR  C

P FUNK        DIS  C

MOON          UW_  A

SCRUFF        ROD  B

WEASEL        SAX  C

KABUKI        QB_  A

NOT PLAYABLE IN GAME [not in it at all]

------------------------------------------------

Flea, Jordan, Shaquille, Magic, T Rex, Cheerleaders

    Flea and T Rex were definitely removed [see NOTE below].  Jordan

& Shaq. . . same.  As for the Cheerleaders, I *have* heard rumors, but

that is all.  I've received inside verification on there only being 12

hidden characters, so I'm not optimistic.

NOTE: There are *ONLY* 12 special characters.  The game starts out with

23 inherent characters, 11 of which you can figure out by compiling the

characters that are on the MOST WINS, STREAKS, and MOST GAMES PLAYED

lists when you first buy the game.  *NONE* of these do anything.  You

*can* create a sound effect by inputting ZOB B, GAP C, SNK C, or JAZ B, but

nothing special occurs in the game, and it is not a special character.

    The hidden characters start at rank #12 (Rivett) and end with #23

(Warren Moon [0-4]).  To verify that there are *no more* hidden characters,

delete all the characters you've created, and start one new one.  Lose 16

games with that character.  Since 15 games is the lowest number on the

GAMES PLAYED list, and every rank between 1 - 23 can be accounted for [I

have done this], any more hidden characters would have to have lost more

games than Moon [0-4] AND have played less than 16 games.  Therefore,

when you're still ranked #24 after losing 16 games, you know as well as

I do that there are no more hidden characters.  Sorry!

This has been verified, BTW.  For the complete list of codes, see my

earlier post.

Regards,

    Zach "Oh My!!!" Robinson

         [High Score: 197 pts w/Detroit - still working on 200+]

--

*--Zach DH Robinson--------------------zachd@henson.cc.wwu.edu--*

*  "All your better deeds shall be in water writ. . ."          *

*        -Beaumont and Fletcher                  *

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I also have a FAQ for the Sega version of Mortal Kombat that I have reedited

and added material to to correct inaccuracies and explain points, which I can

ship to you if you would like that also. Anyhow, thanks for your help and

interest, and enjoy these... :)

                                     -- Chris