 | Actually finishing games feels good, doesn’t it? Don’t you feel a sense of accomplishment? Here’s just one more short game that can easily be completed in an evening, but I highly recommend not rushing yourself through this one. |
Set aside one night where you don’t have to be anywhere, pour yourself a gin and tonic, and play the madness that is Jazzpunk. This is a two-hour game, so no excuses!
Much like kimchi or Napoleon Dynamite, Jazzpunk is a very polarizing, love-it-or-hate-it experience. Imagine if a surreal 1960s spy film was written by Tex Avery-- with art by John Kricfalusi of Ren and Stimpy fame.
If those elements appeal to you, you might get a kick out of this odd adventure game.
If those elements appeal to you, you might get a kick out of this odd adventure game.
You play as a cold-war era spy in a world of robots fulfilling a series of missions, including infiltrating the Russian consulate. The plot doesn’t matter too much in this game; most of the game is a non-stop onslaught of visual gags. Puns and pastiches are everywhere you look, so while you’ll be able to speed-run through the already-short game, it’s much more satisfying to poke at every nook and cranny.
My favorite moment was a sudden Street Fighter parody, where instead of fighting legendary character E. Honda, you must destroy “some Honda”. In a parking lot.
My favorite moment was a sudden Street Fighter parody, where instead of fighting legendary character E. Honda, you must destroy “some Honda”. In a parking lot.
This game is unforgiving in its weirdness, so its short length is both a blessing and a curse. I’m of the school of thought that believes jokes shouldn’t overstay their welcome. Jazzpunk lasts just long enough, well before the insanity began to get tiresome. If your tolerance for silliness is low, you can easily skip all the optional side-quests to follow the plot when you’re fed up but still want to enjoy the design and soundtrack.
As a lifelong lover of puns and mid-century kitsch, this game is everything I ever wanted in an exploration-style adventure game. I’m usually OK with prices for indie/older games that might seem a bit steep, but I usually follow the price/entertainment ratio of a movie ticket.
At 2-3 hours and $15 dollars, Jazzpunk costs just enough to be uncomfortable, so I’d definitely recommend having the patience for a sale.
Free Tibet!*
*with every purchase
-The Dungeon Dame
At 2-3 hours and $15 dollars, Jazzpunk costs just enough to be uncomfortable, so I’d definitely recommend having the patience for a sale.
Free Tibet!*
*with every purchase
-The Dungeon Dame
