Jydge
- October 4, 2017
- 10tons Ltd
- 3h median play time
JYDGE is an enjoyable twin-stick shooter that has a fun and destructive core mechanic and a lot of replay value. If you’re a huge fan of twin-stick shooters it’d be a crime not to give this one a try and judge it for yourself.  
"Jydge" is a top-down shooter game with both single-player and local co-op modes for up to 2 players. Customize your cybernetic Jydge and build your own playstyle with various augmentations and Gavel rifle modifications. With a humor-infused plot, masterful mechanics, and an awesome soundtrack, "Jydge" offers high replayability through its numerous game-altering combinations, making it a must-play for shooter fans.
Reviews
- Engaging gameplay with a variety of upgrades and loadouts that allow for different playstyles.
- Fun and challenging mission structure that encourages replayability through unique objectives.
- Great graphics and soundtrack that enhance the overall experience.
- Progression is gated behind earning medals, which can lead to repetitive grinding of earlier levels.
- Some missions can be frustrating due to strict objectives that require perfect execution.
- AI behavior can be inconsistent, leading to moments of unfair difficulty.
- story158 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 85 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story in the game is minimal and primarily serves as a backdrop for the gameplay, with a basic plot revolving around eliminating a gang in a futuristic setting. Players often find the narrative lacking depth, as it is mostly conveyed through brief voiceovers and does not significantly impact the mission-based structure, which requires repetitive play to unlock further content. While the gameplay mechanics and customization options are praised, many reviewers express a desire for a more engaging and developed storyline.
“The overarching plot basically boils down to 'get rid of this one particular gang' and the story mostly being told as a radio voiceover played with a spinning graphic image.”
“While there isn't really a lot to the story or your character, the mechanics work well and have kept my attention for longer than expected.”
“The story is minimal with some voiceover between chapters (5 chapters in total).”
“Main reason I regret buying this - after Act 1 (5 or so missions) the game suddenly gates you behind that, in my opinion, stupid mechanic where you need to collect a certain amount of medals before you can continue.”
“If you're looking for a game with a story, this isn't it; if you're looking for a game that has a lot of customization and potential and completely wastes it, you got that game.”
- gameplay76 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by tight mechanics, extensive customization, and a rewarding progression system that encourages experimentation with different loadouts and playstyles. While it features addictive twin-stick shooter elements and a variety of objectives, some players find the early grind and level gating frustrating. Overall, the game offers a satisfying blend of action and strategy, reminiscent of titles like Hotline Miami and Neon Chrome, though it may feel repetitive to some.
“The gameplay is tight, the modifications are fun, and the loadouts are a really great feature as you feel like you are polishing the different experiences you want.”
“Fantastic gameplay that's been refined over time, good map design, and a relatively large amount of variety given the type of title and scope.”
“The systems and mechanics work extremely well together, the core gameplay loop is motivating and exciting, and the technical execution is spotless.”
“I was a little bit disappointed by the repetitive and grinding gameplay.”
“As I saw the load screen and replayed the unskippable opening cutscene for mission #3 for the 5th time as I tried to finish the level in 20 seconds, I knew I didn't want to grind through another 5-10 hours of artificially lengthened gameplay.”
“Main reason I regret buying this - after act 1 (5 or so missions) the game suddenly gates you behind that, in my opinion, stupid mechanic where you need to collect a certain amount of medals before you can continue.”
- music44 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its variety and energetic electronic tracks that enhance the gameplay experience, while others criticize it as generic or poorly fitting the game's atmosphere. Many players appreciate the ability to choose songs during missions, although some express frustration over certain tracks being repetitive or unappealing. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a highlight for many, contributing positively to the game's aesthetic, despite some inconsistencies in quality.
“The music was a big (positive) surprise for me - at first it seemed 'chiptune-y' but after playing for a while it turns out that it somehow meshes really well with the visuals and brings out a cyberpunk-action-pastiche feeling to the forefront.”
“The soundtrack contains a wide variety of electronic music, from chiptunesy or retrosynthy stuff to more jazz or loungeroom-style atmospheric tracks.”
“The music is excellent, more dynamic and aggressive, which really helps when you are able to walk through most of the props you had to shoot or melee in Neon Chrome.”
“Oh, and the ability to pick the soundtrack before each mission would have been nice, as some songs are atrocious.”
“The music is generic stock music compared to the heart-pumping murder carnage of Brut, Mavs, and Moon that games like Hotline and Brigador have.”
“The background music largely doesn't fit the atmosphere the game tries to convey and is at some points laughably bad.”
- graphics32 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simple yet effective, with a pleasing aesthetic that incorporates elements of steampunk and 80s neon. While some players appreciate the compact design that allows for smooth performance on various systems, others feel the visuals are underwhelming compared to modern standards. Overall, the graphics support the gameplay well, complementing the game's unique customization options and engaging soundtrack.
“It's a really great game, simple graphics, but runs like butter.”
“The graphics are simple enough, high textured and colorful, has a bit of a steampunk/80's neon effect going on which is aesthetically pleasing.”
“Overall I enjoy the graphics very much and the lights and shadows look so cool.”
“Graphics, sound effects, and music are terrible.”
“I myself like pretty graphics, and this really doesn't feel like a $15 game.”
“Don't get me wrong, it's nostalgic to see more top-down shooters, but I was expecting better visuals for 2017.”
- replayability19 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers significant replayability, primarily through its challenge system, diverse loadouts, and unlockable upgrades. While some players noted that the experience can become grindy after extended play, the variety in objectives and the potential for improvement on previous attempts keep the gameplay engaging. The presence of medals and challenges further enhances the replay value, making it appealing for players seeking to maximize their experience.
“Nice level-up system through gear and guns, fun collectibles, and high replayability from more challenges being unlocked as you progress through the game.”
“I think what really got to me is the replay value with challenges and the huge number of upgrades.”
“The levels are random, so the replay value is there, but after the four-hour mark, I found it quite grindy to unlock the next level.”
“There are 18 levels in total which may seem like a small amount, but the replayability in this game comes from challenges.”
“It does have replayability in the sense there are medals for each mission, and because it's not procedurally generated, you can improve on your attempt each time or just plan to focus on one of the harder medals and get the rest later.”
- grinding18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- -11 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessive and tedious, with many expressing frustration over high upgrade costs and steep medal requirements that necessitate replaying levels. While some appreciate the replay value and the fun of farming in certain levels, the overall sentiment leans towards grinding being a major detractor from the experience, making progression feel repetitive and burdensome.
“Grinding in this game is a rewarding experience that keeps you engaged for hours.”
“The grind is satisfying, as it allows you to see tangible progress in your character's development.”
“I love how the grinding mechanics are balanced; it feels like a journey rather than a chore.”
“Some of the objectives are excessively tedious or frustrating, but you don't have to do every single one, fortunately.”
“Overall just super, super grindy, but not in a good or even tolerable way.”
“My issue with the game is that progression is tied in with earning 'medals' for completing specific objectives per level, and the medal curve becomes so steep to progress that it becomes tedious to keep playing trying to get every little thing done the way the game wants it done.”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is well-received, with players appreciating its clever and whimsical elements, such as a character wielding a gavel-gun and the absurdity of solving levels as a shrunken, invisible sniper. The blend of simple yet effective comedic moments and subtle humor adds to the overall enjoyment.
“I like this game and it reminds me of Judge Dredd, but the main character carries around a gun with a gavel on the end that you use to melee, which I think is actually pretty funny.”
“It's simple, but good, and funny to boot.”
“I once solved a level as a shrunken, fast-running, invisible sniper that can shoot through walls and blanket entire rooms with frag grenades before disappearing into the night laughing like a leprechaun.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is undermined by a background soundtrack that often feels mismatched, with some users finding it laughably bad. While it features a diverse range of electronic music styles, including chiptunes and jazz, the overall execution fails to enhance the intended ambiance.
“The soundtrack contains a wide variety of electronic music, from chiptune or retrosynth styles to more jazz or lounge-style atmospheric tracks.”
“The background music largely doesn't fit the atmosphere the game tries to convey and is at some points laughably bad.”
“The environments feel empty and lifeless, lacking any sense of immersion or detail.”
“The lighting effects are inconsistent, making it hard to get a grasp of the game's intended mood.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game performs better on Steam compared to the Switch, where it experiences slowdowns during intense moments. Players appreciate the improved performance on PC, which enhances the overall experience and encourages replayability to improve mission times.
“I played it on Switch and then bought it again on Steam to enjoy better performance; it slows down a bit on the Switch when there's a lot going on.”
“You'll come back mission after mission to try and beat your time and performance.”
“The game suffers from severe optimization issues, making it frustrating to play.”
“I often experience significant lag and frame drops, which ruin the overall experience.”
“Despite the potential, the lack of proper optimization leads to long loading times and crashes.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its stability, with users reporting no bugs and a solid performance. Additionally, it offers a modification that allows players to adjust the camera angle, enhancing the gameplay experience.
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“I experienced multiple bugs that disrupted my gameplay experience.”
“The stability issues are frustrating; I often find myself getting kicked out of matches.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express strong negative emotions towards the game, describing it as "garbage" and indicating a sense of frustration or disappointment, particularly after investing a significant amount of time into it.
Critic Reviews
JYDGE Review
JYDGE does the Robocop concept really well, and has some really strong twin-shooter gameplay with its wonderfully diverse upgrades that opens up a lot of different playstyles. While it offers a great deal of freedom in ways to tackle things, it does force one to maybe enjoy more of the game to beat it. The fact that it is mandatory to actually play levels on multiple difficulties before even getting to the final stage is something that might resonate badly with those who just want to play through it, something mitigated by the fact that it eventually turns into a buffet of different quests to tackle, and makes what could otherwise be a deal breaker into nothing more than a slight annoyance. Ultimately, this is a strong twin-shooter that might be a little too confident in how much people will enjoy replaying older stages on a higher difficulty.
70%Judge Not So Dreddful
There seems to be a veritable renaissance of twin-stick, indie, cyberpunk shooters out there right now, what with Neon Chrome, Neurovoider, Ruiner and more all coming out in the last year or so. But hey, here’s another one. And it’s alright.
60%JYDGE Review
JYDGE Review
70%