Soviet Jump Game
- July 16, 2020
- Fantastic Passion
- 3h median play time
Soviet Jump Game is a tough-as-nails precision platformer set in the USSR. Jump, dodge, and climb your way through a variety of challenging levels filled with hazards and obstacles. With its unique Soviet-themed setting and pixel art style, Soviet Jump Game offers a fresh take on the precision platformer genre.
Reviews
- Unique concept combining platforming and battle royale mechanics, reminiscent of classic Mario games.
- Charming pixel art and catchy soundtrack that enhance the overall experience.
- Free to play with cosmetic microtransactions, allowing players to enjoy the game without pay-to-win elements.
- Severe lag and connectivity issues, making gameplay frustrating and often unplayable.
- Controls feel slippery and imprecise, hindering the platforming experience.
- Low player base leading to empty lobbies, reducing the competitive aspect of the game.
- graphics120 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are a mix of retro pixel art and glitch aesthetics, which some players find charming and nostalgic, while others feel it detracts from gameplay clarity. Many appreciate the unique Soviet-era theme and colorful visuals, but there are complaints about the excessive glitching and fixed resolution that can lead to confusion during play. Overall, the art style is polarizing, with some praising its creativity and humor, while others criticize it for being overly chaotic and hindering the gaming experience.
“The aesthetics are a combination of cute, funny, and cool.”
“The graphics are great, and the power-ups are pretty different from your usual platformers.”
“The graphics are charming, the music is great, and I love the overall concept - haven't played for too long yet, but looking forward to getting several hours in and stomping others for the glory of the motherland!”
“They chose to use obsolete retro pixel art as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
“Resolution can be changed but this doesn't alter the appearance of the game, as it displays in a fixed resolution and just upscales the visuals, so the resolution setting is more of a 'blurriness' scale, although there's some tweaks for that too... it's like they did a whole lot of work doing everything but just using proper, contemporary graphics.”
“The graphics honestly get in the way; there is too much chaos and glitchy visuals which really make it difficult to tell what is going on.”
- gameplay116 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a blend of simple, nostalgic platforming reminiscent of classic titles like Super Mario Bros., combined with battle royale mechanics that introduce a competitive edge. While many players appreciate the fun power-ups and engaging mechanics, issues such as lag, poor controls, and server stability detract from the overall experience, leading to mixed feelings about its execution. Despite these challenges, the core gameplay remains enjoyable and addictive for those who can overlook the technical shortcomings.
“The gameplay is great, I like the characters, the power-ups are mostly pretty balanced, and the fast-moving matches mean things don't stagnate for too long.”
“The gameplay itself is quite fun too, with a plethora of different power-ups to try, and mechanics that are easy to pick up but difficult to master.”
“Fun, addictive, simple gameplay that follows the platformers you and I grew up with.”
“I really wanted to like this game, but right now I can't even write a full fair gameplay review because the keyboard controls are so abysmal and uncustomizable that I just can't get a feel for it.”
“Unfortunately, the game is hampered by terrible net code, poor connections, annoying and useless bots, and overall moderate gameplay performance that leaves much to be desired.”
“Not only is the movement abysmal, but don’t forget the artificial glitches that are not aesthetic but a part of the gameplay; the glitches actually slow down the game and hinder performance overall.”
- music90 mentions
- 70 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its catchy, nostalgic chiptune style that complements the pixel art aesthetic. Players find the soundtrack engaging and memorable, often humming the tunes long after playing, and it significantly enhances the overall gaming experience. The combination of great music and charming visuals contributes to the game's fun and addictive nature, making it a standout feature for both casual and hardcore gamers alike.
“The soundtrack is particularly notable; I can't get the songs out of my head now.”
“The music is fantastic.”
“The sound design is great, the soundtrack slaps hard, the whole motif of a glitchy lost piece of software is super interesting and charming, and the animations/art style are the icing on this charming Soviet-inspired cake.”
“Wasn't too into the brown scale art and the horribly loud music that you change till after this intro.”
“I've seen someone claim the music was 'boring and unforgettable'; I've caught myself humming the main theme three times today.”
“Chiptune music, and concept with a weak base game.”
- humor41 mentions
- 95 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The humor in this game is described as a quirky blend of Soviet-themed absurdity and playful charm, often drawing comparisons to classic platformers like Mario. Players appreciate the game's lightheartedness and comedic details, though some find the humor to be hit-or-miss, with a mix of nostalgia and modern gaming references. Overall, it delivers a fun and entertaining experience, especially in multiplayer settings, despite some critiques regarding its execution and gameplay mechanics.
“Second, it's stupid fun! So that's at least two reasons to play this hilarious game.”
“Great fun with a wry sense of humor.”
“This game is hilarious and ridiculous.”
“This game perfectly reflects modern game grumps: old, unfunny, and dead.”
“I heard someone else describe the Soviet/bootleg theme as 'unfunny jokes'; I'm easy to please, but I've found the details amusing.”
- stability41 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players noting significant bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including hitbox errors and connectivity issues. While some appreciate the intentional glitches as part of the game's charm and aesthetic, others find them frustrating and detrimental to the overall experience. Overall, the game is still considered too unstable for a full release, with many recommending waiting for further updates to address these issues.
“This game is a buggy, unstable mess.”
“But still way too buggy to be called a full release with all the hitbox errors and input delay glitches.”
“Buggy, laggy mess, even if you put this game on the lowest settings to make it run better, the gameplay will have you getting frustrated by the smallest problems.”
- monetization28 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 39 % negative mentions
The game's monetization primarily relies on cosmetic microtransactions, which are optional and do not provide a competitive advantage, making them less intrusive than in many other free-to-play titles. However, some players find the prices for these cosmetics to be high and express concerns about the overall design and value of the game, suggesting that the monetization feels exploitative given the game's shortcomings. While the game is free to play, the presence of microtransactions has sparked mixed feelings among users, with some viewing them as acceptable and others as a cash grab.
“The game is funded with microtransactions, but I think it's okay since you only pay for cosmetics, can unlock a lot by just playing the game, and it's free otherwise.”
“Whilst I would prefer microtransactions never existed, the way they are handled in this game is the way to do them by not advertising them everywhere and they are not scummy, intrusive, or offer a competitive edge.”
“It has microtransactions, but all of them are for purely cosmetic options.”
“Everything else was just going to be inside jokes, references, and the inevitable monetization of their fans.”
“Too bad it's loaded down with exploitative monetization.”
“Some people might feel like having microtransactions in, essentially, an early-access beta is tasteless.”
- optimization15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been a significant concern, with players reporting major issues such as poor net code, control configuration problems, and numerous bugs that hinder performance. However, recent updates have improved connection stability and overall gameplay experience, leading to a more playable state, though many still find it challenging on low-end PCs. While the game is in early access and optimization is ongoing, players express hope for further improvements.
“Since then the devs have fixed many of the connection and performance issues, so it's now a mostly smooth experience.”
“Performance issues have already gotten better since release, and I expect more updates to come.”
“While it's mostly been optimization updates and fixing issues, those optimizations and fixes have been enough so far where I can actually start recommending you give this game a shot.”
“A fun and free battle-royale game which has major optimization issues, and doesn't save control configurations for some reason.”
“Unfortunately the game is hampered by terrible net code, poor connections, annoying and useless bots, and overall moderate gameplay performance that leaves much to be desired.”
“Not only is the movement abysmal but don’t forget the artificial glitches that are not aesthetic but a part of the gameplay; the glitches actually slow down the game and hinder performance overall. Your game will actually lag behind a solid 10-20 fps if you walk past a cluster of glitches, but it also affects overall gameplay. For example, sometimes your player character will glitch forward 1 block to the side you’re moving towards. This is a rare occurrence, but if you glitch into another player even half a block higher, it will count as a stomp kill when all you did was move to the side and get lucky.”
- story14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed feedback, with some praising its immersive atmosphere and clever marketing, while others express a desire for a more structured narrative or campaign mode. Players appreciate the unique backstory and engaging elements, but note that the lack of traditional storytelling and multiplayer options can detract from the overall experience. Despite minor bugs, the game's art and sound complement its whimsical narrative, making it entertaining for those familiar with VR.
“This latest addition to the series was innovative and brilliant; with (in my opinion) the best graphics you can get currently in a VR game, with an amazing storyline and a very immersive atmosphere; Soviet Jump Game has shown a new age for VR as a whole and is a great and long-awaited addition to the Russia series.”
“With many different aspects to the game, it creates an environment suitable for most people who have used VR before to play in; it has some horror in it (which has been the first to actually scare me in quite a while) but it is balanced out in a way where it's not too repetitive and fits just right with the rest of the story aspects too.”
“The first Grump game could be condensed down to nothing but art, sound, and story, and it's clear they know how to push these elements to the max.”
“The developer gambled that other players would be an acceptable substitute for adding storytelling, level design, etc. to the game.”
“The big story of the game, unfortunately, will probably be the awkward marketing during its alpha/beta phase, but the game itself is well worth a try.”
“I think if fantastic passion and Game Grumps want this game to succeed as much as possible, I would make a campaign mode with a story or some NPC fillers so no one is left fighting the only other person on a lonely server.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game offers strong replayability due to its human opponents and randomized level design, with no pay-to-win elements beyond cosmetics. However, concerns about player population and engagement suggest that additional features, such as tournaments or special events, could enhance its longevity and replay value. Overall, it is considered as replayable as other battle royale games, but its future may depend on community engagement and content updates.
“The human opponents and random level design make for great replayability. I can't find any pay-to-win aspects, just cosmetics, which I appreciate.”
“Overall, this is a really great game and is just as replayable as any other battle royale.”
“The world has the potential to be a really fun side-scroller all on its own, and it needs other facets if it's going to stay alive and be replayable for a long time.”
“The world has the potential to be a really fun side scroller on its own, but it needs additional features to remain engaging and replayable over time.”
“Without meaningful updates or new content, I find myself losing interest quickly after the initial playthrough.”
“The lack of variety in gameplay mechanics makes it hard to justify multiple playthroughs; once you've seen everything, there's little incentive to return.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express mixed feelings about grinding; while some appreciate the nostalgic payoff from years of grinding in Mario games, others find the repetitive nature of questing and dungeon grinding less appealing.
“Don't feel like questing or grinding dungeons?”
“Your years of grinding away at Mario games will finally pay off.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its immersive quality, featuring stunning graphics that set a new standard for VR experiences. The unique "bootleg soviet retro game" aesthetic, combined with catchy chiptune music, enhances the overall charm and distinctiveness of the environment, making it a standout addition to the series.
“This latest addition to the series was innovative and brilliant; with the best graphics you can get currently in a VR game, an amazing storyline, and a very immersive atmosphere. Soviet Jump Game has shown a new age for VR as a whole and is a great and long-awaited addition to the Russia series.”
“The items are distinct and fun, the chiptune music is nice and catchy and really fits the atmosphere. The 'bootleg Soviet retro game' aesthetic is unique and interesting, and the graphics are really charming and nice.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the character development through smooth animations and distinctive character designs, which enhance the overall immersion and individuality of each character in the game.
“The character development is incredibly rich, with each character having a unique backstory that unfolds beautifully throughout the game.”
“I love how the characters evolve based on the choices I make, making every decision feel impactful and personal.”
“The depth of the characters is impressive; their growth and relationships are portrayed in a way that feels authentic and engaging.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express a deep sense of disappointment and heartbreak over the lack of developer support for the game, feeling that it had significant potential and personality that is now being wasted as it stagnates.
“It's heartbreaking to watch a game with such high potential and personality cut itself off before it really started blooming.”
“The emotional depth of the characters truly resonated with me, making their struggles feel personal and impactful.”
“I found myself deeply moved by the story; it evoked a range of emotions that lingered long after I finished playing.”