In the 1990s, the NBA Jam video game franchise was famous for its gravity-defying gameplay, bizarre catchphrases and for featuring pop culture icons as playable hidden characters. Long-time fans will remember performing high-flying 360 dunks with characters such as Bill Clinton, DJ Jazzy Jeff and George Clinton.
Now, in EA Sports’ reboot of the series, today’s most popular icons get a chance to lace up their own virtual high tops.
NBA Jam Creative Director Trey Smith recently told ESPN that in addition to featuring the NBA’s biggest stars, such as Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, the newest installment in the series will feature a cast of unlikely characters, including President Obama, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the Beastie Boys and many more.
The latest installment in the NBA Jam franchise is currently available for the Wii and will be released for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 this holiday season. Gamers who want to see their president set the hoop ablaze in pristine quality can connect their consoles to an HD-TV, LED monitor or HDMI projector.
Smith could not confirm whether the game’s designers got approval from the politicians to include them in the game, but he did say the politicians are hidden characters and have to be unlocked using a secret code.
