NBA Jam ’99: 1999
Developer: Torus Games
Genre: Sports

While the N64 version moved away from its arcade roots and became a full 5-on-5 basketball simulation, the Game Boy Color version of NBA Jam 99 retains the classic 2-on-2 arcade gameplay of the series. Regarding gameplay and graphics, it is very similar to developer Torus’ earlier NBA Jam Tournament Edition, but with updated color graphics and animations, more modes and options, and updated teams and players.

Game modes include single games (Head-to-Head), a full season, playoffs and a practice mode. All 29 NBA teams of the 1998-99 season are included, with five star players per team (each with their unique skills) available for playing. Selectable options include tag mode (for controlling both players on a team), power-ups (temporarily increase skills), hot spots (bonus points for scoring from a hot spot), juice mode (for accelerated gameplay), CPU skill and strategy (offensive, defensive or balanced) and more.

Matches are seen from the side, and controls remain simple: three buttons (including Start) for turbo, passing and shooting, with the turbo button enhancing the other actions when pressed.