We feel bad for anyone who dropped $50 on last year's hollow NBA Jam resurrection, because even though it got a lot of core concepts right, the new On Fire Edition for Live Arcade is what we should've received in the first place — and for a fraction of the price, no less.

The 2010 version's numbskull partner A.I., for instance? Fixed. And the even more frustrating opponent A.I. that still makes us angry just thinking about it? Also rectified, although all their old dirty tricks emerge during the masochistic Jambot matches you must complete to earn Platinum medals. Even the controller-smashing boss battles are gone, replaced by a career mode that tasks you with beating each team three times (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) under varied, mostly entertaining conditions.

Though the circumstances vary, these contests still grow repetitive after a while. But the On Fire Edition is so packed with unlockable NBA legends — we went on mad tears pairing Bird & Allen (Celtics) and Shaq & Howard (Magic) — that we couldn't help but enjoy it, both alone and especially with online or local friends. Cheeky new commentary and a few new moves (like crazy trick shots you perform by holding both triggers) add even more fun.

Plus, at $15, the price is absolutely right this time.

On Xbox Live Arcade

+ Polished presentation with great arcade gameplay that fixes last year's lousy A.I.

+ Plenty for the price, including online play!

- You won't get a refund for the $50 you wasted on last year's version.

? Do you really want to play 90-plus games to get all the Gold medals?

8.0