Government Paranoia, Espionage And Pigeons -- A Jazzpunk Spiview

Written By: Tyler

 

Rating: 9/10
Verdict: Jazzpunk is an inventive adventure game. It's wonderful, hilarious parody from beginning to end and even the game play is more than just "get this, go here," though it certainly does that too. It's short, but there is no fluff, so it's a must-play for anyone who wants something a little different and strange.

Jazzpunk is a pretty hyped release that came out a few days ago. Developed by Necrophone Games, you play as a secret agent who is put in some seemingly normal situations (for a secret agent) such as infiltrating the consolate. However, in Jazzpunk things get weird and comical fast and a typical spy adventure becomes something much, much more.

Unlike some people, it wasn't really the trailer or anything that I saw from game play videos that got me excited for this game. It was the name, it was always the name. Jazzpunk appeals to me as a title because either it's a play on genres such as "cyberpunk" or it's a strange marriage of two completely different musical genres, since punk is known for its aggressive attitude and simplicity whereas jazz is known for being more complex. Or it's neither of these things. Who am I to say?

In every review you'll hear about the humour in the game. I've seen a bunch of reviews that say that the comedy wears off but I disagree strongly. The game doesn't stay around long enough to burn out, so it's funny from beginning to end. There are references and homages galore, with a personal favourite being the life bar from Goldeneye popping up. It doesn't stop there, as I counted many references to the things we know and love. I don't want to get into any real depth and risk ruining some of the jokes like I've seen with other reviews, but trust me, whether it's a reoccurring gag or NPCs who are only around one and then disappear, it's hilarious.

It's supposed to be influenced by movies like Airplane! and Naked Gun which are classics of the parody genre, and you can see it here in the way it handles its references but doesn't rely entirely on them like certain parody movies of today -- I'm looking at you Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. A good parody movie puts spins on other things, but also develops its own story and brand of humour. Jazzpunk succeeds at this... even when it's just mocking stereotypes it has its own identity.

You can beat the game pretty quickly, but it pays to extend the experience by exploring. If you seek out everything that the world has to offer, you'll get some silly side-quests and you'll be involved in some funny conversations. Whether it's swatting flies in a vase shop (great) or hunting pigeons, the game doesn't stop bringing the laughs.

There are some classy gags with this guy.

It's a pretty stylish game too. It's not that the graphics are incredible and Crysis level, but the art-style fits the mood and themes perfectly. It gives the proceedings an otherworldly type feel, though it's ultimately grounded in real life. Whether it's exploring beaches or hotel rooms, the game does look good if you aren't someone who needs AAA style graphics. The music also does a good job of making you feel like you are a spy, but it doesn't overpower anything. It's just there to set the tone, and that really fleshes out what the game is going for.

It's a first-person adventure game, so most of the game play consists of you walking around. You pick up this, take it there, solve slight puzzles (though there definitely isn't an emphasis on that). I don't feel that the game is about the difficulty as much as it is taking you on a marvelous ride through the world of spies and espionage.

They do break from the mold on occasion. There are "shooter" parts though it's simple and there's no way you can lose as far as I know. There are parts where you play sports, and these are refreshing breaks from the typical adventure elements that are found in the rest of the game.

However, the main story is really short and with the recent controversy of Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes being tiny, I can understand some people being turned off by this. The price tag isn't as hefty as the MGS5, but fifteen dollars at normal price (twelve right now) for what amounts to about two hours of game play can be a deterrent. It shouldn't be because length does not dictate quality, but in this economy it's still completely logical to avoid purchases like this.

 I urge you to pick it up, though, because interesting indie games are always a bonus and they need your money. They've crafted a great game that lives up to the hype. I'd rather play a great game for two hours than a mediocre one for ten. Take your time with it, look around, and see all the hilarious things they've sprinkled throughout.