The new NBA Jam is a note-perfect resurrection of the classic 1990s quarter-muncher. Everything from the pacing to the goofy tone to the controls pays perfect homage to the original. Make no mistake: this is a party-and-a-half with up to three of your friends (online or off).

The problem, though, is that the new Jam tries to add depth where there was never meant to be any, bringing a host of game modes that quickly get aggravating — primarily due to the A.I. CPU teammates are rarely able to get a jumper off because they release the ball too late, and opponent A.I. is worse, shoving you around at will and, in the case of the Boss Battles, cheating (Magic Johnson, for instance, literally teleports). Their gimmicks are simply not fun to compete against.

As a $15 bare-bones Arcade title Jam would’ve been a treat, but what you get for the extra $35 is hardly fair value.

On Xbox 360

+ Awesome party-time arcade-y hoops with your friends.

+ Online play and unlockable legend players.

- Maddening teammate and opponent A.I.

? Why isn’t Kevin Durant more awesome in this game?

7.0