The provided source material documents a historical software issue involving the Lights Out screensaver packaged with the PC version of NBA Jam Tournament Edition (TE). According to the documentation, the screensaver was included without the necessary code to complete the installation, rendering it a "worthless pack-in" for many users. This issue was not isolated; reports indicate that multiple users encountered difficulties installing the screensaver, suggesting a widespread problem with the initial release or distribution method of the software.
Nature of the Installation Defect
The specific defect involved the absence of a required serial number or activation code necessary to install the Lights Out screensaver. While the screensaver files were present on the installation disc, the prompt or field to enter the required code was reportedly missing or inaccessible during the installation process. This mirrors other known software distribution errors, such as the omission of CD keys in first-run DVD-ROM copies of NBA 2K9 PC, which prevented activation through Steam.
User Reports and Investigation
Investigations into the issue revealed that the necessary serial number could eventually be located within the game's manual. Specifically, flipping to the section detailing the screensaver in the manual provided the elusive serial number. However, users noted that this information was not immediately obvious, and many reported being unable to find it despite thorough searches. The confusion was compounded by other minor errors in the game's packaging and presentation, such as incorrect character portraits, which may have distracted from locating the correct installation details.
Context of NBA Jam Tournament Edition PC
NBA Jam TE PC is described as a rare and expensive collectible in the present day. It was a significant title for many basketball enthusiasts and PC gamers in the 1990s. Beyond the screensaver issue, the game is noted for features such as secret characters and expanded rosters, which were advertised on the box and attract mode screens. The game's legacy includes various discussions regarding player ratings and specific character errors, such as the incorrect portrait for Kevin Edwards.
The Lights Out Screensaver
The Lights Out screensaver was a pack-in bonus intended to add value to the PC version of the game. It was designed to function as a visual enhancement for the user's computer system. However, due to the installation code issue, it largely failed to serve its purpose for the initial wave of consumers. The issue persisted long enough that other users in the years following the release reported similar installation failures.
Resolution and Discovery
The resolution to the installation problem came through manual review of the game's physical documentation. The serial number required to install the screensaver was printed in the manual, specifically in the section dedicated to the screensaver. This suggests that while the code was technically provided, the user interface or installation instructions failed to direct users to its location effectively. Once the serial number was identified, the installation could proceed, though this required active research by the user rather than a seamless out-of-box experience.
Comparison to Industry Errors
The documentation compares this issue to the NBA 2K9 PC error where CD keys were missing from first-run copies. This comparison highlights that software distribution errors regarding activation codes are not unique to NBA Jam TE. However, the specific nature of the NBA Jam TE issue—where the code was present in the manual but the installation process did not prompt for it or reference it clearly—created a unique barrier to usage.
Conclusion
The provided source material confirms that the Lights Out screensaver included with the PC version of NBA Jam Tournament Edition suffered from a significant installation defect. The necessary serial number was omitted from the digital installation process, requiring users to locate the code in the physical manual. This issue was reported by multiple users and is documented as a common problem associated with the game's software pack-in.