Jett Rider, a new indie 2D adventure from Last Chicken Games that’s being published by JanduSoft for all systems including the PlayStation 5, introduces players to Jett, who is on a mission to save the planet Gravos and its inhabitants while navigating a blend of arcade-inspired action and humorous storytelling.
The premise of Jett Rider centers around a space explorer, Jett, landing on the planet Gravos to salvage the wreckage of a cargo ship – not knowing about the adventure she’s about to embark on. However, a nefarious robot threat disrupts her plans, leading Jett to an adventure to rescue the planet’s residents. While the narrative attempts to inject humor and pop culture references, some may find the jokes and NPC interactions hit or miss, as they occasionally feel forced – we had some mixed results based on familiarity with the references. Nevertheless, the game redeems itself with a commendable focus on environmental themes, emphasizing recycling space debris to gain in-game currency for equipment upgrades.
Jett Rider’s gameplay mechanics seamlessly blend exploration and arcade-style shooting, offering players a satisfying jetpack-fueled experience with some retro arcade flair. The controls are intuitive, and the jetpack’s stamina-based flight adds a dynamic element to the gameplay. The ability to upgrade the jetpack and weapons using the gems you collect along the way enhances the overall experience, encouraging players to explore the intricacies of the levels and discover hidden secrets with this almost metroidvania-like element.
In the realm of arcade shooting, Jett Rider shines with a nice diverse array of weapons, each one uniquely effective against specific enemy types. Upgrading and switching weapons feeds into a sense of progression, although forced swapping can also be a little frustrating in different situations. The game successfully balances difficulty though, presenting challenges like environmental hazards and engaging boss battles, with well-placed save points mitigating potential frustration.
Visually, Jett Rider embraces a simplistic aesthetic with minimalistic sprite design and some retro vibes and a distinct charm. The planet Gravos features a mix of alien vegetation and mysterious caverns, contributing to a unique atmosphere. The diverse enemy designs also add variety to the overall experience, and the game’s performance on the PlayStation 5 is unsurprisingly stable.
Jett Rider carves its niche with a distinctive blend of exploration and arcade action. While not groundbreaking, the game’s mechanics and focus on core gameplay elevate it above its somewhat generic look and feel. For players seeking an indie arcade adventure with a touch of nostalgia, Jett Rider proves to be a worthwhile experience at a budget price that’s well worth it.
Score: 7.4/10
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