Here & Now Anytime Hidden Levels: Mr. Boomshakalaka
Oct 18, 2025
Join James Parkinson, a producer and reporter known for his work on gaming narratives, and voice actor Tim Kitzrow, the iconic voice behind NBA Jam's famous lines like "Boom Shakalaka!" They dive into how NBA Jam revolutionized sports gaming with its outlandish gameplay and unforgettable sound design. Tim shares the creative process behind his legendary catchphrases and recounts the wild success of the game. Discover how NBA Jam influenced basketball culture and the lasting impact of its audio legacy.
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Arcade Test Turned Into Instant Bedlam
- Mark Timmel tested NBA Jam in a Chicago arcade and watched players crowd the cabinet, fight for the joystick, and jam coin doors with quarters.
- The chaotic reaction convinced him the game had real arcade appeal before wide release.
Stylized Play Beats Strict Realism
- NBA Jam blended digitized player graphics with fantastical gameplay, creating a hybrid that felt more like an arcade spectacle than realistic basketball.
- That deliberate exaggeration amplified fun and made the game broadly appealing beyond purist fans.
A Few Phrases Became The Game's Voice
- Tim Kitzrow recorded the game's announcer lines, delivering high-energy phrases like "He's on fire!" and "Boom, shakalaka!" that cut through arcade noise.
- Those short, punchy exclamations became the game's signature and drew players to the machine.