Jumanji: The Video Game XBOX
Welcome to Jumanji! I am sure your visit will be short and left with disappointment. Firstly I will start off by saying I absolutely love the movie, watched it several times, and even purchased it. When I picked up this game for Xbox, I was excited. I wasn’t going to let the fact that most movie-based games usually come out terrible, and so I kept an open mind.
Jumanji The Video Game features the same characters as in the movie, but unfortunately the voice acting is done by other people. You can pick to start your journey with Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), Ruby Roundhouse ( Karen Gillan), Professor Shelly Oberon (Jack Black) and Franklin “Mouse” Finbar (Kevin Hart). The objective is to find the jewel and place it in the Jaguar to save Jumanji. Sound like the film? Good, it’s suppose to. They got that right.
You must now select a level to play the other three remaining characters will be controlled by AI. The game only features four levels, which are essentially the same with some minor appearance changes which makes the world feel dull. I was able to beat this game and all the levels in under two hours. Each character has a special ability you can use every few minutes. Dr Bravestone has the ability to do a powerful ground pound to knock out enemies, Ruby Roundhouse plays music and does special attacks, Professor Oberon has the ability to heal, and Mouse Finbar can unleash a monkey to attack enemies.
The gameplay is very basic and repetitive. The object is to find four game pieces in the level to unlock a door. Furthermore, after the door is unlocked I had to battle numerous enemies in addition to powering up a stone to move on. Once this is done you do a short maze only to do the battle again. Rinse and repeat for each level. I went to try online play but unfortunately was unable to do so as no one was online playing, and again, I can see why. Jumanji did have some funny moments. For example, when I was Mouse Finbar a Rhino attacked me thus killing my character. I was able to unlock an achievement “Just like in the movie” and it gave me a little chuckle.
Visuals are nothing special they remind me of Xbox 360 graphics. I was very disappointed finding out each level was the exact same. The game is also very easy to play, which meant my six year old daughter could even help me complete one of the levels. Shortly after, she said the game was “boring” and left me all alone to save Jumanji. Even if you’re a fan of the movies, I suggest you skip this game. I will note that the more you play the game the ability to unlock items presents itself. I was able to customize weapon skins and clothing. But is that really enough to keep someone playing? Again, I think not.
Stay away from this jungle adventurer. Hopefully in the future we get a Jumanji game that has some depth, packed with replay ability.