Midway Games shipped NBA Showtime: The NBA on NBC to arcades nationwide last week. Designed by the same team responsible for NBA Jam and the NFL Blitz series, Showtime raises the notch set by its previous games. "NBA Showtime takes the sports video game to the next level," said Ken Fedesna, executive vice president and general manager for Midway.

　　Drawing on licenses from both the NBA and the NBC, Showtime features hundreds of realistic, recognizable NBA stars, including Scottie Pippin, Grant Hill, and Clyde Drexler, as well as top rookies. Every angle has been covered, from appearance to specific movements, breakaways, and signature slams.

　　The game's graphics look simply incredible, leading players to believe that they're actually watching an NBA game on NBC, except that they're in control. Graphics aren't the only thing going for this game, though. A 49-way joystick lets players control their characters with pinpoint precision, while the game delivers witty commentary, crisp sound effects, and thumpin' music.

　　NBA Showtime doesn't stray from Midway's formula of taking sports games to an over-the-top, fast-and-furious fantasy level. Players can perform inhuman acrobatic dunks, passes, and steals. And while the game does allow personal fouls, you have to do quite a bit of damage to incur a free throw.

　　Gamers who loved Blitz or NBA Jam should be absolutely flabbergasted by NBA Showtime: The NBA on NBC, available in arcades now.