Jump/Boxer
- April 24, 2015
- Blaze Epic
"Jump/Boxer" is a retro-style action platformer with film-noir and samurai elements, incorporating parkour and fighting game mechanics. Overcome platforming challenges, battle various enemies, and use Xbox One or 360 controllers for optimized gameplay. This game is an updated version of the original Jump/Boxer with improved combat mechanics, graphics, and soundtrack.
Reviews
- The game offers a nostalgic retro experience with simple controls and enjoyable music.
- It's a cheap and fun platformer that can provide a good challenge once players get used to the mechanics.
- The controls are responsive, making the gameplay feel fair and allowing players to improve their skills.
- The game suffers from a sudden spike in difficulty, particularly in stage 5, which can frustrate players.
- There are no customization options for controls, which can hinder accessibility for some players.
- The graphics and overall technical quality are low, with no options for resolution or audio control.
- graphics14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are polarizing, with some players appreciating the retro pixel art and bright, psychedelic visuals reminiscent of "Jet Set Radio," while others criticize the outdated style, lack of resolution options, and overall poor quality. The absence of graphics settings and a 30 fps cap further detracts from the experience for many users. Overall, the graphics are seen as either charmingly nostalgic or frustratingly obsolete.
“Psychedelic visuals and music.”
“The music, the 8-bit graphics, and simple controls make this game great.”
“But, hey it was fun for a little bit, the visuals were bright and had a 'Jet Set Radio' feel to them.”
“A choice was made to use obsolete, decades old retro pixel art as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
“There's no option to change the resolution and no useful graphics tweaks.”
“Really awful graphics, bad music, unresponsive controls, absolutely no settings at all combined with a 30 fps cap and XInput only controller support which still requires pressing number '1' from the keyboard to start the game...”
- music12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find it enjoyable and fitting with the game's aesthetic, others criticize the lack of audio controls, making it difficult to manage the background music. Overall, the music is described as charming and complements the visuals, but technical issues detract from the experience for some users.
“The music, the 8-bit graphics, and simple controls make this game great.”
“Psychedelic visuals and music.”
“Music: adorable”
“Bewilderingly, the game doesn't include proper audio controls, so you can't turn off the annoying background music; you'll need to alt+tab out and stop the music using the Windows sound mixer.”
“Really awful graphics, bad music, unresponsive controls, absolutely no settings at all combined with a 30 fps cap and XInput-only controller support which still requires pressing the number '1' from the keyboard to start the game.”
“The music is just bad and detracts from the overall experience.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a lofi vibe and offers a mix of cute and fun elements, particularly appealing for its low price. However, it suffers from stiffness and shallow mechanics, leading to a repetitive experience that often relies on spamming attacks. While learning the mechanics can provide a sense of achievement, the overall execution feels limited and lacks depth, with some players expressing a desire for more unique levels or a level editor.
“It gives off a lofi vibe which I feel goes well with the gameplay.”
“Takes a while to learn the mechanics so it makes you feel like you've learned something.”
“Gameplay: cute and fun for a buck.”
“This game is really stiff, and all you have to do is spam to defeat the enemies. There is a part that is really hard because of the stiff gameplay.”
“Brain-dead beat-em-up, and cheap platforming with shallow 'parkour' mechanics.”
“Takes a while to learn the mechanics, so it makes you feel like you've learned something.”
- story8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally considered decent but lacking depth, with many reviewers noting that it doesn't aim for a grand narrative. Additionally, there is a sentiment that the series feels repetitive, as the storylines appear to be similar across the games. Overall, while the story has potential, it falls short of engaging players fully.
“I feel like the story is decent though it could've been improved, but honestly this game isn't made with a grand story in mind.”
“Hardly a success story; gamers just weren't all that interested in the game.”
“I feel like the story is decent, though it could've been improved. Honestly, this game isn't made with a grand story in mind.”
“Also, if anyone cares to notice, I've been referring to these games as a series, and that's because I feel they may all be the same story.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is criticized for being exploitative, with users labeling it as a "cash grab" that relies on retro aesthetics and simplistic gameplay mechanics. The game's difficulty and repetitive nature further contribute to the perception of it being a low-effort product aimed at maximizing profit rather than providing a quality experience.
“Jump/boxer is a cash grab 8-bit action platformer with fighting game elements that requires repeatedly smashing the button to defeat an enemy, and the platforming is too hard.”
“Gamemaker Studio is most commonly used to make retro pixel shovelware and cash grabs.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the game's replayability is high, with players appreciating the variety of choices and outcomes that encourage multiple playthroughs. Many users highlight that different strategies and character builds significantly alter the experience, enhancing the game's longevity. Overall, the replay value is considered a strong point, making it enjoyable to revisit.
“The replay value is incredible, with so many different choices and outcomes that I find myself coming back for more.”
“Each playthrough feels unique, thanks to the branching storylines and character development, making it hard to put down.”
“I love how the game encourages multiple runs, with new challenges and secrets to discover every time.”
- humor2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its lighthearted approach, often relying on slapstick elements like repeated groin kicks during fights, which players find amusing despite the overall ease of combat. This comedic touch adds an enjoyable layer to the gameplay experience.
“The humor in the game is spot on, with moments that had me laughing out loud, especially during the unexpected groin kicks in fights.”
“The game balances its challenges with a lighthearted approach, making even the easiest fights entertaining with hilarious moments.”
“I found myself chuckling at the absurdity of the situations, particularly the repeated groin kicks that added a comedic twist to the gameplay.”