Jazzpunk: Director's Cut

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Jazzpunk: Director's Cut is a single player action game with a comedy theme. It was developed by Necrophone and was released on February 7, 2014. It received very positive reviews from players.

Jazzpunk is a single-player, comedy action game with a focus on exploration and humor. Players uncover an ingenious and hilarious story in a beautifully designed world, interacting with NPCs and playing mini-games like mini-golf and Duck Hunt with toast. Despite some bugs, the game boasts phenomenal mechanics and a spectacular soundtrack, making for a highly emotional experience.

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Single-Player

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93%

Audience ScoreBased on 12,686 reviews

humor4.5k positive mentions

replayability66 negative mentions

The humor in 'Jazzpunk' is widely praised for its absurdity and clever pop culture references, making it a memorable experience for fans of surreal comedy.
The game's unique retro-futuristic art style and vibrant visuals create a whimsical atmosphere that complements its quirky narrative.
Players appreciate the engaging interactions and bizarre missions, which contribute to a lighthearted and entertaining adventure.

The gameplay is often criticized for being shallow and repetitive, with many players feeling that it lacks depth and meaningful challenges.
Numerous reports of bugs and glitches disrupt gameplay, leading to frustration and rendering the game unplayable for some users.
The humor can be hit or miss, with some players finding the jokes unfunny and the overall narrative lacking coherence.

humor
4,514 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in "Jazzpunk" is widely praised for its absurdity, randomness, and clever references to pop culture, often drawing comparisons to the style of Adult Swim. Many players found themselves laughing out loud at the game's quirky dialogue and unexpected gags, although some noted that the humor can be hit or miss depending on personal taste. Overall, while the game is short, its unique comedic approach and engaging interactions make it a memorable experience for those who appreciate surreal and offbeat humor.
- “From the moment you boot it up, you’re thrown into a world of bizarre humor, oddball characters, and nonsensical missions that somehow manage to be both hilarious and incredibly engaging.”
- “Absolutely hilarious game, so many great gags.”
- “This game is a riot, it's so funny, so out there, and so good!”
- “The actual game is walking around open environments and talking to people (which involves an annoying amount of clicking), but many of them are unfunny and uninteresting (though I liked many of the people in the first level).”
- “Game is not funny unless you have the sense of humor of an 11-year-old kid.”
- “The graphics and the overall tone of the game could have made for a good 60s-spy-thriller parody, but instead it’s just a garble of (mostly) unfunny jokes and an incoherent plot.”
story
1,648 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
75%
2%
The story of *Jazzpunk* is a whimsical and absurd parody of spy narratives, featuring the player as Polyblank, a secret agent tasked with bizarre missions that often serve as mere vehicles for humor and exploration. While the main storyline is relatively short—typically completed in about 1-2 hours—players are encouraged to engage with numerous side quests and hidden jokes that significantly enhance the experience, making it a delightful journey filled with quirky characters and nonsensical tasks. Overall, the game prioritizes humor and exploration over a deep narrative, resulting in a lighthearted and entertaining adventure.
- “From the moment you boot it up, you’re thrown into a world of bizarre humor, oddball characters, and nonsensical missions that somehow manage to be both hilarious and incredibly engaging.”
- “It's a classic story-centered game that is short, sweet, and hilarious.”
- “If you play Jazzpunk for the story you'll have about an hour of playtime, but if you play Jazzpunk for all the little details you'll be there for ages enjoying every moment.”
- “The jokes land like a lead balloon, and the storyline is as thin as a cigarette paper.”
- “To describe the events of jazzpunk as a story feels a little too generous.”
- “The story isn't coherent enough to be intriguing, and not silly enough (or wrongly paced?) to be fun in a Monty Python way.”
gameplay
810 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
71%
6%
The gameplay in *Jazzpunk* is primarily focused on exploration and interaction, serving as a vehicle for its absurd humor rather than offering deep mechanics or challenges. Players can expect a short experience, typically around 2-4 hours, filled with quirky tasks and mini-games that often parody various genres, but many reviews note that the gameplay can feel shallow and repetitive. While the humor and visual style are praised, the lack of substantial gameplay depth leads to mixed feelings about its overall value, especially at full price.
- “The gameplay relies on you completing missions and side objectives that consist of action, humor, and oddly specific tasks, like spraying cheese into someone's mouth.”
- “The game brilliantly blurs the lines between traditional gameplay and pure comedic art, ensuring that every moment is unpredictable and delightfully absurd.”
- “Jazzpunk is a great choice for anyone seeking unconventional and humorous gameplay.”
- “Jazzpunk is a surreal, absurd string of jokes with very little gameplay to speak of.”
- “The gameplay doesn't really matter since it's only a prop to hang jokes on, but since the jokes themselves are weak sauce, the game has nothing to fall back on.”
- “The gameplay mechanics fail to provide any sense of immersion, and the product quickly descends into a mundane and trivial 'click-and-collect' exploration game after a mere thirty minutes of playing.”
graphics
796 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
58%
2%
The graphics of "Jazzpunk" are characterized by a unique, retro-futuristic art style that blends cartoonish elements with vibrant colors, creating a surreal and whimsical atmosphere. While some players appreciate the simplicity and charm of the visuals, others find them basic and occasionally overwhelming, leading to mixed reactions regarding their overall appeal. Despite the varied opinions, the graphics effectively complement the game's absurd humor and quirky narrative, making it a distinctive experience in the indie game landscape.
- “It feels like a fever dream wrapped in a retro, neon-soaked aesthetic, where nothing makes sense, yet everything is oddly brilliant.”
- “The art style and the way they model characters is so unique and has definitely influenced what I find appealing in art today.”
- “The vibrant visuals and offbeat humor are unlike anything else, making 'Jazzpunk' an avant-garde gem in the realm of indie games.”
- “Graphics - ass, story - ass”
- “One quick glance over any screenshot from the game will tell you everything you need to know about Jazzpunk's graphics; there are no surprises and no breathtaking moments in the scenery, it all looks bland and basic which makes sense since the game was developed using the Unity engine, which isn't known for its breathtaking graphics, but rather accessibility for smaller developers.”
- “The concept seems really cool, and the world is ridiculous and hilarious, but the art style and the music are grating and break my will to actually play it.”
music
456 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
55%
6%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its unique blend of jazz, swing, and lounge influences that complement the game's quirky aesthetic and humor. However, some find the soundtrack repetitive and grating, leading to frustration during gameplay. Overall, while the music enhances the game's atmosphere and fits its comedic tone, it may not appeal to everyone due to its abstract and sometimes overwhelming nature.
- “The soundtrack is also top-notch, featuring a mix of jazz, swing, and lounge music that perfectly complements the game's world and atmosphere.”
- “The humorous musical accompaniment creates a great atmosphere.”
- “The music is awesome!”
- “The soundtrack is harsh and abrasive in a rather interesting way, and it's clear a lot of care was put into recording it, which is a shame since it ends up really grating when you hear the same cues over and over.”
- “Every single song in the soundtrack feels more like brain-scratching white noise than it does music, to the point that it can almost feel weirdly overwhelming.”
- “I can see that it was intentional that way to contribute to the atmosphere but the first level was nerve-wracking to get through by virtue of the repetitive, obnoxious background music.”
replayability
256 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
58%
26%
The game's replayability is generally considered low, with most players noting its short length of around 2-3 hours and a lack of significant content to warrant multiple playthroughs. While some players mention the potential for revisiting the game to discover missed jokes or achievements, many agree that the humor loses its impact upon repetition. Overall, it is recommended to experience the game at least once, but players should consider purchasing it on sale due to its limited replay value.
- “Yes, it is a bit short, but it has great replay value.”
- “The replay value is immense, with each playthrough revealing new jokes and hidden gags that you might have missed the first time around.”
- “This game is genuinely fun to play and will definitely have you coming back to continue progression, or to play it all over again from the start (making replay value extremely high).”
- “This is the main reason behind the game’s lack of replayability; if you have discovered something on a level, then play it again, it will always be the same.”
- “Sadly after you complete it, it has no replay value.”
- “There are no branching paths or other reasons to replay this game, so it has no replay value whatsoever.”
atmosphere
94 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
42%
3%
The atmosphere of Jazzpunk is widely praised for its quirky, surreal, and humorous qualities, effectively immersing players in a unique Cold War-inspired world filled with vibrant visuals and a catchy soundtrack. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to blend comedy with engaging environments, creating an inviting and captivating experience that encourages exploration and interaction. Despite some criticisms regarding repetitive elements, the overall consensus is that the game's atmosphere is a standout feature that enhances its charm and enjoyment.
- “Jazzpunk will completely captivate you with its incredibly weird and funny atmosphere.”
- “The soundtrack is also top-notch, featuring a mix of jazz, swing, and lounge music that perfectly complements the game's world and atmosphere.”
- “The style and atmosphere that this game has is absolutely breathtaking and has been one of my favorite games for years now.”
- “I can see that it was intentional that way to contribute to the atmosphere, but the first level was nerve-wracking to get through by virtue of the repetitive, obnoxious background music.”
- “The atmosphere is weird.”
- “There's no atmosphere; I'm not even convinced the game has a plot.”
stability
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
4%
84%
The game's stability is a significant concern among players, with many reporting various bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including freezing issues and clipping errors. While some users experience minor glitches that do not hinder their overall enjoyment, others face more severe problems that can render the game unplayable. Overall, the game is described as "buggy" and in need of updates to address these persistent issues.
- “Well written and runs great on Linux Mint.”
- “Hilarious and absurd, and best of all, it runs great on my old laptop.”
- “Flawless gameplay, no glitches, totally original concept.”
- “However, my only complaint is that even after all these years since its initial release, it is still quite buggy at times, with the chance of the player accidentally clipping out into a wall or being sent off the area without a way to go back.”
- “Glitches that make it impossible to win the game are a very serious thing, and a lot of people are still reporting them, yet the developers haven't updated in a while.”
- “Game freezes entire computer during one of the necessary parts of the first mission... can't alt tab... task manager... nothing.”
emotional
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional responses to the game are highly varied, with some players experiencing profound joy and laughter, while others felt discomfort or emptiness. Many praised its ability to evoke strong feelings, from laughter to tears, highlighting its unique blend of humor and heartwarming moments. However, a few players noted that the game's graphics and mechanics could induce motion sickness, detracting from the overall emotional experience.
- “One of the two games that have made me cry.”
- “This game was an extremely emotional trainwreck and it made me cry for hours on end.”
- “The style was absolutely heartbreaking and it hurt me so when it had finished... this game left me empty inside wanting more, as it dragged me through otherworldly pleasure of amazing beauty, such heartwarming feelings.”
optimization
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
59%
29%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players citing significant performance issues, including low frame rates and memory leaks. While some users reported solid performance on older hardware, the overall consensus leans towards it being poorly optimized, leading to frustration for those with more demanding setups. Despite its humor and charm, the game's technical shortcomings detract from the experience for many players.
- “The game’s framerate was rock-solid, and I was extremely impressed by the performance in general (I even managed to livestream it from my 6-year-old laptop).”
- “Optimization seemed fine (it's not terribly demanding) and it never crashed on me.”
- “[b]performance[/b] 9/10”
- “My computer can run very demanding games but not this one; it has nothing to do with hardware, it's just the most poorly optimized game in history.”
- “Didn't like jokes; game optimization is non-existent.”
- “In a few words, a horribly optimized, exceedingly gimmicky, and just plain boring game.”
grinding
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
23%
71%
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and often unfun, with many players feeling that the repetitive tasks and mini-games detract from the overall experience. While some segments offer unique and enjoyable moments, the majority of gameplay is described as a slog, requiring significant time investment to unlock achievements. Overall, the game struggles to balance its humor with the grindy nature of its content, leading to a mixed reception.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Making sure that the game isn't grindy is good.”
- “There are a few segments which are unique and fun to play, but the vast majority just comes off as annoying and tedious.”
- “The first level was fine, but eventually the onslaught of pop culture references, along with the lack of any substance in the interactions or mini-games made a short game feel tedious.”
- “Speaking of that, most games will have you do some grindy-bore-fest task just to get yourself some better gear or loot.”
character development
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
59%
8%
Character development in the game is perceived as lacking depth and challenge, with players noting that while the character designs are heavily stylized and visually appealing, the overall narrative and character growth do not engage players enough to sustain interest over time. Despite the game's aesthetic appeal, many feel it ultimately falls short in providing meaningful character progression.
- “I kinda liked the heavily stylized character designs.”
- “If you love silly games and interesting character design, I recommend buying/playing this game if you have some extra money in your pocket and a few hours to spare.”
- “I do really like the aesthetics, the graphics, character design, and the audio; it is actually a pleasant game to play from that point of view.”
- “It's like one of those games that's intensely interesting for a short while, but sooner or later you realize that you might not bother finishing it because a) there doesn't seem to be much of a real challenge and b) there's not any real concept of character development or depth.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized for its heavy reliance on intrusive advertising, which detracts from the overall experience. Users liken the ads to outdated content, suggesting that the approach feels more like a nuisance than a value-add, leaving them uncertain about the game's actual offerings.
- “With advertising as confident as it was, it looked like it would be a pretty solid title, despite the fact that it was never disclosed exactly what you did in it.”
- “Go to a cinema, annoy the patrons while watching a repeated advertisement from the 1950's.”

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3h Median play time

4h Average play time

3-4h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 114 analyzed playthroughs

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Jazzpunk: Director's Cut is a action game with comedy theme.

Jazzpunk: Director's Cut is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows and Linux.

On average players spend around 4 hours playing Jazzpunk: Director's Cut.

Jazzpunk: Director's Cut was released on February 7, 2014.

Jazzpunk: Director's Cut was developed by Necrophone.

Jazzpunk: Director's Cut has received very positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its humor but disliked it for its replayability.

Jazzpunk: Director's Cut is a single player game.

Similar games include Thank Goodness You're Here, Paradigm, West of Loathing, Accounting, Maize and others.

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