Everyone freaked out, in a positive way, when NBA Jam for Wii was revealed.  It truly looked like a modern take on the original formula.  Their biggest wish however was that it would also come out for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, for those who were Wii-less or who just wanted an HD and online version of the game.  So when EA announced it was including an HD and online version of NBA Jam with NBA Elite, everyone freaked out, but not in a positive way.

So let me get this straight.  People were upset because EA chose not to sell NBA Jam for $60, but instead give it to you when you buy NBA Elite for $60.  That's absurd.  Let's break down the complaints.

First, people were upset that one of the modes from the Wii version, Remix Tour, described as "NBA Jam meets Street Fighter," is being removed.  This is the fairest complaint, but honestly, you're getting two major elements in return:  online play and HD graphics.  The main game is still in there, and that's what really counts.

Secondly, people had the notion that this would be coming to XBLA or PSN.  Really?  This game is coming out as a full $50 release for Wii, and you thought it'd be a $15, maybe even $20 download on the other two consoles?  Bump that way up to $30 if you want, and still if that were the case, anybody who owned multiple consoles would be deterred to buy it for Wii.

Third, people are upset because they don't want NBA Elite.  That's fine, neither do I.  I might play it to see how it is, but I will absolutely buy this game just for NBA Jam.  Sure it's an extra $10, but so are 99% of the games on 360 or PS3. 

This just seems to be one of those cases when gamers irrationally freak out without thinking things through.  I for one look forward to my future gaming sessions with the new NBA Jam.  In HD.  With online play.  And a real controller.  And an entire other full retail release NBA game with it.