JoJo's Bizarre Adventure[a] is a fighting video game developed by Capcom based on Hirohiko Araki's manga of the same title. The game was developed by the same team who was responsible for the Street Fighter III series.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Capcom |
Publisher(s) | Capcom
|
Producer(s) | Kouji Nakajima |
Designer(s) | Shinichiro Obata Yoshifumi Fukuda Mamoru Ōhashi Koji Shimizu |
Composer(s) | Yūko Takehara Setsuo Yamamoto |
Engine | MT Framework (HD ver.) |
Platform(s) | Arcade, PlayStation, Dreamcast, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 |
Release | |
Genre(s) | Fighting |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Arcade system | CP System III |
It was originally released in the arcade in 1998 on the CP System III (CPS-3) arcade board; this version was known outside Japan as JOJO's Venture. An updated version of the game was released in 1999 as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Heritage for the Future (ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 未来への遺産, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken Mirai e no Isan), becoming the sixth and last game released for the CPS-3 board. Console ports for the PlayStation and Dreamcast were also released that year. A high-definition version of the game was released digitally for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in August 2012.[2]
The game combines Capcom's anime-inspired graphics, as seen in the Darkstalkers series, with the colorful characters and events of Hirohiko Araki's creation, resulting in a highly stylized and detailed visual style. It also features many of the gameplay mechanics seen on previous Capcom fighting games, such as the use of power gauges for super moves, as well as a brand new Stand Mode, consisting of the series' signature guardian spirits that accompanies almost every character and can be summoned or dismissed at will by the player, resulting in variations in the character's move list and abilities.
Original author Hirohiko Araki served as a consultant for the game and created exclusive pieces of artwork for its promotion and packaging; most notably, he developed from scratch a new character design for Midler, since Capcom was interested in using her in the game and she had been only shown from the waist-down in the original manga.
Plot
editBased on the manga's third main story arc, Stardust Crusaders, the game follows a Japanese teenager named Jotaro Kujo, who has developed a supernatural ability known as a "Stand". Approached by his grandfather, Joseph Joestar, Jotaro learns that this power is the result of the influence of the sworn enemy of the Joestar family, a vampire named Dio. As his mother's life is put in danger when she starts developing a Stand that she can't control, Jotaro and Joseph go on a quest to destroy Dio so they can cure her.
Gameplay
editGameplay in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure follows most basic fighting games, in which two fighters battle against each other using a variety of attacks, techniques, and special moves to deplete their opponent's health bar. A super meter which increases as fighters deal and receive damage can be used to perform character-specific super moves.
The unique feature of the game is the inclusion of "Stands", powerful projections of a fighter's energy that are unique to each fighter. Whilst Stands are generally integrated into a fighter's moveset, most characters possess an active Stand, which they can bring into and out of battle using the "Stand" button. While a Stand is out, the fighter can increase the power of their attacks, use unique techniques, receive enhancements such as double jumping, and even have their Stand attack separately from the fighter character. However, attacking a fighter's Stand will also cause damage to the fighter, which brings a risk to using Stands, and the damage inflicted is doubled if the Stand is far away from its user. A Stand's presence on the field is determined by a Stand Gauge, which decreases if the Stand is attacked and refills whilst the Stand is withdrawn. If the gauge is depleted, a "Stand Crash" will occur, which leaves the fighter temporarily stunned and open to attack. Other features of Stands include "Blazing Fists" matches, where two Stands clash against each other, requiring the fighters to mash buttons to overcome their opponent, and the ability to program Stands to perform a series of attacks, which can be combined with a player's own attacks for extensive combos. Some characters instead possess "passive" Stands, which are treated as parts of their movesets, and Young Joseph lacks a Stand entirely, relying solely on his non-Stand powers, the Hamon, from the Battle Tendency arc.
Along with general modes such as Versus, the game features Story Mode, a single player campaign which follows each character as they face off against various opponents, loosely following the story of the manga. In between certain matches, unique special stages may occur based on scenes from the manga, such as a side-scrolling sequence in which the player has to find and defeat the assassin N'Doul while avoiding his water-based Stand Geb's attacks, or a special battle against the Death 13 Stand. Super Story Mode is a single-player mode exclusive to the PlayStation port of the game. The mode follows the story of the manga, taking the player through a series of fights as the story progresses. This mode also features various mini-games the player must complete in order to progress, such as driving a car or playing games of chance. The HD versions feature optional graphical filters and online multiplayer.
Playable characters
editThe original arcade game features 13 playable characters, whilst Heritage for the Future and subsequent ports added nine additional characters, bringing the total to 22. In the English versions, some characters are renamed to avoid copyright infringement in Western territories:
- Alessi (Alessy)
- Black Polnareff[i]
- Chaka (Chaca)
- Devo the Cursed (D'Bo)
- Dio[ii]
- Hol Horse and Boingo (Voing)[i]
- Hol Horse[i]
- Iggy (Iggi)
- Jean Pierre Polnareff
- Joseph Joestar
- Jotaro Kujo
- Khan (Kan)[i]
- Mariah (Mahrahia)[i]
- Midler
- Mohammed Avdol
- New Kakyoin[i]
- Noriaki Kakyoin
- Pet Shop[i]
- Rubber Soul (Robber Soul)[i]
- Shadow Dio[ii]
- Vanilla Ice (Iced)[i]
- Young Joseph (JoJo)[ii]
Versions
editArcade
editThe initial arcade release of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure was December 1998. An English-translated version was released in Asia under the shortened title of JOJO's Venture, which predates the officially licensed English adaptations of the original manga and anime (hence the name change). It was followed by a fully revised version titled JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Heritage for the Future, released in September 1999, which featured eight additional playable characters. An English version that was released in Europe is simply titled JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, the original Japanese title.
Console
editTwo console versions were produced. The 1999 PlayStation version is based on JOJO's Venture, but features the additional characters from the second version of the arcade game and an exclusive "Super Story Mode", which covers the entire Stardust Crusaders story arc. The Dreamcast version, also released in 1999, features both the original and revised versions of the arcade game in their original forms. In 2012, a high-definition port of the Dreamcast version developed by Capcom was released digitally on PlayStation 3 on August 21 and Xbox 360 the next day.[2] This version’s features include graphic filters and online multiplayer, though it does not feature the Super Story Mode of the previous PlayStation port.[3] The game was delisted from the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade storefronts on September 11, 2014, a few months after the release of All Star Battle.[4]
Reception
editAggregator | Score | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Dreamcast | PS | PS3 | Xbox 360 | |
GameRankings | 76%[5] | 74%[6] | 62%[7] | 63%[8] |
Metacritic | N/A | N/A | 64/100[9] | 68/100[10] |
Publication | Score | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Dreamcast | PS | PS3 | Xbox 360 | |
CNET Gamecenter | 6/10[11] | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Destructoid | N/A | N/A | 5.5/10[12] | N/A |
Electronic Gaming Monthly | 7.625/10[13][b] | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Eurogamer | 8/10[14] | N/A | 7/10[15] | N/A |
Game Informer | 8/10[16] | 8/10[17] | N/A | N/A |
GameFan | 85%[18] | 87%[19] | N/A | N/A |
GameRevolution | N/A | N/A | 4/10[20] | N/A |
GameSpot | 8.3/10[21] | 8/10[22] | 7/10[23] | 7/10[23] |
GameSpy | 7.5/10[24] | N/A | N/A | N/A |
IGN | 8.5/10[25] | 7/10[26] | 7/10[27] | 7/10[27] |
Next Generation | N/A | [28] | N/A | N/A |
Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine | N/A | [29] | N/A | N/A |
Official Xbox Magazine (US) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6/10[30] |
PlayStation: The Official Magazine | N/A | [31] | 7/10[32] | N/A |
The Digital Fix | N/A | N/A | 5/10[33] | N/A |
In Japan, Game Machine listed the arcade version in their February 1, 1999 issue as the most-successful arcade game of the month.[34] The magazine also listed Heritage for the Future in their November 15, 1999 issue as the most-successful arcade game of the month.[35] It went on to be the third highest-grossing arcade software of 1999 in Japan, below Virtua Striker 2 and Street Fighter Alpha 3.[36] On home consoles, the game was a best-seller in Japan, having sold more than 300,000 units by March 2000.[37][38]
The Dreamcast version received favorable reviews, while the PlayStation and HD versions received "mixed or average reviews", according to the review aggregation websites GameRankings and Metacritic.[5][6][9][10]
Scott Steinberg of The Electric Playground gave the Dreamcast and PlayStation versions each a score of 7.5/10, saying that they are "without a doubt the most advanced (and strangest) of Capcom's 2D fighting games, but by no means the most addictive."[39] D. Smith of Gamers' Republic praised the Dreamcast version, calling it the best port of the game. He praised the game's diverse and strange cast of characters, comparing the game's weirdness as comparable to the fighting game Groove on Fight. Although he said the game was "not the most technical of fighters", it can still be a valid alternative to Street Fighter III.[40] Toxic Tommy of GamePro said in its March 2000 issue that the PlayStation version "is best taken as an entertaining change of pace. You won't find it as challenging as other Capcom side-view fighting games, but at least you and your homies should bust a few good laughs during JoJo's wacky combat circus."[41][c] An issue later, Jake The Snake said of the Dreamcast version: "Fighting-game fans will either love or hate this game's weird characters and attacks, so rent before buying."[42][d] Edge, however, gave the same console version five out of ten, saying: "Almost every aspect of [the game] is a discourse for the devout. For that reason, this is a title for fanatics alone. Perhaps that was Capcom's intention."[43] Kyle Knight of AllGame gave the same console version two stars out of five, calling it "an interesting game to play, if only for its decidedly odd look and feel. But the game doesn't have the fine-tuning that makes a fighting game last as a permanent part of a fighter fan's collection. The game's good for a few laughs, but not worth it in the long run."[44] Joe Ottoson of the same website gave the PlayStation version two-and-a-half stars, saying that "While greatness may not be in the cards of JoJo this time around, at least he puts up a solid battle against the towers and empresses of the world. The only problem is, he's bound to get lost in the shuffle."[45] Jeff Lundrigan of NextGen in his early review called the same PlayStation version "An oddity for Capcom completionists only."[28] In Japan, Famitsu gave the Dreamcast and PlayStation versions each a score of 31 out of 40.[46][47]
Alex Rhoades of GameZone gave the HD versions a score of six out of ten, saying that the game "had a chance to shine for its 25th anniversary. Unfortunately the exorbitant price combined with the niche market appeal will doom it from the start. Although the gameplay is nearly untouched from the Dreamcast version, only huge fans of the manga will likely pick this game up."[48] However, Joe Walker of Push Square gave the PS3 version five stars out of ten, saying, "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. is tragic in a way, because while the game itself is still solid and fun to play, there's just too little on offer to justify the price tag."[49]
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ Japanese: ジョジョの奇妙な冒険, Hepburn: JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken
- ^ In Electronic Gaming Monthly's early review of the Dreamcast version, one critic gave it 8.5/10, two others gave it each a score of 8/10, and the other gave it 6/10.
- ^ GamePro gave the PlayStation version two 4/5 scores for graphics and control, and two 3.5/5 scores for sound and fun factor in an early review.
- ^ GamePro gave the Dreamcast version two 3/5 scores for graphics and sound, 4/5 for control, and 3.5/5 for fun factor.
References
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- ^ a b Loo, Egan (July 14, 2012). "1st Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Fighting Game Remade in HD". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
- ^ Loo, Egan (August 1, 2012). "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure HD Fighting Game's Trailer Posted". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 4, 2012. Retrieved October 1, 2012.
- ^ Matulef, Jeffrey (September 11, 2014). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD has been removed from Xbox Live and EU PSN". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on September 13, 2016. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ a b "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure for Dreamcast". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ a b "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure for PlayStation". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. for PlayStation 3". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 5, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. for Xbox 360". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 2, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ a b "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. critic reviews (PS3)". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on March 13, 2015. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ a b "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. critic reviews (X360)". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ Franklin, Eric (May 17, 2000). "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure [sic] (DC)". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on August 24, 2000. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
- ^ Hancock, Patrick (September 6, 2012). "Review: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Version (PSN)". Destructoid. Gamurs. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ Chou, Che; Hsu, Dan "Shoe"; Smith, Shawn; Johnston, Chris (March 2000). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (DC)" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 128. Ziff Davis. p. 141. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 17, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ Bramwell, Tom (April 27, 2000). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (Dreamcast)". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on January 7, 2001. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ Edwards, Matt (September 3, 2012). "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. Review (PS3)". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on June 20, 2015. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ Reppen, Erik; Fitzloff, Jay; Reiner, Andrew (March 2000). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure - Dreamcast". Game Informer. No. 83. FuncoLand. Archived from the original on December 5, 2000. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ Reppen, Erik (April 2000). "JoJo's Venture [sic] - PlayStation". Game Informer. No. 84. FuncoLand. Archived from the original on December 5, 2000. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ Rodriguez, Tyrone "Cerberus" (February 2000). "JoJo's Venture (DC; Japan Import)". GameFan. Vol. 8, no. 2. Shinno Media. p. 64. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
- ^ Rodriguez, Tyrone "Cerberus" (January 2000). "JoJo's Venture (PS; Japan Import)". GameFan. Vol. 8, no. 1. Shinno Media. pp. 76–77. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
- ^ Schaller, Kevin (September 5, 2012). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. Review (PS3)". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ Mielke, James (December 10, 1999). "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Review (DC; Japan Import)". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on September 17, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ Mielke, James (December 10, 1999). "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Review (PS; Japan Import) [date mislabeled as "May 2, 2000"]". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on April 4, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ a b McGee, Maxwell (August 29, 2012). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. Review". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ BenT (May 8, 2000). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure". PlanetDreamcast. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 31, 2009. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
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- ^ Nix, Marc (April 11, 2000). "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure (PS)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ a b Ingenito, Vince (September 3, 2012). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Review". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ a b Lundrigan, Jeff (March 2000). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (PS)". NextGen. No. 63. Imagine Media. p. 91. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ Maruyama, Wataru (April 2000). "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure [sic]". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. Vol. 3, no. 7. Ziff Davis. p. 96. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
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- ^ "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure [sic]". PSM. No. 31. Imagine Media. March 2000. p. 44. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
- ^ "Review: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver". PlayStation: The Official Magazine. No. 65. Future plc. December 2012. p. 87.
- ^ Harwood, Edd (September 28, 2012). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Review (PS3)". The Digital Fix. Poisonous Monkey. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
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- ^ "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - TVゲーム機ーソフトウェア (Video Game Software)". Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 599. Amusement Press, Inc. November 15, 1999. p. 17.
- ^ Akagi, Masumi, ed. (February 1, 2000). "Sega's CG Videos Top Game Charts" (PDF). Game Machine. No. 603. Amusement Press, Inc. p. 18. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 3, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ "Dengeki Charts". Official UK PlayStation Magazine. No. 53. Future Publishing. December 25, 1999. p. 23.
- ^ "Tommo Inks Deal With Capcom to Exclusively Distribute Japanese Hit Game JoJo's Bizarre Adventure". Business Wire. Berkshire Hathaway. March 2, 2000. Archived from the original on April 15, 2000. Retrieved June 17, 2019 – via Yahoo.com.
- ^ Steinberg, Scott (May 3, 2000). "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure [sic] (DC, PS)". The Electric Playground. Greedy Productions Ltd. Archived from the original on January 30, 2003. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
- ^ Smith, D. (March 2000). "World Republic Review: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (DC)". Gamers' Republic. Vol. 2, no. 10. Millennium Publications. p. 145.
- ^ Toxic Tommy (March 2000). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (PS)" (PDF). GamePro. No. 138. IDG. p. 93. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 19, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ Jake The Snake (April 2000). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (DC)" (PDF). GamePro. No. 139. IDG. p. 118. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ Edge staff (February 2000). "Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure [sic] (DC; Japan Import)" (PDF). Edge. No. 81. Future Publishing. p. 82. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ Knight, Kyle. "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (DC) - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ Ottoson, Joe. "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (PS) - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
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- ^ Rhoades, Alex (August 23, 2012). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. review". GameZone. Archived from the original on August 27, 2012. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
- ^ Walker, Joe (September 1, 2012). "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. Review". Push Square. Hookshot Media. Archived from the original on January 26, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
External links
edit- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure by Capcom (in Japanese)
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Heritage for the Future by Capcom (in Japanese)
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. Official website at the Wayback Machine (archived August 10, 2014) (in Japanese)
- JOJO's Venture at the Killer List of Videogames
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (Arcade, PlayStation) at MobyGames
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (Dreamcast) at MobyGames
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure HD Ver. at MobyGames