NBA Hangtime (1996-)

NBA Hangtime is a fast-paced arcade basketball game developed by Midway and originally released in arcades in 1996. Known for its over-the-top style and exaggerated athleticism, it was designed as a spiritual successor to the wildly popular NBA Jam series, also developed by Midway. NBA Hangtime was published by Midway for arcades, and later ported to several home consoles including the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, and PlayStation, with the N64 version often considered one of the most polished home releases.

The gameplay of NBA Hangtime follows the classic 2-on-2 arcade basketball format, featuring high-flying dunks, no fouls, and a heavy emphasis on speed and flashy moves. What set Hangtime apart was the introduction of new features like the “Create-a-Player” system, allowing players to build a custom baller with unique attributes and track their stats using a player code. The game also introduced alley-oops, double dunks, and a new "team fire" mechanic. All of this, combined with a roster of real NBA players from the 1995-96 season, gave the game depth and replayability, despite its casual arcade style.

NBA Hangtime follows in the footsteps of NBA Jam (1993) and NBA Jam: Tournament Edition (1994), both of which set the standard for arcade basketball games. After Acclaim acquired the NBA Jam name, Midway developed Hangtime as an evolution of the formula under a new title. Though lacking the Jam branding, Hangtime maintained the same spirit, and even improved upon it in many ways. It was promoted through arcade kiosks, gaming magazines, and word-of-mouth in arcades, with home console versions advertised via TV spots and gaming publications that highlighted the new customization features.

Reception of NBA Hangtime was largely positive, with critics and players praising its improved mechanics, faster gameplay, and the addition of the create-a-player system. While it didn’t quite eclipse the cultural impact of the original NBA Jam, it was seen as a worthy successor and a strong entry in the arcade sports genre. It maintained popularity well into the late '90s, especially on the Nintendo 64 and in arcades where its frantic, pick-up-and-play style kept it in rotation among sports and party game fans.

Images from MobyGames