JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R - WRRRYYYYY or Yare Yare?
Flashy combos and stellar fan service – but are all stands on deck for gameplay?
last updated Dec 20, 2023
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R is a captivating foray into Araki's masterpiece, but it's not without its flaws.
Fisticuffs and Fanfare: Game On!
Step aside, mundane fighting games; 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R' sets the stage with a fabulous lineup from Hirohiko Araki's fever dream of a universe. The gameplay is like a sweet symphony performed by a Stand-powered orchestra, with each character moving to their own bewildering rhythm. Combos are accessible – even your pet hamster could pull off a 'muda muda' with finesse. However, don't mistake accessibility for shallowness; mastering different characters and their unique abilities is as challenging as facing Dio on a bad hair day. While the game reeks of fandom fun, lobbies tend to echo with the silence of an empty ghost town – if you don't have your own band of Joestar allies, you're better off practicing your battle cries alone.
An Auditory Trip Down Memory Lane
The audio in 'All-Star Battle R' kicks in with all the gentle subtlety of a ‘Stand Rush.’ The iconic ‘ora ora’ and ‘muda muda’ chants will have Jojo aficionados giddy with nostalgia, while the eclectic tunes range from rock-inspired vigor to melancholic tracks that remind you that, yes, your favorite character probably met a tragic end. Voice-acting is a dazzling highlight, with lines delivered with enough gusto to send chills down your spine, or at least convince you that these characters truly jumped out of your TV screen. That said, the lack of diversity in combat sounds can make extended play sessions feel like you're stuck in Echoes Act 2's soundscape loop. Still, ears will perk at every character's theme, reminiscent of their epic anime entrances.
A Kaleidoscope of Style and Substance
Graphically, 'All-Star Battle R' is like stepping into a time machine set to fabulous – with a stopover in 2014. Character models are sharp and defined, albeit recycled from the original game. They still dazzle in their stylish, exaggerated poses, making each screenshot Instagram-worthy. Performance-wise, you'd want it to run smoother than Kakyoin's cherries, but the game occasionally stutters like Joseph explaining his infidelity. The spectacle overshadows these imperfections, though, as each Stand and special move bursts with the kind of eye-candy expected from a series that never heard the word 'subtlety.' Unfortunately, the scenic stages often fall flat – they feel more like wallpaper rather than the dynamic battlegrounds these stand-offs deserve.
The Good, The Bad, and The Bizarre
Navigating the world of 'All-Star Battle R' brings polarizing extremes fitting for the series. Fans will revel in the barrage of references, Easter eggs, and the sheer pleasure of seeing lesser-known characters brought to life. But, as much as we love a heartfelt fan service letter penned in Araki's ornate calligraphy, the game's dedication to online play comes up short, with netcode problems worse than Iggy's attitude. That, combined with reports of the game occasionally refusing to launch as stubbornly as a turtle with a Stand, can sour the overall experience faster than a Stand arrow to the neck.
STEAM RATING
Developer
CyberConnect2 Co. Ltd.
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release Date
September 01, 2022
The Verdict: The Stardust Crusaders' Paradox
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R is a captivating foray into Araki's masterpiece, but it's not without its flaws. With gameplay that balances between casual beat-em-up and deep brawling bliss, fans will feel right at home executing bombastic moves. Nevertheless, the game often falters in areas crucial to longevity and enjoyment, such as stable online play. It's a stellar showcase that's bound to excite the Joestar in you, but consider your internet friend list before taking this 'Stand' for a spin.
