Review of Jett Rider

Keeper of the Universe

Jett Rider
Platform: PC, also on PlayStation 4/5, Switch, and Xbox Series S/X
Developer: Last Chicken Games
Publisher: JanduSoft
Release date: January 25th, 2024
Price: $12.99 via digital download
Availability: Steam

Games frequently propel us into elite social strata. Whether we’re driving up the pavement in expensive sports vehicles or donning the opulent loafers of a Yakuza boss, our recreations frequently let us indulge our delusions of affluence. But with Jett Rider, that isn’t the case. Players assume the role of a diligent space janitor in Barcelona-based Last Chicken Game’s updated title, which was first released as 2020’s Willy Jetman: Astromonkey’s Revenge until the studio had a falling out with their publisher.

Jett’s life hasn’t exactly been easy. Daydreams of space flight propelled years of menial labor. His AI-piloted spacecraft eventually lands on an unfriendly planet called Gravos, where it takes up residence as an intergalactic caretaker. But when he manages to save up enough cash to buy a machine gun from a remote vending machine, things start to get better.

Opponents of Waste Management and Wasting

There are two methods to move forward on Jett Rider. The first is gathering up stray waste pieces and bringing them to recycling stations in exchange for small pay. You can also get paid by eliminating Gravos’ adversaries. These are divided into two categories: more dangerous enemies that vanish after a fight and subordinates that frequently travel in groups and reappear. If you save up enough money, you’ll soon be able to buy upgrades or new weaponry.

It’s true that the game uses a Metroidvania-style map to depict Jett’s adventure. The in-game map is gradually constructed as you progress through new places, and recycling centers and save points are conveniently highlighted. However, you won’t always be cuddling up to the earth like Samus Aran or a member of the Belmont family due to Gravos’ mild gravity. Pressing a button causes Jett to jump, and pulling the right trigger, if desired, causes him to soar into the air while leaving a trail of vapor from his jetpack. It’s true that our hero is unaffected by gasoline availability. When the device is left on the ground for a short while, it automatically recharges. Additionally, the range of his jetpack will increase if you can locate capsules strewn all over the globe.

Gravity Is a Relentless Foe

You’ll need to adjust to gravity, just like in many games where players are pushed downward. It can be difficult at first to align your horizontal moving bullets because it’s nearly impossible to hover still. Complicacy also originates from the extent of harm that enemies are able to cause. Sadly, Jett is frequently sent back to the final save point by a few bullets or even little contact with an opponent. Gravos is a challenging place to survive, but if you stick with it, you can learn how to deal with its deadly components and bosses. The controls of the game are generally very accurate, but some decisions—such as assigning distinct buttons for collecting and releasing recyclables—can be annoying, particularly since inputs cannot be remapped.

Thankfully, Jett has a wide range of defenses at his disposal. You’ll obtain weaponry in addition to your reliable machine gun, such as a flamethrower, mine launcher, and even a shuriken gun. Rider encourages players to use light strategy and to favor particular weapons against particular enemy kinds, but there are moments when this equilibrium is upset. There isn’t much of a reason to use anything else after you have the throwing star-throwing weapon because it is still clearly superior.

Jett Set

Even with a few minor issues, Jett Rider is an interesting journey that typically refuses to be made longer than necessary. The excitement of discovering secret passageways containing supplies or the opportunity to defeat opponents with a big bolder serve as driving forces for progress, much like in the best action-adventure games. Although some may lament the adventure’s linearity, it’s satisfying to accomplish more than just follow waypoints or get lost in a maze-like setting. The drawback of a more independent strategy is that it allows you to grind your way to a higher level of difficulty. Although it is still technically possible, repeatedly working on the same regions can get boring.

The game works smoothly on Steam Deck and has a visual aesthetic that brings back fond memories of those adorable 16-bit European games. However, this is more than just Super Turrican or Doom Troopers pulling back. Even though the action in Jett Rider is depicted through intricate sprites, there are many subtle graphic touches that elevate the action. The title delivers minor graphical thrills, ranging from shooting stars in the background to conflicts where bullets and explosions fill the screen. The game’s nostalgic appeal is reinforced by the resilient chiptune music, which perfectly complements the action.

The review code for Jett Rider was obtained from the publisher and used on a PC.

Review Overview

Gameplay – 75%

Controls – 70%

Aesthetics – 75%

Content – 70%

Accessibility – 65%

Value – 55%

68%

OK

Summary :While Jett Rider is far from flawless, it does show how a jet pack and a few firearms may elevate a Metroidvania.