In addition to keeping Tiger Woods, EA may be fortifying its library with a title that's legendary in the arena of sports gaming. "NBA Jam" was arcade royalty during its incarnation at Midway, and to the best of my knowledge it's the only hoops title to ever let you play as both Bill Clinton and George Clinton -- even though Michael Jordan ducked out the back door due to his own licensing agreement for the less than classic EA game "Michael Jordan: Chaos in the Windy City." Now, EA has reportedly lined "NBA Jam" up at the line for a relaunch exclusively on the Wii.
The new game will be announced later this month, according to ESPN.com. ESPN's anonymous sources also claim that EA will sweeten the new arrival by hiring the game's creator Mark Turmell and another unnamed "NBA Jam" vet -- possibly Tim Kitzrow, the original announcer who immortalized "Boomshackalacka!" and "He's on fire!" in the gaming lexicon.
EA hasn't officially confirmed or denied the rumor, though someone there told Kotaku that EA's new title would be announcement could come as soon as next week.
If the new game's slick arcade controls and sense of humor stay intact, it could be a great fit for the Wii. And who knows, maybe EA could convince Michael Jordan come back as an unlockable player.
Who would you like to play as if EA relaunched the "NBA Jam" franchise"? And what about Air Dog? Should he be a part of their deal? Share your responses in the comment section below.