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Welcome back to Retro Rebound! In today’s video, we’re diving back into the world of Jump Force. Released in 2019, Jump Force promised to be the ultimate anime fighter, combining characters from 15 different manga series. With iconic characters like Goku, Naruto, and JoJo all in one game, expectations were high for this crossover extravaganza. However, fast forward to 2023, and the game’s support has dwindled, leaving fans wondering if Jump Force still holds up. Join us as we explore the game’s features, gameplay, and whether it’s worth picking up in its current state.
The Decline of Jump Force
Jump Force was a game that had a lot riding on it. Bandai, known for its catalog of 3D anime fighting games, had the opportunity to create the definitive manga fighting game. Initially, the game had strong support, with two seasons of DLC characters being released. Bandai even included some fan-favorite and obscure characters, such as Miriam from Hunter Hunter. However, support for the game quickly faded. Ranked matches, Clan battles, and online lobbies are no longer available, and the online store has been shut down. To make matters more interesting, Jump Force has been delisted from digital storefronts and is no longer being printed physically. This means that Jump Force is set to become a rare game in the future.
The Allure of Jump Force’s Definitive Edition
Despite its decline in support, Jump Force still holds some appeal for fans. The game’s Definitive Edition, available on the Nintendo Switch, includes the first season of characters built into the cartridge. On the other hand, the base game on the PlayStation 4 does not include this additional content. So, if you’re in the market for a copy of Jump Force and want the most complete experience, the Definitive Edition on the Switch may be the way to go. However, keep in mind that this recommendation is based on the game’s content, rather than its overall quality.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
In 2023, Retro Rebound decided to revisit Jump Force to see how the game holds up. With more familiarity with the source material from watching anime and reading manga, there was a different level of appreciation for the characters in the game. Upon launching the game, one of the standout features is the Character Creator. Jump Force allows players to mix and match elements from different characters to create their own unique anime character. From crazy anime hair to rebellious outfits, the Character Creator lets players fully embrace their creativity.
The Story and Gameplay Experience
Moving on to the story and gameplay, Jump Force falls somewhat flat. The game’s premise revolves around different Shonen Jump universes colliding with the real world, resulting in chaos. From fighting in Times Square to exploring other iconic locations, the game tries to offer stage diversity. However, some players have criticized the stages for being bland. Additionally, the game’s use of Unreal Engine 4 and its attempt to balance realism with anime aesthetics often leads to inconsistent visuals. Some characters look great, while others suffer from uncanny valley appearances.
As for the story itself, Jump Force introduces the concept of Venoms invading different universes. Players are tasked with fighting back against the Venoms by creating the Jump Force. The early missions involve recruiting characters like Vegeta and knocking them out of their mind-controlled state to join the fight. While the idea of crossover interactions between characters from different series is intriguing, the lack of voice acting for most interactions dampens the experience. However, the voice acting during battles maintains the high-intensity, anime-style delivery that fans have come to expect.
Clunky Gameplay Mechanics
Jump Force’s main draw is its fighting mechanics. However, the gameplay falls short in some areas. The fighting feels clunky and lacks the fluidity that makes a fighting game enjoyable for many players. Combining combos with super attacks feels awkward, and chaining different moves together often feels unintentional. The clunky nature of the fighting is compounded by gameplay elements like characters falling down after being hit, creating breaks in the action. Despite these flaws, there are still unique and enjoyable moments, such as using Karapika’s binding chain to catch opponents off guard.
Is Jump Force Worth Playing in 2023?
Jump Force, despite its decline in support and clunky gameplay, still holds some nostalgic appeal for fans of the manga series it draws from. The ability to create your own anime character and see iconic characters interact is a unique experience. However, the game’s flaws, such as inconsistent visuals and sluggish combat, may deter some players. Whether or not Jump Force is worth playing in 2023 ultimately comes down to personal preference and the availability of the Definitive Edition on the Nintendo Switch.
As we reflect on Jump Force in 2023, it’s clear that the game had the potential to be the definitive manga fighting game. However, due to a lack of ongoing support, clunky gameplay mechanics, and other limitations, it fell short of its initial promise. Despite these shortcomings, Jump Force still offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of the genre. Whether you decide to pick up a copy of the game or pass on it, the legacy of Jump Force as an ambitious crossover experience will continue to intrigue anime and manga enthusiasts for years to come.
