Jumanji: The Video Game Review – A Little Dysfunctional

Robin Williams did an astonishing job making the fantasy world of Jumanji come to life. It was one of the greatest movies ever, which also had the scariest board game ever available in stores. Years later, Jumanji received a well-deserved sequel that was just as phenomenal with Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Now, in 2019, Jumanji: The Next Level is ready to hit theatres while Jumanji: The Video Game is here for all to play. Question is, is it just as entertaining as the motion picture or a low budget knockoff?

Don’t Roll the Dice

For those looking for a story, unfortunately there isn’t one. But what Jumanji does offer is an opportunity for everyone to complete 4 stages as Dr. Smolder, Ruby Roundhouse, Shelley Oberon and Franklin Finbar, all with the likeness of the 4 actors in the motion picture. And just like the board game, Jumanji allows up to 4 players to join in, making this quest an ideal joy for family and friends. As you play through each map, the goal is to find the Jumanji pieces in order to further progress and return a jewel back to its home, similar to the movie.

Upon completing each map, you’re then returned to the main menu, leaving no sort of lasting impression, but the game does warrant potential replay value, including the ability to choose and level up for favorite character.

Wait A Minute, So What Now?

Jumanji does start players off with a tutorial, walking you through the basic controls, sliding, vaulting, and shooting. Most importantly breaking down the objective of finding the missing board pieces and shooting statues for bonus points, granting the advantage of leveling up faster and unlocking unique gear and weapons for each character.

Aside from picking up Jumanji pieces, you also have plenty of health, grenades and chargers (ammo) at your leisure. I had the most fun playing with Ruby Roundhouse, as she’s a martial artist, utilizes a crossbow and can jam a boombox to make the enemies dance for no reason, leaving them vulnerable to death. Even Franklin’s (Mouse) character can call a monkey to attack enemies from afar. A silly, yet strategic advantage.

All four characters meters are located on the bottom right corner of your screen, helping you to know when needed or who has the gem to complete a mission while facing a set wave of enemies. Your character of choice can all revive downed players by holding the d-pad in the direction of the player, though costing you one of your lives in the process.

There are a few big issues however that makes the game become too monotonous. Most of the damage dealt on enemies will likely come from you’re A.I. companions. This isn’t a bad thing, considering how in most games the A.I. does little to assist you on your journey, aside from talking and running in circles. However, I never really felt apart of the team. More like the noob trying to fit in.

Trying to adjust the sensitivity did little to help, as well as aiming down targets is more challenging as it fails to properly adjust to my movement. Other players also have a habit of blocking your path and bumping into you over and over. I had high hopes, but in the end became even worse.

A Broken Jewel

Maps in Jumanji look the same, lacking originality as you transition between each chapter and mission. The enemies have a slight difference in design which was okay for what the experience was overall, especially the rhinos. The mechanics are confusing, however. There were various caves that had swinging axes, spikes and fire coming out of the walls to where the A.I. was completely shellproof, literally stopping in front of the contraptions and looking back at me like “what’s taking so long?”

Camera angles and controls are evenly clunky. The camera’s movement was extremely slow, playing on the Nintendo Switch. Even when trying to run, the directional pad does very little to support the input. Controls made the experience not even worth it, as over half the time I used my abilities, my character was stuck in  the same position, sidestepping across the map until hit by a grenade or waiting it out, which in some cases took minutes, making aiming nearly impossible.

Verdict

Jumanji is one of the greatest family movies of all time, continuing with “The Next Level” this Christmas. As for Jumanji: The Video Game, it doesn’t quite hold of that same stature. With a few patches a lot could be done to enhance the experience. The phrase it still true to date: “A game for those who seek to find a way to leave their world behind.” It’s that fantasy of being somewhere or becoming the warrior the entices the mind. Just a shame the same can’t be said for this experience.