Welcome back to Retro Rebound! In today’s video, we’re taking a trip back to 2019 to revisit JUMP FORCE, a game that was highly anticipated upon its release. With its unique concept of bringing together characters from 15 different manga series, including Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece, and more, JUMP FORCE had the potential to be the definitive manga fighting game. However, in 2023, is it still as exciting and enjoyable as it was before?

The first thing to note is that Bandai dropped support for JUMP FORCE quite quickly. While the game received continuous DLC character support for two seasons, eventually the online features such as ranked matches, clan battles, and lobbies were shut down. The online store has also been closed, making it impossible to track any news or updates for the game. Additionally, JUMP FORCE has been delisted from digital storefronts and physical copies are no longer being printed. This means that JUMP FORCE may become a rare game in the future.

If you’re considering buying JUMP FORCE, the Nintendo Switch version might be the best choice. The Switch edition includes the first season of characters built into the cartridge, while the PlayStation 4 version does not have this feature. However, it’s important to note that the availability of physical copies may vary.

With all this in mind, I decided to give JUMP FORCE another go in 2023. As someone who has watched a lot of anime and read a lot of manga since its release, I thought it would be interesting to revisit the game and see if my newfound appreciation for the source material would enhance my experience. So, let’s dive into the complete box experience and explore what JUMP FORCE has to offer.

One aspect of the game that stands out is the Character Creator. JUMP FORCE allows players to mix and match elements from different characters, creating their own unique anime character. From Sasuke’s hair to Karapika’s suit, the possibilities are endless. This feature truly allows players to embrace their creativity and design anime characters that suit their personal taste.

Moving on to the story and gameplay, things start to get a bit rocky. The premise of JUMP FORCE revolves around the collision of real-world locations like New York City and Paris with the Shonen Jump universes. While some may find the stages bland, I personally appreciate the diversity they bring. From fighting in Times Square to battling on Namek, the variety of environments adds an interesting dynamic to the game.

However, JUMP FORCE’s graphics are a bit hit-or-miss. The game uses Unreal Engine 4, which often results in characters having an uncanny valley look. Some characters look great, while others have strange teeth and an inconsistent visual experience. Despite this, the unique and strange aesthetics of the game have a certain charm that can be appealing.

When it comes to the story, it is a mix of ridiculousness, cool moments, and undercooked ideas. The game introduces a new army of mind-controlled villains called Venoms, who are invading different universes. To fight back, players must create the JUMP FORCE and recruit characters like Vegeta to their cause. While the crossover interactions between characters are cool, it’s disappointing that much of it is not voiced, as it would have added an extra layer of immersion to the storytelling.

Now let’s talk about the fighting, which is what most players are here for. Unfortunately, the combat system in JUMP FORCE is clunky and sluggish. Chaining together attacks and performing supers lacks the fluidity and flow that is expected in fighting games. It often feels like you’re unintentionally cheesing the game rather than executing well-designed combos. The heavy attack mechanics and interrupted flow due to knockback attacks can be frustrating.

Despite its flaws, JUMP FORCE still has its unique attributes and can be enjoyable at a lower price point. It offers an extensive roster of characters to choose from and the ability to create your own anime character adds a level of personalization. The game’s visuals, while inconsistent, have a certain charm and the crossover interactions between characters are a treat for fans of the respective manga series.

In conclusion, JUMP FORCE may not have lived up to its full potential as the definitive manga fighting game, but it still has its merits. The discontinuation of support and the delisting of the game make it an interesting collector’s item for the future. If you’re a fan of anime and manga, JUMP FORCE may be worth checking out, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. Just be prepared for its clunky combat and inconsistent visuals.

Thank you for tuning in to Retro Rebound! If you enjoy nostalgic and retrospective content, consider subscribing to our channel for more videos like this. And remember, JUMP FORCE may not be perfect, but it offers a unique crossover experience that fans of anime and manga can appreciate.

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